Does Northampton County's Home Rule Charter Need an Enema?

Northampton County operates under a home rule charter, which went into effect in 1978. Instead of being governed by three Commissioners like most counties, the voters opted for one full-time County Exec and nine part-time County Council members. Over its 43-year history, the Charter has been amended 18 times. In addition, it  has been the subject of several lawsuits between the different branches of government. It's still confusing, too. Some think it's time to return to the Commissioner form of government, which guarantees a minority voice. . Others, myself included, like the charter but think it needs a major overhaul. Council was poised to let you weigh in on a home rule charter study commission in 2017, but their measure was vetoed by former Executive John Brown, who proved in one term of office that he was no champion of good government. 

My first question to prospective Council members probably sounds like inside baseball. But the form of county government is about as basic as it gets.  

Northampton County is a home rule charter government. There are some who’d like to return to a commissioner for of government, while there are others who think the charter needs a major overhaul. Would you vote to authorize a referendum asking voters to approve and elect a home rule charter study commission?

Ron Heckman. - Yes. It has been almost fifty years since the Home Rule Charter was written. There are sections of the Charter that are less than precise and, in fact, have conflicted with state law. I support the Home Rule Charter form of government and feel an open and honest review of the charter can only be beneficial for the county government.

Tara Zrinski. - I have not had anyone directly come to me and request a home rule study. I do remember Councilwoman Peg Ferraro putting that on her departure wish list at a Council meeting. If this would be an issue that gained more traction, certainly, in a representative democracy, I would represent the will and best interests of the people.

Lori Vargo-Heffner. -   I would support a Home Rule Charter study. I don't believe we need to change the form of government, but much has changed in the years since its adoption. It's time to review and revise where necessary to keep current and provide the best methods and practices for governing. Communication methods have changed and are not reflected in current charter. If citizens see fit to alter the structure overall or only make smaller amendments, it is certainly the time to do so.

Bill McGee. -    During the last four years on council I have heard many times that the home rule charter may need to be updated. In 1978 the voters decided to create the home rule charter. In 2004 council tried to  do a study and it failed, and again in 2016, that also never made it to the voters. In our current form of  government when issues arise concerning the charter it can be amended  by voter referendum. I understand that a study may cost more than 500,000. At this time I would need more discussion, and convincing to vote for a study. During my time on council I haven’t encountered any situation that we were not able to work through with our current form of government.

Patti Bruno. - I am not opposed.

John Brown. - No response.

John Goffredo. - No response.

Nicole Romanishin. - No response.

Kristin Lorah Soldridge. - No response.

Annamarie Robertone. - No response.