Northampton County Council spent 5 1/2 hours yesterday interviewing 21 candidates for a Council vacancy caused by the January 2 resignation of Tara Zrinski. She was elected Controller, and is unable to hold both elected offices simultaneously.
According to the Home Rule Charter, Council has until the end of January to make an appointment. If they fail, either any member of Council or any group of five registered voters can petition the court to make the selection. The Court must make an appointment within 15 days after the petition is filed.
Originally, there were 25 applicants. I told you about them yesterday. Since Friday, candidates Tricia Mezzacappa and Scott Hough dropped out. Mezzacappa, who still is a candidate for Executive, withdrew from consideration because she wanted her resume kept confidential. Hough pulled out because he has been appointed to a second term on the elections commission, and feels his energy is best directed at ensuring a successful Presidential election. Artist Jerry Kott was absent when his name was called. Annamarie Robertone called in prior to the meeting to state she was unavailable. It is unclear whether Kott and Robertone are still interested.
Every person will have different views on who presented well. I'll give you my subjective take.
Without question, Paul Anthony was the best presenter. He is personable, quick on his feet and is very knowledgeable about county issues. His problem is that he is close to Executive Lamont McClure in a Council that just elected three McClure supporters. Appointing him would make it impossible for Council to override a McClure veto. No Republican will vote for him. Council members Lori Vargo Heffner and Ron Heckman are both Democrats, but have publicly stated on several occasions that they need a Council that provides oversight.
Following closely behind Anthony was Deb Hunter. She said her role on Council would be information gathering and then making a decision based on that information. She related her experience on the Elections Comm'n and Gaming Authority, and is "absolutely committed" to the county. She is a strong advocate of open space, and actually owns a small farm herself. She criticized a recent pay study, wondering why Lehigh and Bucks County were excluded and why rural 4th class counties were included. She is still considering the proposed health center and would like the opportunity to ask more questions.
I was very impressed by Daniel Dewey, an unassuming former member of Tatamy Borough Council. "We didn't see party, we saw issues," he said of his time in local government.
Jerry Geake, a 25-year veteran of Upper Mount Bethel Tp's Board of Supervisors, brought a lot of common sense. I suspected he'd be a Pektor plant, but the opposite was the case. He opposes the LERTA in UMBT, noting that area was intended to be kept rural. He dislikes the idea of relinquishing a tax base so a business can increase its bottom line. "If you want to see economic development, go to Walmart in Lower Nazareth. There's a lot of economic development there. But it is mess." He said UMBT and most small towns are simply unprepared for the traffic and other headaches attendant upon an explosion of businesses. "Vote by your heart, always vote by your heart," he stated.
The only candidates I disliked were Lafayette College's Austin Haytko and former Council member Kerry Myers.
Haytko was a tad full of himself when he spoke down to Council, and he sure spoke down to them. He has only lived in Northampton County since 2022, and is seeking appointment to a vacancy for a term that commence in 2021. He failed to reside in the county for a full year prior to the commencement of that term. By my reading of our Home Rule Charter, he's ineligible.
I explained yesterday why I dislike Myers, and he said nothing to shake that disdain. He has yet to apologize for his attempt to undermine our Sheriff. He was given an opportunity to respond to my criticism of him, and had nothing to say. Ken Kraft pointed out that Myers was unable to get on the ballot as either a Democrat or as a Republican after he opportunistically switched parties For that reason, he believes Myers should be rejected.
49 comments:
“Without question, Paul Anthony was the best presenter… Appointing him would make it impossible for Council to override a McClure veto”
So are you saying that the CC should not appoint the best candidate just to continue the previous board’s obstruction?
Geake said the politically popular things for you and some others, When Mr. Giovanni pressed him on how the township will function with only real-estate taxes, like others he fumbled like most of =the Anti-Pector Politicians. it is easy to say find creative ways to raise capital but again that is mindless poppa for the masses. Must admit the warehouse political bait and switch narrative plays well with the uninformed, the voter loves it, much like a Disney movie. If the fantasy is better than the truth, stick with the fantasy.
Didn't watch it all but was glad so many agreed that the county pay is not good. Akso young workers are ess enthused with Barrons Health Center than a real paycheck.
Anyone who works in higher education (sic) in a phony position, like Haytko, should be immediately disqualified. He doesn't even bother to research if he's even eligible. Plus, acting like a snob? Triple whammy, dude.
The no-shows should also be disqualified; unless they have some valid reason like a death in the family or illness.
I wonder who the favorite is?
5:22, I did not say Paul Anthony is the best candidate. I said he was the best presenter. And no, I would not appoint him bc he will do what he is told and will make it impossible for Council to override a veto. Also, I do not consider some of the differences that the past Board has with McClure to be obstructionism. They agree with him at least 90% of the time. For you to characterize them as obstructionist reveals you want 100% control. I understand that desire, but Council needs to exercise oversight.
"Geake said the politically popular things for you and some others, When Mr. Giovanni pressed him on how the township will function with only real-estate taxes, like others he fumbled ... Didn't watch it all but ..."
You say you didn't watch it but then you mischaracterize an exchange between Geake and Giovanni as though you did.
Geake fumbled nothing. He readily admitted that UMBT has a small tax base. Not every municipality thinks it is their role to provide a home for smokestacks and big trucks. UMBT is one of the last rural vestiges of the county, and it appears that most of the people who live there want it to stay that way. I understand that there are people in the slate belt who would like more jobs, but they live in Bangor and Roseto, where Geake pointed out there are empty blouse mills that could be refurbished.
I've seen Geake a few times in UMBT. I always came away impressed by him, even when I disagreed with him. He's a smart guy, and I believe he answered Tom G quite well. he just didn't say what you wanted to hear. He expressed the view of what appears to be the majority of UMBT residents, and that is their home.
Does Trishy Mezzacrazy think her Resume will remain hidden if she does run for Executive? SteveO as her campaign mgr should be a better puppet-master and be truthful with her. Thanking my higher power that she dropped out & remaining hopeful for a better Executive Candidate. rather vote for her pet pig.
"I wonder who the favorite is?"
I would say that Anthony has three votes to start, but will struggle to get five in spite of immense pressure being exerted on Democrats Vargo-Heffner and Heckman. I'd say that Deb Hunter has a good chance. Most of the candidates are very good. I mention who I liked, but let me add a few more. Vincent Caminneci brings youth, a desire to improve mass transit and is a Spanish speaker. David Holland actually worked at Gracedale when Premier operated it and is quite familiar with the county's human services needs. Despite having a surname that begins with an O'H, O'Hearn would bring immense knowledge about EMS and 911. Landi shocked me with his insights into people. He really seems to understand how people think. Peter Melan and Dave O'Connell both bring an Easton perspective in a Council that currently has none, and Peter would definitely be his own man. Overall, it is an impressive group.
Give us Deborah Hunter. She is proud of raising taxes. That’s what we need a tax increase.
Couple of things are clear. Brown wants to destroy Gracedale and Lori is helping.
That Vargas-Heffner fiasco was a complete joke. Most of those people were never going to get a vote. Lori should resign.
Yesterday and today, I mentioned Mezzacappa bc she was a candidate. I did not attack her and mentioned her only bc she was a candidate and then withdrew. Yesterday, I received over 100 anonymous one-word comments attacking me. Today, the same thing and it is not yet 8 am.
Ron Heckman will ensure that none of the candidates who are open to selling Gracedale, looking at you Dave Hollin.
Clearly, Paul Anthony is nobody’s “rubber stamp.”
"Couple of things are clear. Brown wants to destroy Gracedale and Lori is helping."
Brown did say things (he mostly mumbled into the mike and was barely audible) that sure sounded as though he wants to sell Gracedale. No Council member publicly agreed with him, but former FBI agent William Krzemien did.
Lori Vargo-Heffner is worst Council President since Mike Dowd.
"That Vargas-Heffner fiasco was a complete joke. Most of those people were never going to get a vote. Lori should resign."
Are you suggesting that the many people who applied should be denied the courtesy of a public interview? Or you suggesting that the public be denied the opportunity to hear from these people? Are you suggesting that only the politically connected matter? It was a lengthy process and I would have spread it out over two nights, but I am thankful for the opportunity to hear these people. LVH runs Council, not Ken Kraft.
HRC says council president presides over meetings. Which means LVH runs the meetings. She does not have the authority to run council. The council as a body should be voting on policy and procedures that govern council. They are all elected officials who represent the residents of the county and are equal in authority.
If Dave Holland gets appointed to Council, Lori Vargo-Heffner will be responsible for the death of Gracedale.
I liked the Wall Street Kid. “Benefits are non-negotiable.”
Deb Hunter is mean, but reliably Liberal. McClure is going to spend, spend, spend.
You are correct. The Council Prez runs the meetings and that is precisely what LVH did last night pursuant both to the HRC and the ordinance adopted by Council in 2023.
Lori Vargo-Heffner will have to switch parties after tonight.
The reality show is over. The gang of 8 will vote for Anthony, as they had discussed prior to the open and transparent council show. The council will continue on.
Deb Hunter is a heartless and careless tax raiser. Tax tax tax tax. It makes up the majority of her limited vocabulary. But it says all that struggling families need to hear. Meanwhile, does she pay her fair share? I suspect a deeper dive would be quite revealing. Say no to knee-jerk, robotic tax raisers. Let's get a critical thinker instead. Deb is a mess.
It seems Barron von foot in mouth and crafty Kraft are riding the rails to dis folks already.
Bernie what ordinance are you referring to? The Civility ordinance that says council members can’t text or use their phone during meeting's? That’s funny because the last two meetings Gofferdo was texting for quite a while. Was he getting questions to ask candidates while he was glued to his phone?
Bernie, Paul Anthony does not strike me as someone who “does as he’s told.” What information do you know that brings you to the conclusion that he is a push over or rubber stamp?
Bernie, I don’t think it’s a courtesy to the public or the applicant’s to waste their time with public shows. If someone is not being considered for a position, after a review of their resume a simple letter is more considerate to everyone, rather than wasting everyone’s time.
"Bernie, I don’t think it’s a courtesy to the public or the applicant’s to waste their time with public shows. If someone is not being considered for a position, after a review of their resume a simple letter is more considerate to everyone, rather than wasting everyone’s time."
How is it determined that someone is unworthy of an interview? That would require a vote by 5 members and that must be done publicly. Everyone who applies deserves a public interview. If this wastes your time, resign. Please. You don't have the best interests of the county in mind.
"Bernie, Paul Anthony does not strike me as someone who “does as he’s told.” What information do you know that brings you to the conclusion that he is a push over or rubber stamp?"
1) His union contributes heavily to McClure.
2) The three rubber stamps are pushing him.
3) Anonymous comments are attacking everyone else, even to the point of calling the interviews a show.
4) McClure put Anthony on the GPA, Airport Authority, LVEDC and Workforce Investment Board.
I’m not on anything to resign from, simply expressing my opinion as a resident who gives a shit. Is that allowed? The pesonell committee should review for qualified applicants. Would be a lot kinder to everyone involved. It was painful watching the well meaning applicants who were paraded unnecessarily.
10:30, Try to lie a little better.
Now if you want to see how to fill a vacant position you should have been at Fork's Township Supervisors' meeting. The vacancy to be filled was Kelly Keegan's position as she is now on Northampton County Council. There were seven interviewed and some of the questions asked were absurd. I was impressed with some of the candidates who would give some of the current supervisors a run for their money. Too bad, it was known going into the meeting by some of the audience and even some of the candidates that it was a done deal who would get the position. Geez so embarrassing. It is going to be long two years till we can start to get rid of some of these embarrassments. Advice to Forks Township residents. Don't just sit home and bitch but come to a meeting and get involved. Your absence affects your daily life more than you know. Of course, I advise you to have some Tums and Tylenol for when you go home as your head will be spinning.
Bernie, I’m retired from everything so I entertain/ torture myself by watching council meetings from home and reading your blog where I some times comment anonymously so that I don’t get stalked by a crazy. A liar I am not.
Unions gave money and support to all of the democratic council members, Lori and Ron included. Anthony was appointed to all of those boards by County Council, not McClure. Seems to me that someone who is supported by so many others and was the best presenter, must be a good candidate.
Lori is a political genius. Her alliance with John Brown has been pure gold.
Lori Vargo Heffner has agreed to be the next Director of Human Services in the Second John Brown Administration. You don’t need to know anything else.
I too was impressed by the presentation and answers by Daniel Dewey. He seems like a knowledge and practical candidate who would put the time in to study issues and then vote for what's best for the taxpayers, employees, etc. The question to him by John Brown about Gracedale's annual $20 million operating loss was bizarre and so far from the truth. If John Brown believes his figures are accurate, he needs to educate himself on how to read the County's audited financial statements.
Bernie what was your take on Ed Nelson
"Bernie, I’m retired from everything so I entertain/ torture myself by watching council meetings from home and reading your blog where I some times comment anonymously so that I don’t get stalked by a crazy. A liar I am not."
You're retired, but not watching from home. You were there bc you sit on Council and are very upset that the Council Prez actually dared to interview the applicants instead of just putting Anthony on automatically. You are part of the problem and should resign and spend more time scuba diving.
"Bernie what was your take on Ed Nelson"
Very likable guy. I've been to some meetings when he was a Supervisor and he ran a good meeting. I think he may have been encouraged to apply by Pektor, but also believe he sincerely supports the LERTA. But this is only one of many issues that come up in county government. I think he's better suited to UMBT, where he is very knowledgeable.
" The question to him by John Brown about Gracedale's annual $20 million operating loss was bizarre and so far from the truth."
I am happy to hear this. I hope it is addressed by McClure. Seems like classic misinformation that some might believe.
Heard many stretches of truth, but the 20 million dollar question regarding Gracedale was from left field. Never heard anything close to that kind
of concern or operational loss. I wonder why it was even tossed at McClure?
I was there and left after a hour and called the number on the e-mail I had received and notified Alene M Shafnisky by voice mail I was withdrawing . I could not figure out who was managing the event to notify them in person. I plan on writing the Council with our concerns and share my prepared statement. I had a personal matter that needed attending. I read the Room and realized there are more experienced citizens . I plan on sharing my experience on my Social Media accounts.
Watched some of tonight's debate on a pick for council. It was painful to say the least. You are right about the three McClure appointees on council. You may hate Myers but demeaning him was wrong. Juts don't vote for the guy. Not sure what the tactics were for the McClure people to just say the same script over and over again and ask others to compromise. Give them credit they stuck to their talking points. Wow should make for an interesting blog this year. Proud of republicans even if you are not.
Sell that old white elephant and put the real estate back on the tax rolls!
No mention of grandpa Ed Nelson, who most definitely would be a Pektor plant. That is all he would bring to the table.
When I skimmed this story last evening, I read a recommendation by a poster who used a name "Wessonsmith" recommend my blog. Today I wanted to reply to them that the blog is not up to date, has holes in the dialogue but give you a sense of what has transpired. But I can't find their post . What is amazing to me that recently my site meter indicated that there were close to 4000 page views in one month. It appears that other's find my sharing of our Toxic Criminal experience worth their time. And I don't promote it.
Geake and Nelson? LOL.... Geake AKA "Mr. Bankruptcy Geake" and Just Dumb Eddie Nelson "the know it all Santa".. the Santa fired from UMBT and his job at the phone company.... they have dredged the bottom of the barrel called Slatebelt.. OOPS ITS "THE WELFARE BELT"!
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