If you believe John Morganelli is a good District Attorney, his logical successor is his first deputy, Terry Houck. He earned his law degree at Temple while simultaneously patrolling the streets of Philadelphia as a cop.
His strength is that he is a professional prosecutor. He spent 14 years in the Bucks County DA's office before coming to Northampton. He has tried numerous high-profile cases here. This includes the recent prosecution of Daniel Clary, who was convicted of attempting to kill two state troopers in a shoot-out on Route 33. One of these trooper, Seth Kelly, was shot four times and was in a medically induced coma for four days.
Terry's weakness is that he is a professional prosecutor. He is unfamiliar with the rocky reefs of NorCo politics.
Another top contender is Judge Leonard Zito. Why would a judge be interested in the DA's job? Because Judge Zito will soon have to step down, even as a senior judge. Under recent rule changes announced by the Pa. Supreme Court, counties with nine or more judges are barred from using senior judges.
Judge Zito's strength is that he can easily navigate through the turbulent waters of NorCo politics. He has made lots of friends. His weakness is that he may be perceived as just a tad too political. He has used his connections to become a judge, Chief Public Defender and Council Solicitor. He is no Cincinnatus, aching to give up his sword and return to his farm.
Both of these possible contenders are highly qualified and would be excellent DAs.
It is widely believed that many more attorneys may seek this position.
29 comments:
That is one hell of a tough job. I don't know why anyone would want it.I'm just glad someone does. Hopefully the replacement will be a good fit and have a successful tenure. We all owe John a debt of gratitude.
Zito is too old for the job Time for some new blood.
Asst DA Hohn Obrecht!!
It's hard not to love the idea of a former cop as DA.
How about Jackie Chiles
The Heritage foundation came out with this rubbish just before the audit.
Pentagon fails it's first-ever audit
November 23, 2018 at 11:02 PM
This is sarcasm, correct?
A judge would make a very persuasive electoral case and therefore I nominate Paula Roscioli. She worked directly under Morganelli and with Barratta. Her candidacy would play well in Bethlehem, Easton and parts of the Slate Belt. The historical import of her candidacy--she may well be only the 2nd woman ever elected in PA as DA. Nod to Lynne Abraham. She would invoke the hard line Morganelli tough on crime; she is known as a strict applier of the law; and would likely be the only woman candidate. Morganelli, Boscola, Donchez would likely support her. And John has proven one can be DA as long as one can be Judge so no career uncertainty. Same pay and continuation of same state pension. Besides, it's time--- Run Paula Run....
Roscioli would be the best
I nominate Roseanne Joseph. Go for it Roseanne. You will be a shoo-in. Ms. Joseph has the ability, the backbone, and the personality to carry out the duties of the office. She will have the women's vote and she will pull votes from both parties. Not to mention she is young and quite attractive. With all those assets she will easily win.
"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers"
I think Judge Brett Kavanaugh would make a good DA. Let the sniping begin in 3...2...1...Popcorn is popping. Time to go melt the butter.
Houck! I nominate Houck! That guy is aces. Great job shedding light on this, Mr. O'Hare!
If the good person wins out over politics it will be Houck. NorCo needs a DA, not a politician, not a judge turned DA, not a private attorney turned DA. A DA. A firm, fair, hard working, no-nonsense prosecutor/DA to serve the county. That is whom I'd vote, that's Houck. He's already doing the work on behalf of the Commonwealth. The current long lasting DA brought him in years ago and he's still here working and solid as can be-that says lots. He'll do what is right and won't fold for nobody. That's my kinda DA.
For any that do not know, Houck really is an accomplished, skilled professional in the that Northampton County DA & Prosecutor Office. He's been a committed prosecutor doing the work on behalf of the Commonwealth day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, and even decade after decade. Yes, decades. That will set him apart from the other politicians that come out for this race because their present career is not working out as he or she would like. Boom, so they decide to try and be a DA prosecutor for that short period of time of his or her life. No thanks, I'll take the extremely qualified, long time Commonwealth committed, Houck guy. Oh, he better be on the ballot.
A logical, well deserved candidate/progression to DA should honestly be Houck. Hell, I usually vote Republican and I still like the guy because he's so damn qualified, solid, and has been working for the Commonwealth for many a year in the DA Pros. Office helping warehouse many a bad guy.
In my opinion, we do not need a judge, or private attorney or worse, a less experienced political pawn stooge getting pushed into that important DA office by big bucks friends or family that wanna know the DA person in there for whatever reasons or what have you. I'd much rather see a firm, fair, hardworking prosecutor whom earned the office of DA get in there. One that will have all the crooks, thugs and even white collar suit & tie briefcase slick talkin heist types running to other counties or hauled off to the big house after being prosecuted here. Wouldn't that be nice. Houck would do all that and chase them out plus run a tight ship in that very busy orfice. Listen, We already know he can do the job, because he works there now. Just go sit in the courts and see what goes on. he's a worker. Houck would surely continue handling all the responsibilities required of the DA office, therefore would have my vote if you had any doubt whom I'm in support of. Hope all the political pawns stay home on this one. Houck has been doing the work for the citizens/Commonwealth for many, many, many years. I wish I could vote the guy today.
Don't take my word. Voting is an awesome responsibility, please do the research and be informed. Hands down, should be Houck. Set politics aside, be objective, do the research and arrive at the most logical conclusion possible. Decide the best candidate. Houck is it. You'll have to agree, Houck.
Tell him to run. Houck better run or I'll have a real dilemma on my hands deciding among any of the others.
Good news. Morganelli a first class news mknger and he won't go anywhere. The grand stage is what did him in with the public. The voters have had enough. He would loose if a reputable guy ran.
anon 2:06, nice story. You realize people won't read that much stuff. Nice touches with the republican call outs. Problem is name and money will win that seat. Does he have that? Also a former cop is not necessarily a great deal for that position. DA's famously lean heavily towards police anyway but a former policeman may lean too far. With more and more problems with rogue cops we may need more objective DA's.
Sorry but you do realize that someone like Judge Zito's daughter who uses her maiden name to get elected could do the same here and get more votes.
We all know money talks and anything is possible when it comes to policitcs any given day. Lots of talent out there for sure. Will be interested when we know whose seriously dedicated to running. When do the candidates have to declare by? I'll decide for sure then based on qualifications, track record, experience. TY DA Morganelli as well for the years of service.
8:02, I just believe a career prosecutor is more suited for that role. There are many good ones out there. Too often political job hopper transplants cause more problems than they fix. I see no issue with a former lawman as DA. Now if a former lawman ran for judge I would agree with you. However, any good DA would deal with all criminals which includes rogue cops. I believe in supporting candidates that put in the sweat equity and proven to be able to do the work. If a more qualified candidates surface with more expereience and a better trackrecords I'll most definitely reevaluate for sure. Regardless, I am sure many fluffed up brochures and mailers will surface which will atleast make for some enjoyable readings.
Wack job of a pet pig lover has been shitting all over this blog.
She, Bill Villa, Rolf Oeler and Bob Ryan are deleted as soon as I see them.
I disagree, Martin is one of the primary reasons crime isn't off the charts near here as it is in Phila. He is a career DA that proved himself, does his job, and is a man of his word to constituents. Speaking of Phila., look what happened when voters there believed going with a soft DA was a good idea. Crime is off the charts and justice is a revolving door down there. God, please bless the law abiding citizens, crime victims and their families plus all law enf down there. God is their only hope now because of what occurred politically. Great consequences follow the slection of a soft candidate with little or no prosecutorial experience. I want an experienced prosecutor like a Martin, someone that has been tested and proven. Doberman over a pussycat any day of the week when it comes to stuff like this. Only way to maintain a safer or even get back to old nice Lehigh Valley we had years ago. How nice was it when you could leave the windows down and not lock the Caddy in the summer.
Jim Martin is an excellent prosecutor who takes a proactive approach to crime. John likes to trycases while Jim is all about task forces and things like the regional crime center. They are both exceptional. We are fortunate.
The property seizure "newsletter" Morganelli sends out is repulsive.
Especially if you’re a criminal.
Yes, Mr. O'Hare I totally agree with you. DA Morganelli too has fulfiled his obligations to constituents. He has an experienced team in place that works hard daily for the people. Nonbeleieveres get a cup a coffee and just go see the criminals justice system in action if you dont believe me. All the judges work there too. That Beretta is something. All business, no nonsense and if the evidence is there you can bet your bottom dollar your getting hauled outta there. It is somehting.
DA Morgnelli has done more than his fair share of service in his position for the people and deserves to proudly move onto something else; I thank him. He's worked hard earning and holding one job longer than about six of my buddies put together. That's impressive stuff.
Martin and Morganelli also aren't seizing any property that wasn't illegally obtained by the criminal seizeeee in the first place. Hopefully the next DA prosecutor selected will be one to also work as hard and continue the seizure efforts of illegally obtained goods, in addition to even increasing all the other responsibilities/prosecutor office efforts. That's how to send the message to the criminal element six ways to Sunday. You will only get that if you choose the candidate that has the ability to prove to the voter people that he or she can and will deliver. That's the lucky gem I want in. Prove to all of us that the DA machine will keep on a moving, earn the votes, boom-you got the job.
As said, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. That's what we need to look for in the candidates when they send us mail and appear on the tube. Give me a candidate that has proof they can do this, keep the machine moving, and remain tough on crime. That will be my kinda DA. Heck, I'll even drive my six buddies that had lots of jobs to the polls to cast theirs votes too.
This Houck guy ahs a novelist pushing him.lol
The lengthy comment, I was just passing idle time before Lawrence Welk came on. I do believe when you see public servants or elected officals taking his or her job seriously, listening to the people and working hard they should be supported and praised. There are many out there that do too. I got a whole list that I do believe do it but won't continue to bore with my political beliefs. Put the name of him in your Google machine and decide for yourself.
I’d prefer someone with a soul and sees black men as humans not creatures. But ok. Just our lives that depend on it.
Looks like Terry Houck ran twice for DA in Bucks County and lost, then worked in Lehigh County, then left there and worked in Northampton County's DA office. He has lived in Northampton County only a few months, so I guess that means he has never been able to vote in the county for which he wants to serve as District Attorney.
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