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Monday, July 30, 2018

McClure Resigns From GPA, Appoints Dertinger as Replacement

Charles Dertinger
On July 19, Northampton County Council voted to confirm Executive Lamont McClure and Council member Lori Vargo Heffner to the county's embattled General Purpose Authority (GPA). Eight days later, on July 27, he has suddenly resigned. He has appointed Administrator Charles Dertinger to replace him.

McClure has already won the battle to control the GPA, which he has blasted as a "rogue" authority. Earlier this year, he was able to appoint two allies to the seven-member board. Then, right before County Council was poised to act, GPA Board members Peg Ferraro and J Michael Dowd also resigned. These resignations are what enabled McClure to appoint himself and Council member Lori Vargo Heffner to the GPA, giving him effective control.

On June 21, County Council adopted a strongly worded resolution calling for the resignations of both GPA Chair Shawn Langen and Norris, McLaughlin and Marcus (NMM), GPA's Solicitor.

NMM has since resigned. GPA Chair Shawn Langen refuses to step aside, but has instead challenged Executive McClure's right to participate on the GPA board, based on a 1941 Pa. Supreme Court decision.

Historically, the County Executive has chaired the GPA. In fact, GPA by-laws require at least one County Council member to serve on the Board.

Executive McClure explained that he'd rather resign than give Langen an opportunity to file a lawsuit and waste taxpayer resources.

Langen has also suggested that the GPA, and not County Council, should fill vacancies on its own Board. But Steve Hann, regional solicitor to the Pa. Municipal Authorities Association, has already told him that the prevailing view is that County Council, and not the GPA, makes these appointments.
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8 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 30, 2018 at 3:18 AM

    This Langen fellow really thinks he is hot shit doesn't he. What the Hell is his deal. Who researched that old Supreme cCurt case for him?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bernie O'HareJuly 30, 2018 at 7:52 AM

    No doubt in my mind that Lushis is still helping hom.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJuly 30, 2018 at 11:24 AM

    He won't let this go. He will fight until he is defeated. He will become more angry and contentious. Follow the money. Past contracts. Contracts in play.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 30, 2018 at 1:28 PM

    Members of the GPA need to vote him out as chair.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJuly 30, 2018 at 7:54 PM

    When is the next meeting?

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJuly 30, 2018 at 9:26 PM

    Word is that at the silly county committee meeting, Mr. Langen basically bithslapped the committee. They were speechless and confused. Do any have his experience? I doubt it. People should follow the law.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bernie O'HareJuly 30, 2018 at 11:16 PM

    I reported extensively on Langen's arrogance, which is largely why Council asked him to resign. Hope he was't too late to his dinner party. heard he was serving roast pig.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bernie O'HareJuly 30, 2018 at 11:20 PM

    "When is the next meeting?"

    August 7.

    ReplyDelete

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