Last night, Northampton County Council's Governance Committee met for another lengthy discussion to review, yet again, the following: (1) Lamont McClure's proposed gift ban ordinance; (2) term limits for all elected officials (except the DA); and (3) a governmental study commission for an elected sheriff. It was pretty clear that most of them learned nothing from mistakes made two weeks ago. Council member Ron Heckman is still distractingly verbose. Rarely have I seen a man use so many words to say so little. Solicitor Chris Spadoni still interjected himself in policy discussions, weighing in with his two cents on whether a DA should be term-limited. And Council member Lori Vargo-Heffner should change her first name to Pandora. It is thanks to her that County Council last night nearly went off the rails and onto a path that could easily result in a return to a three Commissioner form of government in which all row offices are elected. The person who saved us all is The Quiet Man.
Gift Ban. - Before I get into Pandora's mischief, let's talk about that gift ban ordinance. Last night, Heckman suddenly claimed he really has no problem with it. He was unaware that the current Administrative Code negates the Home Rule Charter even though he sat through a Council meeting in which Executive Lamont McClure explained that's precisely why it is needed. But the more the talked, and it's hard to stop him once he gets going, it became abundantly clear that he still dislikes it. He continued to complain that he's unaware of anyone who ever acted inappropriately and was never himself offered gifts. He did promise to stop giving legal advice, so there's that.
Get this. Once again, the gift ban ordinance has not been placed on the agenda for tonight's meeting. This is the third or fourth time that County Council has dragged its feet on this legislation.
Term Limits for Everyone (Except the DA). - As for the term limit revisions to the Home Rule Charter, Pandora Vargo-Heffner admitted she drafted them. She wants term limits on everyone to be consistent. But as several Council members pointed out, the three ordinances are actually inconsistent. For one thing, the DA is not included. For another, the county exec can only serve two terms under her proposal and then is banned for life. Moreover, if he's appointed mid-term, he can only ever serve one term. She agreed to offer amendments tonight, and will introduce an ordinance to term limit the DA in July, notwithstanding wannabe Council member Chris Spadoni's opposition. It's still unclear to me whether five Council members support the idea. Heckman stated several times that he thought term limits are fine for state and local officials, but questions the need for local officials. His sentiments were echoed by Council member Kevin Lott. Council members John Goffredo and John Cusick support the idea. I agree with Heckman and Lott, but have no problem with letting voters decide.
Pandora's Box - a Governmental Study Comm'n. - This is where Pandora got dangerous. She kept circling back to the idea of a governmental study commission even though Cusick warned her to be careful what she wishes for. For all her complaints about being rushed, she tends to do things without considering consequences, as she did with an RFP for a pay study that excluded union workers. Fortunately, the Quiet Man, Tom Giovanni, closed the box.
"Right now, and where we are in the country itself, everybody's upset at government. So you open it up to the voters, I think we're gonna' have a lot of issues ... because right now people are not happy with the government. Local, federal, state, it doesn't matter."
He's right. The Home Rule Charter does need a serious overhaul, but the political climate and divisiveness right now could throw us back 60 years.
His brief comments were all that was needed to kill this idea. It pays to say little because when you do, people listen.
20 comments:
Poor O'Hare, his boy McClure's ambition to be executive for life may be thwarted by brilliant coalition building from Lori Hefner. O'Hare pretends to want the people to decide but he really hates the idea of his buddies having to leave office after two terms. O'Hare don't you trust the people you were never elected to represent. Good for her, she is right and you as usual are wrong and driven by hate.
The so-called quiet guy seems afraid of voters. Good. Throw is scaredy cat ass out. I love when scummy politicians slip up and give us a glimpse of what they really think of voters. Voters should tell this ass what they think of him - LOUDLY.
And would someone please bribe sleazy Hellman while it's still legal? Then and only then will he agree to a gift ban. He wants some candy first. We get it. Envy drives almost every human action.
Laura Vargo-Heffner is trying to use the County Charter to derail McClure. She can’t pinpoint one reason for any of her stupid suggestions.
I disagree with you BO. I think Ron Heckman proved to be the adult in the room last night.
Lori and Brownstain’s little alliance is falling apart.
Sometimes listening to all the facts first before making stupid opinions is a good idea ,maybe the rest of the council council should do it to they all seem so clueless most of the time. Lori is the worst out of all of her.
Lori Vargo Heffner is the President of The Democrat Women of PA. The know she didn’t support Tara in the election and there getting ready to kick Lori out.
"The so-called quiet guy seems afraid of voters. Good."
That's inaccurate. He's the only candidate with no opponent. He just recognizes that now is a bad time for the government to be asking questions of voters. People are angry and are likely to return us to three Commissioners and an elected recorder if given half a chance. I'd prefer to wait until people are a little less angry. A government study is a serious thing, and I don't want an uninformed Steve Lynch to come in with his conspiracy theories.
I don't oppose a referendum on term limits, but I'd even hold off on that for now.
Pandora Vargo Heffner still seems amazingly unaware that the county is self-insured and pays for the skyrocketing medical expenses of employees out of its own pocket. She is actually becoming dangerous and was teetering along the same road as John Brown, who wants to return to increase employee contributions and bigger co-pays. The health center is an attempt to dodge that bullet.
"Lori Vargo Heffner is the President of The Democrat Women of PA. The know she didn’t support Tara in the election and there getting ready to kick Lori out."
The same Tara who skipped the meetings last night? I'd bounce her too.
Ron Heckman was a masterful statesman last night. Watch how he is subtly maneuvering the administration into opening up the health center to retirees. Genius !
"I disagree with you BO. I think Ron Heckman proved to be the adult in the room last night." He is thin-skinned, distractingly verbose and constantly bloviates. These are not adult qualities.
I think Heckman realizes that Lori Vargo-Heffner has been leading Council down a dark and dangerous path. Ron is an elder statesman with nothing to lose but his reputation. It looks like he’s going to let the Republicans have Lori.
It’s the Federation of Pennsylvania Democratic Women, and they are well aware that Lori has formed a governing alliance with County Council Republicans, and they understand. They know Lori must work with the Republicans to put a check on McClure, even though, he’s a D.
Matt Muncy has authorized Lori to work with County Council Republicans. Muncy does not think Lamont is woke enough, and Matt sees Lori’s efforts are legitimate.
If Munsey is controlling Pandora or any other Dems, we are certainly screwed. That doesn’t smell like democracy to me.
I decline to host comments suggesting that anyone be attacked "a la Maxine Waters." Grow up.
Sounds like Lori herself commenting. Doubt anyone else would describe this as “brilliant coalition building”
Was wondering when that would happen. I don’t feel I can attend meetings any longer with her as President. Will be glad when there is someone who takes her place.
Muncy? are you kidding me? He barely makes it to his own meetings. It mirrors how your boy Lamont used to not show up at meetings a few years back. Funny that they both hold power positions without the full respect of their peers.
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