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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, January 19, 2018

Wanted: One Northampton County Controller

Hayden Phillips
After being confirmed as Director of Fiscal Affairs last night, NorCo Council Prez Ken Kraft began talking about Barron's replacement as Controller. But he had one problem, and John Cusick pointed it out.

"Have we received a letter from Mr. Barron?"

Barron had written out a resignation letter, but was so worried about being rejected as Director of Fiscal Affairs that he held onto it, and then forgot to hand it in once he was confirmed.

As people began laughing, Barron walked up and handed in his letter.

"Would you like to read it? I know a lot of people who would like to hear it," asked Kraft.

"No."

They read it anyway. Though Kraft was worried it might go on for several hours,it was mercifully brief. Then they voted to accept Barron's resignation.

Council has 30 days to appoint Barron's replacement for his remaining two years in office.

Kraft said that he's placed an ad in the newspapers, and Council will accept applications for the position through January 29. After that, the Personnel Committee will review the applications in an open meeting  Council will decide on Barron's replacement on February 15. 

Speaking for himself, Kraft stated that he'd like the next Controller to be someone who will agree to serve only for the next two years, not someone seeking the appointment to give him a "special leg up" in the next election.

"I'd like to have the people in the county vote for who they'd like to be the next Controller," he said.

Former Council member Hayden Phillips is interested in the job. While it's unlikely that a 6-3 Democratic Board would give the position to a conservative republican, he'd be an excellent Controller. Easton City Council member Peter Melan was reportedly interested, but it's unclear whether that is still the case.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ron Angle for County Controller. He'll keep watch over our tax dollars!

Anonymous said...

This is no joke. Ron would be the man I would want at this time. Ron Angle for Controller. The new beginning for Northampton County. Go for it Ron.

Anonymous said...

There is no room in the stable for Hayden. Sorry. A dem will get the job so no R's need apply. Do you think the R's would have appointed a Dem to the job. Nosireeeee.

Anonymous said...

To say that the appointee will be someone who won't run in 2 years, and then claim that "I 'd like to have the people in the County vote for who(m) they'd like to be the next Controller" in the same breath doesn't reflect the democratic process very well.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Yes it does. Under the HRC, the position cannot be voted for by the people for another two years. When they do, Kraft would prefer that the candidate be people who are on an even playing field, not someone who already has an insider's advantage. But that is just his preference. A person who intends to run for the job can still apply.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Ken, my reading of the Charter would permit a PT job that does not interfere with a regular work week. Like a referee or ump. I was going to apply, but as you know, my activities as a male model are in the middle of the work week. I don't want some bastard photographing me in a hotel room. So I'm out. I could think of several good people who might be interested in doing this job, but have not spoken to them yet.

Anonymous said...

Your male modeling is what it is. However, if you should wear your "TUTU" to the interview, it would give you an advantage. That would influence Council unfairly. You could also demonstrate your twirling skills with the Hula Hoop. That gyrating demonstration would be worth the price of admission at any side show.
Good luck
Hokie Joe

Bernie O'Hare said...

Thanks, Hokie. Unfortunately, my tutu must have shrunk in the laundry. Every time I wash it, it gets smaller and smaller. But let's be honest. I'm too sexy for county government. I would be sexually harassed morning and night.