On Monday, I told you that 22 people have applied for the $107,482 a year Council Clerk position. I noted that only two people who actually work for the county applied. The rest are outsiders. Aside from Deputy Clerk Aline Shafnisky, I did not identify any of these people. But I could have because the public has every right to know who seeks public employment. Those are our tax dollars and we have a right to know how they are spent.
If I wanted to do so, I could file a Right-to-Know request today, seeking the names of every person who has sought county employment this year. There is nothing privileged or confidential about that information. The application itself is confidential unless the applicant is eventually hired, but the names of people seeking employment would have to be divulged.
My story apparently threw some Council members for a loop. That's because Council President Lori Vargo Heffner refused to share the information with anyone, even the members of the committee tasked with going through the applications. She claims to be concerned with protecting the privacy of applicants, but that concern betrays a complete misunderstanding of the Open Records law and the need to be as transparent as possible in government.
As Judge Damon J. Keith once warned, “[d]emocracies die behind closed doors….When government begins closing doors, it selectively controls information rightfully belonging to the people. Selective information is misinformation.”
Vargo-Heffner should certainly have disclosed the identity of all 22 applicants to her fellow Council members and was wrong to keep this to herself or get worked up in a lather because a member of the public had it.
Ron Heckman seemed to also think that the identity of public job applicants is some sort of state secret. "It's a personnel issue," he protests. The identity of an applicant or proposed salary is no personnel issue. It is a matter of public record.
They're both simply wrong, which is kind of scary because they both should know the importance of transparency in government, even when it comes to the hiring process.
Knowing who is in the running for one of the highest paid positions in the county might trigger some red flags.
Council member Ken Kraft was bothered that Vargo-Heffner decided how to seek applicants without getting Council members to vote on it. He was especially irate that she unilaterally changed the job description without the approval of five members of Council. Kraft said he probably would have voted for the procedure used or the change in job description, but Vargo Heffner never gave Council the opportunity.
"Last I looked, we didn't elect a Queen," he snarked. She insisted that the Clerk position is a "private personnel matter," but there is nothing private about a Council Clerk. Her disciplinary record might be confidential, but who her identity is absolutely public.
At one point, the duo began talking over each other and Vargo-Heffner began to silence Kraft.
"I have the floor, I took the floor, thank you.
"Oh you took it. Ok,
"I did.
"Because you're the Queen and we're just your servants. Is that what it is?"
At that point, two Swiss guards removed Kraft and beheaded him.
63 comments:
Kraft certainly can act like a whiny bitch at times.
How much does the Director of Administration get paid? I still say this salary seems outrageous for a council clerk.
Don't blame Kraft he is just following the orders of his boss.
Ken was a marine. The head probably kept talking
These mid weight Democrats who don't understand the law are going to get the county sued again. Nobody expects Vargo to write or speak without butchering the language. Nobody expects her to count past ten without borrowing some fingers. But we should expect her to know the basics of the law. We elected incompetence and we that's what we got. Does she hold gainful employment somewhere? Are her superiors aware of her low intellect and sloppy management style? She seems just a step or two above a slow adult.
What is really sad is council had the opportunity to start the clerk position at a lower salary to save taxpayers money and instead is granting a STARTING salary at over $100,000 for someone now who “may” attend some meetings or not? That’s a slap in the face to county staff. There are many supervisors and directors in the county, especially at human services who are responsible for the care, safety and concern of the residents of the county EVERYDAY and don’t earn ANYTHING close to that salary. Council always ensures their own priorities are met - they give themselves raises and ensured their assistant got 6 figures whereas some county staff need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Was the salary discussed or voted on by council? There were what seemed like several meetings/discussions in the past regarding council’s own salary increases and the county executive’s salary. Council is arguing over “shall” and “may” but no discussion of a 6 figure salary. Usually when someone retires the new employee almost never starts at the salary the retiree left at. That’s the whole point of saving costs.
Norco council once again proves that it has it's collective head up and locked. They are like Congress; they accomplish little for the people but are really good at pissing in each other's mess kit. Heffner is dead wrong.
Ken Kraft can be a bully. Even Ron Heckman, who's very mild mannered, lost patience with him last week.
ALL of Council should go if they keep that taxpayer insulting amount for the position. They are supposed to be watching our money not giving it away ridiculously!
In their vote to not confirm Dr. Michael Pittaro, without explanation, Mr. Brown and Ms. Vargo-Heffner have revealed for all to see their agreement to obstruct the McClure Administration.
This Kraft guy. Even when he’s on the right side of an issue he still comes across like an asshole. Probably because he is an asshole lol.
Now, Lori, we all know how you can be. Shall we say, “Difficult?”
Ken Kraft wants to be King with is 2 Loyal Guards. These people take orders from the Prime Minister Executive McClure (the Dictator). McClure sits in the audience way over on the left,
so council can not see him texting the King's court, but it is noticeable went the minions look down at the dias. Then went one of the Loyal guard need to vote on a motion, she looks at the King Kraft for direction on how to vote. Ken Kraft is just angry, he is not President of council, because he wants to run the show.
Maybe the King and Lori are texting each other since Lori is CONSTANTLY on her phone during meetings. Maybe someone should request a RTK for her texts.
This position should start at about half the salary advertised. There needs to be a lot more open discussion about the job and its requirements. And there is absolutely no excuse for failing to let all nine members of Council know who has applied for the job. Publicly releasing the identity of applicants is probably a good thing because it could serve as a form of vetting. Council itself does a terrible job of researching these people, and when they don't even know who they are, I can see why.
I really think a do over is needed, and people who work for the county should be given a preference.
Kraft has all the subtlety of a buzzsaw. That's great for me, but not so good for a council.
On the other hand, LVH wants everything shrouded in secrecy. I also think she sounded more than a bit autocratic. And much as she and Heckman like to complain about text messages going back and forth between the admin and council members during meetings, or the loud whispers, it is LVH who I heard with her own loud whispers at the last council meeting.
Lori is very unprofessional did anyone hear her whisper “ the same monkeys “ at the Human Resources meeting when Ron Heckman said I’ve seen this circus before ? She is a terrible council president and talks like she is better than everyone else , time to vote her out !
Lori Vargo-Heffner hates Sunshine. She’s violating the Sunshine Act in my opinion by having secret meetings in the back room in an effort to give Eileen the 100K job.
WHY would a do over be necessary? This position was open for 15 days and advertised on almost all the major job boards. Employees of the county were given ample time to apply, only TWO were interested. Why can’t you accept that. Many people within the county knew Ms. Zembo would be retiring from this position, before the job announcement was even put out. Frankly, I can see why the interest was minimal. Due to an example of the vitriol spewed here. The hiring process has not quite begun, and there was a ruckus regarding the position “description”, during councils meeting. Bernie, you say you know many qualified people within the county that would do great in this position. I ask, why did they not apply? Clearly, they had no interest, and that’s ok. This blog has become the Real Housewives, or shall I say, Real Househusbands of Northampton County. That’s unfortunate.
I would hope that is not true. That office can use someone fresh. A new face, fresh ideas, dedicated and hardworking.
"Lori is very unprofessional did anyone hear her whisper “ the same monkeys “ at the Human Resources meeting when Ron Heckman said I’ve seen this circus before ? "
I'll be looking for it. I do believe her penchant for secrecy is contrary to good government. I'm really appalled that she failed to share the identity of Council applicants with her fellow Council members. That's just wrong.
If I were on the Personnel Committee, I would want everything done in public. It’s a Sunshine Act violation to be handling it this way, and I think Chris knows it.
The salary is very high and deserves consideration again as many very responsible positions in the county involve much lower salaries. This is a clerk position
Kraft is arrogant. Just not a nice person
I can’t wait to see at least four new commissioners on the Board after next year’s election. We will see how Jeff Corpora fairs, but Lori, Ron, Goofredo, and Brown need to go. Six commissioners just set precedent for giving up their power to Lori. She is a sneaky narcissist. She can’t pull the wool over Kraft’s eyes. Shame on the 6 who voted that what Lori did was ok.
Projection is a psychological phenomenon at work her. Lori loves to claim Lamont’s a bully, but it’s Lori with the authoritarian tendencies.
It is a shame Ron Heckman is ruining his excellent reputation and legacy by shilling for Lori Vargo Heffner. Ron is embarrassing himself, and the whole world can see Lori is controlling him.
"Kraft is arrogant. Just not a nice person"
He is guilty of these things but can be charming. I am arrogant, not nice and not charming lol.
"If I were on the Personnel Committee, I would want everything done in public. It’s a Sunshine Act violation to be handling it this way, and I think Chris knows it."
Discussions with and about prospective candidates can be in executive session, but the vote has to be public.
The salary is simply too high and needs to be lowered.
It’s when they show the video for the health care center
WHY would a do over be necessary?
Because the job descriptopn was change by LVH and no one on council approved this new job description.
If you can follow a simple line of discussion, the job description that was advertised and posted is WRONG because the council did not vote to change the job so the people applying for the job at what it says are applying for a job that does not exist. the conditions of that joob
Why is it so hard for people to follow a simple simple point of law ?
Exactly. There are many wonderful assistants (who perform more duties of a clerk) who have been employed at the county 20+, some 30+ years and make nowhere near that salary. When a new county executive is voted in years from now, this will set a precedent for the new administration to demand what their predecessors received when they exited their posts, which will be way over $100k. Taxpayers will never save money. Very poor planning council.
In addition to what 3:12 stated, a do-over is necessary bc Council needs to reduce the starting salary and have a frank discussion, in public, about what duties should be performed by the Clerk and what qualifications are needed. That has not happened. Though this is an exempt position, I really believe an effort should be made to attract someone internally. The clerk position, though exempt, has retained the same people no matter what the Council composition might be. I can think of at least 20 people who already work for the county who would be ideal. If no decent internal candidate is found, then go outside.
I would also ask what part of the clerks job does Lori Vh think she is doing. When i read the description the clerk to council runs the office however last night Lori stated that she runs the office and allows vacation days etc and is facilitating the old clerk to retire. what the hell does that exactly mean and where in county charter does it say the president runs the day to day office of council?
Bernie, do you know where LVh is getting her ideas of what she thinks she is in charge of besides presiding over meetings like written in HRC?
""Lori is very unprofessional did anyone hear her whisper “ the same monkeys “ at the Human Resources meeting when Ron Heckman said I’ve seen this circus before ? "
I just listened and heard her say it. Since there are four new members of Council, she could not have been referring to council. I believe she was disparaging Integrity.
Or Mr Barron , Sue and Mary Lou who seem to know what they’re doing. Doesn’t Lori know she has a microphone in front of her ? Just plain dumb not a very nice person .
The salary is ridiculous for many reasons. If a new hire wanted to come in higher than the 1st step there would have to be approval. Taxpayers who are paying the salaries have a say that they don't want the position at that obscene salary. The past person came in late every day and then went to get her breakfast in the cafe. No other clerk, clerk specialist, secretary, executive secretary/assistant or legal person comes near that salary. Only legal person would be judges. The clerk position certainly doesn't have the knowledge nor expertise to make such decisions. This position and salary need a due over! Council should be total ashamed. Not a one of them will ever get my vote again. Taxes better not ever raise if they can afford to pay that salary. Shame on Council!
We all know that Aline will get it.
Well once again your hate comes through. You hate county council especially since Cusick left. You hate the ladies who work for council. Your hate motivates you.
Kraft trying to gum up things because of a word is silly and just another ploy by the administration to disrupt council procedure. The three bobbleheads are doing that just fine.
Why didn't your plants apply for the job. McClure had a few apply. He and Kraft tried to dump Zembo when they came to office and failed.
The room was filled with SEIU union workers complaining about th poor pay. You hate social worker, so you completely ignored that story.
Ther Dems claim to be pro workers, yet big union guy Kraft was more interested in a word then county employees. Only one member bothered to say hello and that was Mr. Heckman.
County employees are not here to demand less pay for someone you don't like but decent pay for employees, so they can afford to live where they work.
Also Ken Kraft is a misogynist and you seem to enjoy that.
By Lori calling the presenters “the same monkeys” she is once again violating the Code of Civility
I.a “Members of the Northampton County Council will conduct themselves in a professional and civil manner at all times as a representative of the Council, including treating each member of the Council and members of the public with respect at all times.”
I.b Even in the face of disagreement….we will not use language that is abusive, threatening, obscene, or slanderous, including using profanities insults, or other disparaging remarks or gestures.”
I.e We will commit to communicate our ideas and points of view clearly…We pledge to truly listen to and hear other points of view.”
It is unprofessional and embarrassing. She is unnecessarily snarky and I hope that everyone is seeing what I am seeing and I hope they hold her accountable.
The charming while stabbing you in the back kind of guy.
More than Bernie’s blog earning !
This is all going as Lori and Brown pre-arranged it. They are going to way overpay a woman who falls asleep at Council meetings. The back room, literally, deal is done. The rest of this is theater.
I get Lori and Brown. There goals are rational. What I don’t get is why Ron would want to help John Brown ?
"What I don’t get is why Ron would want to help John Brown ?"
What? That has to be the dumbest comment I have ever read. You can accuse Heckman of being different things, but he is all about the county residents and the employees. He is neither for nor against anyone. He is an old school Democrat who is not concerned with hero worship or following a script. Of all the democrats sitting in the room he is the only one who gives a daman about the employees, including the union leaders. So, if you don't kiss the executives arse you are pro Brownstain? Don't be so dumb! Do a Charter review!!
LVH and every kommissar is extraordinarily jealous of Ron's fabulous hair. It's long been a problem and is becoming more acute as LVH worries about her roots showing by week three. Get over it. You'll never be blessed with his crowning glory. Admit your jealousy, buy a wig, and finally do something for county citizens.
Also, Brown still runs things. He takes advantage of the kommisars' collective dumbth, despite his average hair and minority party status. The brownstain, you see, is on Dems' faces. "Out damned spot! Out!"
There’s nothing sneaky about Hefner… she shows blatant disregard for the public, for the law, and for good government.
It’s time to put her out to pasture.
A Charter review will lead to the return of the old Commissioner system. McClure and Zrinski would love that because 3 or 4 years from now they’d be the majority Commisioners. LOL
Ron Heckman is not anti-McClure. He agrees with him like 98% of the time, and votes with him 99% of the time.
Maybe you don’t know Ron as well as you think you do. Here's a guy who’s working with republicans to get what he and Lori want, yet has referred to other D’s who’ve worked with R’s simply to pass legislation as republicans. Somehow his horse trading to get chair and vice chair positions is nothing? Another thing, Ron very vocally called at a council meeting for the adoption of the present voting machines, saying the poll workers deserved to have the kind they want, neglecting to note that the commission never asked for that machine. They wanted to see the paper ballot machine that mysteriously couldn’t make the same trip through 40’ (I exaggerate) of snow that the other machine miraculously did.
Lori Cargo-Heffner is a walking, talking ethics mess. She has a couple of conflicts of interest, she doesn’t think the county ethics bill applies to her, she conducts business in secret, and meets with John Brown behind closed doors to discuss strategy before every meeting.
1) Plese specifically identify the conflicts of interest you claim she has.
2) What is your proof that she conducts business in secret? There is nothing improper or ethically wrong about a non-quorum of Council discussing matters together.
3) What is your proof she meets with John Brown before each meeting? It seems to me he has mostly been a lump on Council.
Oh, wow little bobby at 9:40, you have been bitching about Heckman for years over some perceived slight. You bitched about McClure and kraft for years until a family member got a job. There is a difference between working with republicans and trying to help them win elections. just Wow.
Maybe council can look into why employees in certain offices in the building are working in 85-90 degree inside temperatures? It’s unhealthy. Administration has been notified but won’t do anything about it.
Oh, wow little bobby at 9:40,
Do you mean Bob Werner? the old councilman 2 term guy?
Lori Vargo Heffner is an excellent politician. Full stop. No one should underestimate her.
John Brown and Laurie Heffner have a pact to disrupt McClure. She’ll do anything to accomplish that goal.
Ron/Lori fellow Republicans.Working as a Council together for the good of the County is the job. Both of you have shown arrogance and mean spirited attitudes toward your own colleagues. Obviously, having a faux commissioner title has falsely allowed you to believe you have worth. You don’t.
@ Bernie: LVH has a conflict of interest by 1.) being on the referral list for the courts, 2.) ask her to provide proof of purchase for the Roseto Fire Department Dinner which violates (receiving free services), 3.) she refuses to budge on the healthcare center because she is an employee of St. Luke’s / LVHN.
LVH and her crew know exactly how the meetings are going to pan out and it’s obvious if you watch them all.
You mean the new Republican team of VargoHeffner and Heckman?
"@ Bernie: LVH has a conflict of interest by 1.) being on the referral list for the courts, 2.) ask her to provide proof of purchase for the Roseto Fire Department Dinner which violates (receiving free services), 3.) she refuses to budge on the healthcare center because she is an employee of St. Luke’s / LVHN.
LVH and her crew know exactly how the meetings are going to pan out and it’s obvious if you watch them all.
1) If she is on the referral list for the courts for mental health services, that could indeed be a conflict for judicial issues. If it is her employer, and her salary is unaffected either way, there is no conflict.
2) It is you who allege a conflict and then ask her to provide proof she is not. That's absurd. You should have proof she attended the Roseto Fire Co Lenten feast as their guest or shut up on that point.
3) St Luke's did not respond to the RFP for this project and she produced an opinion from the ethics commission ruling she has no conflict.
As for back door meetings, there is no doubt in my mind that she tries to manipulate. She did so with this very meeting concerning the health center. There is no doubt in my mind that Giovanni had no idea this would be on the agenda bc she made sure it was slow walked. But No, I do not think that what happensd during meetings are pre-ordained.
@Bernie: "You should have proof she attended the Roseto Fire Co Lenten feast as their guest or shut up on that point."
Commissioners are NOT ALLOWED to be guests due to the Gift Ban Ordinance. And maybe I will request a Right To Know for the receipts for each County Council person who attended the Roseto Feast, Iron Pigs game, and the Union Dinner. How are we to know if Commissioners are violating their own Ordinances if they don't have proof of purchase?
And telling me to "shut up"? Really? Grow up!
10:33, The simple reality here is that you are alleging conflicts with no proof. That is McCarthyism. So yes, shut up.
Aline has been a shoe in for the position ever since she started doing personal favors for LVH. Like bringing her dinner to her private sector job.
Getting real tired of Lori Vargo-Heffner. Clean she is not out to represent the county just here to F with McClure
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