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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, July 20, 2018

GPA: McClure and Heffner In, Law Firm Out

Last night, Executive Lamont McClure edged a bit closer to reining in the county's General Purpose Authority (GPA), which he has blasted as a "rogue" agency. He's already been able to appoint two members of the seven-person board. County Council confirmed another two appointments during their meeting. This gives him effective control over four of he GPA's seven votes.

Lori Vargo Heffner was voted in unanimously as Peg Farraro's replacement after her resignation a few weeks ago. Under the GPA by-laws, at least one board member must be also be a County Council member

McClure appointed himself to replace J.Michael Dowd, who also resigned from the GPA a few weeks ago. Only John Cusick opposed McClure's appointment. His argument was that the GPA needed to be independent from the County. I understand that argument, but if that is so, why do the by-laws insist that at least one member be from County Council?

A few weeks ago, in a strongly worded resolution, Northampton County Council requested Norris, McLaughlin and Marcus, the law firm representing the GPA, to resign. That wish has been granted,effective 5 pm today.

McClure has refused to pay any of that law firm's invoices since becoming Executive in January.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was fast. Wasn't it just a short time ago people were complaining. Didn't know government could move so fast. What the Hell happened.

Anonymous said...

What Happened somebody finally got off their ass and did something about the bullshit.

Anonymous said...

Now what’s Shawn Langen going to do without his mentor Lushis running the GPA? What’s Langen’s status now?

Anonymous said...

OUTSTANDING news. Talk about draining the swamp. It's like the dam burst. Way to go McClure!

Anonymous said...

Waiting to see who the new GPA solicitor is. Meanwhile another campaign contributor scored a county contract yesterday.

Anonymous said...

N M&M is a criminal enterprise poising as a law firm.

Anonymous said...

After the Pawlowski trial this bunch should have packed up and left the state.

Anonymous said...

Starting to look like Allentown here in Norco Land. General McClure will run everything at any cost. Watch out all !

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Waiting to see who the new GPA solicitor is. Meanwhile another campaign contributor scored a county contract yesterday."

At last night's meeting, NorCo Council agreed to hire two firms for outside legal work at a cost not to exceed $250k. One of these firms, King Spry, donated $1,000 to McClure's campaign. The other firm gave nothing to McClure, but the lawyer involved donated $1,000 to Brown.

These two firms were selected as a result of a competitive bidding process accessed by 17 firms. Nine of them made proposals.

If McClure were only hiring donors, he would never have picked someone who contributed to Brown. Ypur point is self-defeating

Anonymous said...

Word is McClure runs county council.

Bernie O'Hare said...

People who startbcomments like you doare almost always political hacks. The fact is that McClure vetoed one of the first ordinances adopted. If he were running council, that ordinance would never have been adopted.

Anonymous said...

Rubber stamp council for McClure. Now that you love the guy you will hate any council person that disagrees with him.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I’ve already pointed out that McClure vetoed one of the first things they did. If he runs council, why would he need to veto them? He is lucky that there are six Ds, but Brown had 7 Rs at one point. You don’t really know what you are talking about, but I would agree this Council respects McClure bc he speaks English, not corporate babble, and this council share his goal of helping the most vulnerable.

sezary said...

Yea!

Anonymous said...

Wait till someone on this council disagrees with him and you tear them to shreds. Is there even one democrat that is not in the bag for McClure and can think on their own. Well know he owns Kraft and Hefner.

Bernie O'Hare said...

On Tuesday, I will be agreeing with two members of Council who voted against a grant request, not tearing them apart. You sound like a very bitter person unhappy at the success McClure has had.

Anonymous said...

All the democrats are owned by McClure. In their next election they will go the way of the Brown rubber stamp council.