On November 11, Northampton County's Executive branch submitted a resolution for consideration by County Council. It was hand-delivered by Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron and sought approval, at least in concept, of an employee-only health center. Council Clerk Linda Zembo advised Barron that the resolution would not be considered at a finance committee or full Council meeting that week because the agenda was already full. It never made it to the agenda at all in November, in December or as of the date of this blog post. This decision was made behind closed doors by former Council President Lori Vargo-Heffner. On Tuesday, Executive Lamont McClure told Council this refusal to consider proposals from the Executive branch violate the Home Rule Charter.
Under the Home Rule Charter, the only power a Council President has is "to preside at all meetings of the County Council at which he [she] is present." Sec. 206(b). She has no authority to decide, on her own, what matters get placed on the agenda. County Council could adopt rules spelling this out, but has never bothered.
A County Executive has the power "to recommend such measures for legislative action as may be in the best interest of the County." Sec. 302(3). Thus he has the right to propose ordinances or submit resolution, which County Council may consider or reject in a public meeting as opposed to a decision behind closed doors made by the Clerk or an individual Council member.
I was astonished at the ignorance displayed by most Council members at Tuesday's reorganization. Many of them, even the Clerk herself,. thought Council could elect a President with four votes Nearly all actions, with the exceptions of procedural motions, require the assent of five of the nine members of County Council. Sec. 601(a).
I believe that all Council members should kick off every new year by reading the Home Rule Charter. I do not say this to be insulting. I do it every year myself, and every year, I learn something new. Doing this would make them better servants of the people because they would better understand their roles.
11 comments:
Being able to read is not a requirement to being on County Council or Commission or whatever they self-identify as.
Your condescending post to county council smacks of more of your handmaiden duties for McClure. Apparently, this guy is constantly telling council what they must do under the law. Of course, it is always in his favor. Typical lawyer stuff. Members should just let him take them to court as he is always threatening lawsuits. Also, they have their own lawyer whom I am sure they will listen to above you or McClure. The sad fate of the county with its lawyer executive that doesn't know how to work with others unless he is giving them a check with his picture. Maybe you could take it to court for him like you did with your other pal. People have said he may be the last county executive as he has shown people all the weaknesses in the county government. From three-man rule to one man rule.
This is government. We don't get our best and brightest. We get loafers and underachievers with average to below average intelligence. Don't expect better. As we abandon history and civics curricula in our schools, it will only get worse. Proof: Kerry Myers is council president.
Unfortunately Bernie, this is not specific to County government. Our Federal and State legislators act the same way. Legislators at all levels should be required to attend training as to their responsibilities and limits on what they can actually do according to Charter, law or Constitution. They rule by whatever the mob (majority) wants and think there is no limit. Any other job needs a minimum education, or experience unfortunately, most politicians have neither to fulfill their jobs.
That's what you get when you pay a County Council Clerk a RIDICULOUS salary! And the IDIOTS that gave it to her RUN (HA HA) Council. They blew it by making remarks about at a Council meeting about the clerks age and salary or they could have gotten rid of her. Then the DEPUTY clerk is a lawyer lackey so she knew someone to get in and proved incompetent. Northampton County needs a house cleaning. Just as bad as Allentown when he went to jail.
"Your condescending post to county council smacks of more of your handmaiden duties for McClure."
I can certainly see how they would think I am condescending, but it's actually quite the reverse. I make it a point, every year, the read the Home Rule Charter. It is the basis on which the county governs, and since the county is my primary focus, I think it is important. Every time I do this, I pick up on new things. I believe Council members should do this every year themselves. They obviously do not do this because they think they are too important. How could it be that Ron Heckman, who has been on Council many times, does not know you need five votes to get something done? He's the one who always talks about the "rule of five." And then you have a Clerk who actually tells them they elected a President with just four votes! The ignorance here is breathtaking! And why on earth did Heffner continue to preside after she was no longer the presiding officer? These are small things, but they are making big mistakes as well. I don't care what you think of the Exec, but he has the right to propose and they have a duty to consider, and at a public meeting. They could refuse his proposals, but they must be out there, and for the world to see. Under Council's ridiculous interpretation of a Charter theY never read, they can refuse to consider important and time-sensitive contracts at the jail, Gracedale and 911. Not only would county government grind to a halt, but people would die under this incorrect. interpretation.
The Clerk was clueless as a secretary in Domestic Relations. She must have naked pictures of someone.
I read the Home Rule Charter every year and even have one at home to review at times
If your elected to do a job, do it. or resign and let someone else do the job.
" ... he has the right to propose and they have a duty to consider, and at a public meeting. They could refuse his proposals, but they must be out there, and for the world to see. Under Council's ridiculous interpretation of a Charter theY never read, they can refuse to consider important and time-sensitive contracts at the jail, Gracedale and 911. Not only would county government grind to a halt, but people would die under this incorrect. interpretation."
Same energy as county government (i.e. non-responsive, arbitrary, non-transparent) during the height of CoViD. Now Lamont has a flavor for what NorCo citizens endured under him and council for those long, dark months.
Easy to understand. Anyone who disagreed with Stoffa was wrong, anyone who disagreed with Brown was right, anyone who disagrees with McClure is wrong. The O'Hare principle. Also hasn't another one of your new best friends been on council forever, John Cusick?? No need to mention he was there. You are more transparent than invisible tape.
McClueless, his Administration, and HR should read the Policies too! HR study EVERY TWO YEARS and EVALUATIONS EVERY YEAR! That hasn't been followed in YEARS!
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