NorCo's New #MeToo Government

Lori Vargo Heffner

Northampton County's new Council met for the first time yesterday. Since they were conducting confirmation hearings for Executive Lamont McClure's new cabinet, it was an excellent opportunity to observe McClure's new government in action. I'd call it a #MeToo government. Though the #MeToo movement initially arose as a reaction to rampant sexual harassment of women, it has morphed into a rallying cry that has empowered women. They've been empowered in Northampton County. Three of Council's nine members are now women. If McClure's cabinet is confirmed tomorrow, which seems highly likely, it will include five women. This includes some firsts. Melissa Rudas will be NorCo's first ever female Solicitor. Nuria DiLuzio will be the County's first ever female Public Defender.

Based on yesterday's hearings, it seems likely that all of McClure's choices will be confirmed unanimously. I've told you about McClure's nominees in a previous story.He named them within two days of being sworn into office,and had each of them appear at a news conference.

At yesterday's hearing, he introduced each nominee.

The most important of these is his Director of Administration, Charles Dertinger. The Administrator is usually designated as Acting County Executive when the Executive is absent. McClure said that since Dertinger know him so well, he'd have "the best sense of what I'd do." For his part, Dertinger said one of his goals is to ensure an excellent relationship between the Executive and Council.

Tina Smith, McClure's pick for Community and Economic Development, was lauded as a person with a proven track record of community and small business development.

Steve Barron, whose days as Controller appear to be over, will take over the helm at Fiscal Affairs. John Cusick and Matt Dietz, two of Council's three Republicans, said they'd support him. Cusick hopes that Barron can produce a revised Administrative Code and Airbnb legislation.Barron worked on both of these matters as Controller.

In response to a concern raised by Bob Werner, McClure said he would ban Barron from ever wearing a kilt.

McClure was especially proud of Attorney Elizabeth "Liz" Kelly, his pick for Human Relations. As recently as today, she was doing Human Resources at Allentown's beleaguered school district. MCClure said the County's former Human relations Director, Amy Trapp, had a "general disregard for the rules and regulations that benefit employees." He called Kelly the "right person at the right time to help create a stable work environment."

Bill McGee gave Kelly some good advice."Take care of the workers and they'll take care of you."

When he introduced his Human Services Director, Sue Wandalowski, McClure called her position the "most important one" in the county. This sentiment indicates the emphasis McClure wants to give to human services.

John Cusick asked Mike Emili, Mcclure's pick for Public Works, what areas in the county need attention. He wasted no time identifying bridges, Gracedale and the jail. "Good answer!" said Cusick.

No one messed with Missy Rudas, McClure's pick for Solicitor. While Missy is beautiful, she has a game face in which her eyes shoot poison arrows. I think she knows judo or something. McClure described her as someone who is "not laying down in a fight."

No one was willing to test that theory.

His final pick, Chief Public Defender Nuria DiLuzio, proved her worth as an advocate in responding to questions about a possibleconflict involving her husband, who happens to be Bethlehem's Chief of Police. Since they are both administrators whowouldnever cross swords, there is no conflict.

Peg Ferraro was absent because she is still battling a severe case of bronchitis. But she almost always defers to the Executive on cabinet appointments. If this holds true tonight, all the nominees will be confirmed unanimously.