Who's Running in NorCo Next Year?

In the 2017 municipal races, Northampton County elected five Democrats for the six seats up for grabs. Executive Lamont McClure toppled incumbent John Brown. Ron Heckman, Lori Vargo Heffner, Bill McGee and Tara Zrinski were elected. The only Republican to hold onto office, and just barely, was Peg Ferraro.  Though McClure ran an excellent race, much of the reason for this lopsided victory - which existed statewide -  was general disgust with Authoritarian Donald Trump. If anything, he looks even worse now. But there should be little or no Trump effect in the Northampton County races next year except possibly in the DA's race. I'll explain why below.

NorCo Judge: District Attorney John Morganelli is mum on his plans next year. But expect him to announce his candidacy for judge. He'll be running for the open seat created by the unfortunate resignation of Judge Emil Giordano. I am unaware of anyone willing to challenge him. He is widely admired and respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. I doubt Republicans want a candidate because this would force Morganelli to mount a campaign, which would increase Democratic turnout and seal the GOP's doom in other races.

A judicial race is nonpartisan, and I expect to see John nominated by both parties. His race will be over in May,so there will be no Trump effect.

District Attorney: Terry Houck, the top Assistant DA on Morganelli's team, and Chief Public Defender Nuria DiLuzio are both expected to announce their candidacy as Democrats. This should be an interesting primary. Houck is a professional prosecutor who has distinguished himself both her and in Bucks County. Before that, he was a Philly cop. DiLuzio is less experienced, but is a very good lawyer. Some Democrats, especially those in the "Down with the Patriarchy" movement, will vote for her simply because she is a woman.

A third Democrat, an Easton lawyer (I do not yet have his name) who claims to have prosecuted war crimes in the  Hague, is reportedly interested. If he runs, I expect that he and Terry Houck will cancel each other out, and Nuria will be the Dem nominee.

On the Republican side, Senior Judge Leonard Zito is rumored as interested. But he is unable to discuss his intentions unless he resigns as a judge. If he does, he would be hard to beat. Tom Carroll, who chairs the LV Tea Party, intends to run. He could be the Republican nominee if Judge Zito stays put. If that happens, the Trump effect will be in play in that race. While his alt-right views have a small following, a Carroll candidacy will hurt mainstream Republicans seeking other county seats.

County Council: The four council seats up for grabs are district, and not at-large, seats. Council members represent portions of the county, and have ample opportunity to make themselves known in their community. Party affiliation is less important if the person is well known and highly regarded  So the Trump effect should be less significant in this kind of race.

District 1 includes Bethlehem, Hellertown, Freemansburg and Hanover Tp. It was represented by Ken Kraft, but he resigned to become the jail's public safety director. Kevin Lott was appointed to succeed him.I expect Kevin Lott, a Hellertown boy, will seek this seat and win. He's very personable and is a Democrat in a heavily Democratic district.  I am unaware of any Republican interested in this seat.

District 2 is known as the Easton district and is currently represented by Bob Werner, a Democrat. It includes, Easton, Forks, Glendon, Palmer, Stockertown, Tatamy, West Easton and Wilson Borough. Werner, who has served two terms, is stepping down. His wife, Sandy O'Brien, a former teacher, may be running. Former EASD President Frank Pintabone is interested as well. Both have deep Easton roots. I am unaware of any Republicans who are interested.

District 3, known as the Nazareth district, is a bit confusing. It does include Nazareth, but also includes Lower Saucon, Williams, Allen, East Allen, Bethlehem Tp, Northampton, N Catasauqua and Lower Nazareth. It is currently represented by John Cusick, a Republican and former Williams Tp Supervisor who has served in this district before. I expect him to seek re-election. His region is more conservative than District 1 or 2, but a Democrat who is well known in this area could win. I am unaware of any Democrat seeking this position.

District 4, known as the Slate Belt or northern tier, consists of the remaining municipalities in the northern portion of the county, along the Blue Mountain. Matt Dietz is stepping down after one term so he can spend more time with his family. Pilot Korry Franke, a Republican, will be running in this conservative district. I am unaware of any Democrat who is interested. 

Controller: It's unfortunate that Richard "Bucky" Szulborski is only serving as an interim controller. He has received kudos for his impartiality. Republican Hayden Phillips might run for the seat. As a County Council member, he was both diligent and honest. I have yet to hear from any Democrats.

Updated 9 am:  In the DA's race, the Easton attorney in question is Arthur Traldi. His LinkedIn page indicates he is a "Courtroom litigator with extensive experience prosecuting some of the most serious crimes in recent history. Specialties include legal services, domestic and international criminal law, litigation, trial practice and advocacy, transitional justice, rule of law, and human rights. Certified to practice law before the state courts of Pennsylvania, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, and the United States Supreme Court."