At their November 7 meeting, Northampton County Council voted 5-4 to reject a $63.5 million bond that would be used for a new parking deck and office building at the courthouse complex. It would also finance several other projects, including a $6 million P-25 radio system for first responders. These replace analog radios with digital and have the capacity to transfer data as well as voice.
Council members Lori Vargo Heffner and Jeff Corpora both said they had no problem with building a parking garage to replace an outdated and unsafe structure. But they wanted more details on options about building the garage but delaying the county office building. Council member Jeff Warren wanted a vote on the entire package, all or nothing. He got nothing. Democrats Corpora and Vargo Heffner joined Republicans John Brown, John Goffredo and Tom Giovanni in voting down the bond.
Since that time, the Council members who voted No have been criticized for voting against public safety, especially with regard to the parking deck. But there's been no attempt to separate what a consensus of Council wants from the office building, the only controversial part of the bond proposal.
At the November 21 meeting of NorCo Council, Executive Lamont McClure shared a letter he received from Daniel Gordon, President of the NorCo Ambulance Ass'n:
"The NorCo Ambulance Ass'n would like to lend its voice of support for the effort to expand the County's Motorola Astro P25 advanced communications system. This strategic expansion will not only enhance radio coverage for emergency responders but will also ensure the adoption of cutting-edge communication technology necessary for the effective operations during emergencies.
"The expanded P25 system will deliver secure wide area communication providing seamless interoperability among all county emergency service organizations. By replacing the current communication infrastructure, which is prone to interference, the new system will ensure reliable uninterrupted communication when it is needed most during critical incidents and emergencies. This project represents a pivotal advancement in public safety capabilities. The upgraded P25 system will significantly improve response times and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for all county residents.
"Additionally, we strongly support the continued funding of the Northampton County public safety grant program. The use of bond funds for this initiative will support public safety agencies across the county while simultaneously allowing general tax revenues to be directed to other essential services. In closing, we commend your efforts to fund the P25 system expansion through bond proceeds and would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the recent upgrades to the radio infrastructure in the southern region of the county. These investments demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring that our emergency responders have the tools they need to protect and serve our communities effectively."
Participating by phone, Council member Ron Heckman questioned why the county was unable to use funds from its fund balance, but Finance Director Steve Barron stated that money was needed to balance the budget.
Council member Goffredo suggested splitting the cost over two years, but McClure was uncertain whether that is possible.
What McClure could do is introduce a new bind without the county office building until a majority of County Council supports it and the interest rates make it worth it.
14 comments:
Oh please! The first part of the letter is the fire chiefs, and the second part is all McClure. Which lackey wrote it? The emergency people want and need the expanded p25 system to safeguard the residents, they don't give a rat's ass how it is paid for. That is another McClure political game, and you know it. He is using the safety of citizens to push his huge bond issue. So much for being a real leader for the people. What a sleezy political move
Barron is not going to say they couldn't do it; he is nothing more than a puppet mouthpiece for McClure. only you take anything he says seriously.
They put millions aside for a health center that won't pass this year or next. What happened to that money? They have hidden millions into BS line items including money they took from emergency funds. So, will he agree to fund items that shouldn't be in a bond issue to begin with (short lifespan usage) or will he hold the safety of Northampton County hostage to his massive ego? Let's see which elected officials' side with resident's safety or McClure?
"What McClure could do is introduce a new bind without the county office building until a majority of County Council supports it and the interest rates make it worth it."
Exactly. McClure is why the radios weren't being replaced. Period.
Lamont should ram the bond through, while you sue to stop him.
It worked before...
Where is the $11 million from the Financial Stabilization fund going in the proposed 2025 budget? Heckman is right. The county has the money for the radios in the fund balance. McClure and Barron know this and are playing games.
This is a typical partisan political move by McClure. He’s obviously trying to use the radio issue to get support for his whole bond proposal, not all of which is immediately needed.
As disgusting as it is that McClure is doing this, it’s even more disgusting that the president of the ambulance association is allowing his organization to be used for political purposes. While I can understand the president of the association wanting to inform council about why they THINK they need new radios, they have no business giving an opinion about how that equipment should be funded, assuming that council agrees with the need.
I used to think highly of the ambulance association, but that’s changed now that I know they’re just another bunch of political hacks.
Politics aside, the radios are a critical need for first responders across the state. There is no debate on this point, they are needed by all first responders state-wide. So Northampton Council, do your jobs and get at least that part done.
OT Bernie, I thought you'd be writing today about the Bethlehem Chief of Police who is so annoyed that the college kids didn't listen to her commands while carrying the goal posts 4 miles to the river, that she wants the DA to prosecute and Lehigh to expel them. To quote, "Lighten up Francis."
The council members who voted no on the bond don’t want to give McClure the win. Plain and simple. That’s what it comes down to as McClure is up for reelection next year. They obstruct continuously at the detriment of public safety.
McClure is an adversarial executive. He is less concerned with the safety aspect than winning. I am sure his little minions on council have their instructions. The radios should be purchased separately and now.
Anonymous
"The council members who voted no on the bond don’t want to give McClure the win. Plain and simple."
Thank you, KK's. They hit the nail on the head. GIVE MCCLURE THE WINN!!!
This is not about public safety but the win. for McClure. Politics over all. McClure/ Barron now play the old game that if you cut the budget, but it is still balanced, we will cut employee benefits and pay. Or nurses will not be available to care for the elderly.
I know you love McClure and especially Barron, but they are full of shit. It has-been and remains their way or th highway. All politics. Use public safety as your hammer in the same way the fed politicians use social security. Nothing but double talk. Please don't be their Fox news on this BS.
Public safety is the last thing on their mind as they attempt to pass a non-balanced budget with their goofy amendments tonight, you have to watch it to believe it, where is Ron Engle when you need him?
Goffredo and Vargo Heffner are so stupid that they’ve guaranteed McClure’s budget will become law, and that all of the civil services employees now know that Goffredo and Vargo Heffner wanted to gut their pay.
I agree with her - LOCK THEM UP!!!
That's what I often ask, but never get a satisfactory answer.
If the ambulance ass’n were truly concerned about public safety maybe they could squash the practice of running ambulances across the county bypassing mutual aid just because it’s “our call”. Cancelling closer units to handle “your own” has led to 25+ minute response times in many parts of NorCo! That’s the real, current issue.
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