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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, August 24, 2018

McClure Taps Ken Brown to Head Court Services

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure has confirmed that he has decided to fill his sole remaining cabinet vacancy, and has nominated Easton City Council member Ken Brown as Director of Court Services. Brown's nomination will be reviewed by County Council, which must conform by majority vote.

Brown, who has served on Easton City Council since 2004, is also the Executive Director at Shiloh Manor in Easton. He is also an Easton Area High graduate (1956, I think) and is reputed to be  referee of sorts, though many people disagree.

McClure tried to leave this office vacant, and was assigning the duties to Administrator Charles Dertinger. But in order to maintain effective communication with the courts and facilitate many of the new services, such as e-filing, McClure decided he needs to fill this position.

Brown will supervise the Criminal Division, Civil Division, Orphans Court, Register of Wills and Archives. In addition, he will be tasked with enhancing the county's collection of outstanding fines, costs and restitution.

He will also bring both an Easton perspective to the county, as well that of an African American.

(Blogger's Note: I neglected to ask the proposed salary, and will update this post with that information.)

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

A good man.

Anonymous said...

Can you explain what the Easton and African American perspective to this position is?

Bernie O'Hare said...

There is a perception among some that Easton is the ugly stepsister when it comes to county projects. It hosts the jail and courthouse, and often furnishes services with no compensation, like when there is a bomb scare. Yet Easton has a real poverty problem, especially in the west ward. The county has partnered with Easton to apply for affordable housing grants, and having someone like Brown would help the county understand Easton's specific issues as they relate to the county. Also, as an African American, he brings the perspective of many who have often been ignored. Ask the Easton NAACP. Ask the Bethlehem NAACP. The row offices are on the front line with the public, and many of them are African American or Hispanic. The last time the county had an African American cabinet member was Drew Lewis under Glenn Reibman. Though he's been appointed because he is qualified, diversity in the workforce is a good thing. Frankly, I don't know why you even ask these questions.

Anonymous said...

He graduated from high school in 1956? That would make him 80 yrs old.

Bernie O'Hare said...

At least. That's a joke. Fake news, I guess. He actually graduated in 1976. I was giving him a shot.

Anonymous said...

Wow! I guess Ken Kraft got hosed. The guy is loyal to McClure and he gets tossed aside for politics.

Anonymous said...

Feel bad for Kraft!

Anonymous said...

He is only a high school graduate. No college degree. Are you going to report thst like you pointed it out so many times before with the last administration?

Anonymous said...

Just cant get through a post about a black guy without mentioning he's a black guy. Always checking boxes. Some just can't stick with the content of one's character. Old racists die hard, especially progressive ones.

Anonymous said...

@6:39
Damned if you do. Damned if you don't. Eh?

Anonymous said...

1:09 Diversity can also be reverse discrimination.

Anonymous said...

Only a HS degree? Preposterous!! Cathy Allen was critisized for being underqualified for her position (which she was) and this guy gets a pass why? Because he is black? Zero experience with law enforcement or courts, zero administrative experience to fill a hall-walking political plum job that is unnecessary?

Bernie O'Hare said...

If he were being appointed Administrator and if he had no gov’t experience I would be concerned. But Court Services is not the #2 position in the county. Or #3 or #4. Cathy Allen had no college and no experience and as it happens, this did cost the county $ bc she made mistakes.

Bernie O'Hare said...

The racists hate that I mentioned that Brown adds diversity. Too bad

Bernie O'Hare said...

I have deleted it to comments that just can’t seem to let go of the fact that Browne is black

X said...

Bernie, is he related to the past Browne county exc administration head?

Bernie O'Hare said...

No.

😁 said...

Great guy. Nice addition to the county. I've asked him numerous times about running for MDJ as I'm convinced he could unseat Copora....even without cross filing. Funny thing is when I tell folks this, their response is usually "do you really think he could pass the test". Since Steve Curtos passing, I consider him the best dressed man in SouthSide. Lol

Bernie O'Hare said...

Ryan Hall, You are one of the entrenched party types who challenged Sultana's petition to run for city council, and lost. I have no idea why anyone would want to challenge a level-headed magistrate like Corpora.

THE Observer said...

Kenny is a good guy and I am here to tell you a pretty good basketball referee. I have been on the court as his partner could not ask for a better person!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Ken was always fair to my grandson and did a good job of keeping miserable fans like me in line. But I wish he didn’t taze me so often.