Are Trump's Tariff Threats a Bluff?

I can only think that Trump's threatened tariffs against Mexico and Canada, which will hurt American consumers by increasing inflation, are another one of his bluffs. Of course, the risk that they will backfire is great, but it will have no impact on him or his increasing number of kleptocrats. It will, however, negatively impact the people who voted for him if he goes through with his threats. That's why I think he'll soon declare himself a winner and move on to the next manufactured crisis. 

Although Trump has said trade wars are "easy to win," the truth is that they extended the Great Depression. 

Zrinski Makes It Official - She Will Run For NorCo Exec

During a loud and crowded rally at Bethlehem's Steelworkers' Hall, NorCo Controller Tara Zrinski made it official last night. She's running for NorCo Exec. Though I arrived early, I was barely able to find a parking spot. The hall was packed with nearly 100 supporters that included a potpourri of Democrats, from people who fought with her against sludge and a landfill expansion, to elected and former elected officials. 

Zrinski was introduced by Lamont McClure, NorCo's current Executive. He said she supported the county on what he considers the three most important issues: (1) keeping taxes low, and even voting to cut them during one year of his administration; (2) voting for measures that would preserve farmland, acquire open space for three county parks and supporting environmentally sensitive land purchases: and (3) helping the "moral obligation" to keep Gracedale, the state's largest public nursing home, county-owned. He closed by giving his "enthusiastic" endorsement. 

For her part, Zrinski delivered a rousing speech to the Democratic party faithful. Her goals as County Exec, which were also included in a statement released earlier that day, are the following:

• Fiscally Responsible Policies: Ensuring taxpayer dollars are allocated effectively to meet the needs of all residents.

• Good Government: Promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in County operations.

• Quality of Life for Working Families: Supporting initiatives that strengthen the economic and social well-being of working families.

• Maintaining Essential Services: Preserving and enhancing the quality of services provided to residents, including the protection of Gracedale Nursing Home.

• Transparency in Government: Upholding open communication and accessibility in all facets of government.

 As Executive, she pledged to address employee retention and to provide fair compensation, affordable healthcare and safe working conditions. 

“I am ready to make history as the first woman elected to the office of County Executive—not because of my gender, but because I am a prepared, skilled, and compassionate public servant who has proven herself time and time again.”

She also surrendered her spot behind the podium to other persons who are seeking office. Unfortunately, I had to leave before asking her any questions or listening to other candidates because I was saying goodbye to a good friend.

Before doing so, however, I asked her to pose with three Executives: Lamont McClure, Gerald E "Jerry" Seyfried and Glenn Reibman. She was in pretty good company.

There are two other announced candidates. Former Elections Registrar Amy Cozze, who left the county to work for US Senator Bob Casey, is also running for the Democratic nomination. NorCo Council member Tom Giovanni, who is in his second term and has been a dedicated public servant, seeks the Republican nod.

The people have a choice.

Easton City Council's Attendance Policy Should Be a Blueprint for Local Government

A Council member who skips meetings, especially when without explanation, is usually a legislator who does nothing for the community. Most local legislators are very dedicated, but there are occasional exceptions. Last week, as reported on LehighValleyLive, Easton City Council voted 6-1 to amend its own Code of Conduct to take members to task when they play hooky. This initiative was proposed by Council members Frank Pintabone and Crystal Rose, Easton's two newest elected officials. It was opposed by only one member - Taiba Sultana.

Easton City Council meets biweekly. It also has a committee of the whole, which also meets biweekly.

Under the amended Code of Conduct, attendance at Council and Committee meetings as well as executive sessions is mandatory. At the end of the year, the City Clerk will report the attendance of each member. 

Truant Council members can be subjected to a variety of discipline, from oral warning to censure. But Council has no authority to remove Council members. That can only be done through impeachment by the state legislature. 

Pintabone, who initially proposed docking the pay of absent legislators, argued that "[w]e were elected to do a job. The bare minimum is to show up.”

Sultana, a frequent absentee, argues on Facebook that compelling an elected public official to explain her absences would violate her right to privacy. This is nonsense. An absent elected official can always say they will be absent for personal reasons, and this would violate no right to privacy. 

I personally feel that an elected legislator who misses a meeting should be docked that pay period, no matter what the reason might be. 

Armchair LV Reports Monroe County Prosecutor to Seek NorCo Judgeship

Armchair LV reports that James Fuller, who practices in nearby Monroe County, plans to seek the judgeship that will open when Judge Tony Beltrami steps down at the end of the year. He's got company, I've already told you that Bob Eyer, NorCo's top assistant prosecutor, is running. So is Jeremy Clark, who served in combat with the 82d Airborne and is a lawyer for the City of Easton.

Fuller is a Republican while Eyer and Clark are Democrats. Candidates running for judge usually cross-file. Fuller has been a prosecutor in Monroe since 2023. Prior to that, he was an assistant Public Defender for seven years. He is a graduate of Easton Area Hugh School, Penn State and Cooley Law School. He ran unsuccessfully for NorCo Council in 2019. 

Grace Crampsie Smith to Primary Mayor Willie Reynolds in Bethlehem

Although she neglected to send me her announcement, Grace Crampsie Smith has announced today that she is running for the Bethlehem Mayoral seat currently held by Willie Reynolds. As I mentioned earlier this week, she is a Bloomsburg and Lehigh U graduate who was first elected to City Council in 2019. She was a school counselor but may have retired. 

Trump Executive Order Freezing Federal Aid Explains Why He is Captain Chaos

On Monday night, the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) imposed what it calls a temporary "pause" (you can read it here) on all federal financial assistance programs, at least to the extent permissible by law. This was supposedly being done to stop "financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal." A Trump spokesperson insisted that this freeze will have no impact on social security, Medicare, food stamps and any other assistance that goes directly to individuals. But it did. Medicaid portals went down in all 50 states following this memo, jeopardizing 74 million Americans enrolled in this program. The White House later claimed that problem was being rectified, but the lack of clarity was evident in a hearing before Judge Loren AliKhan, during which the Justice Department was unable to specify what financial assistance programs were being paused. As a result, she paused the pause, at least until Monday. Local elected officials are scrambling to see whether aid programs they and local nonprofits rely on, like Head Start, Meals on Wheels and subsidized housing, will still be around when the dust settles. 

Are they Marxist, too?

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure called the directive "cruel, callous, and craven. ... By halting federal funding, the White House is causing needless harm and uncertainty to the citizens of Northampton County. This move directly undermines the essential services that our community relies on.”

Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds will conduct a news conference this morning at 9 am (livestreamed) adding that this memo leads to chaos for people both in and out of city hall. 

From Mayor Willie Reynolds' news conference, we learned that Bethlehem relies on $43.4 million from the federal government and makes it part of its budget.

The salaries of five police officers assigned to the Bethlehem Housing Authority are paid by HUD. Moreover, bullet proof vests and police car tech come from DOJ grants every year. Bethlehem was unable to draw down on these grants as of last evening.

Bethlehem's Department of Health has been locked out of a program that removes lead from homes, and the contractors who do this work (local small businesses) are left unpaid.

A $3.5 million grant for the purchase of the Greenway in south Bethlehem has been stopped. A federal grant that would enable children walk more safely to seven different schools has been "paused."

"It'd hard to think instability and chaos isn't the point," notes Reynolds, who states the executive order just seeds distrust and a lack of confidence in government. "We need to stand up for each other. ... We are not going to let this instability and chaos allow us to retreat or to sit down."

The City is still "surveyng the damage" and determining where it has been locked out." He said Congress legally appropriated this money.

UPDATE 3:28 PM. Trump has done an about face and has rescinded the draconian order freezing federal aid that would have hurt millions of people. This is what I expect from Captain Chaos. 

If Amy Cozze Wants to Be NorCo Exec, She Should Be Able to Spell "Executive"

 

Need I say more?

Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds to Launch Re-Election Campaign This Week, Faces Possible Primary Challenge

Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds will be announcing his plan to seek re-election this week. He had planned on announcing sooner but spent the past week determining the financial ramifications of an initial deluge of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump after his inauguration. 

Reynolds is a life-long resident of Bethlehem, a magna cum laude graduate of Moravian (where he played hoops and taught in Allentown before he was elected Mayor in 2021. Prior to that, he served as a member of City Council since 2007. He was the youngest person ever elected to city council.

During his tenure as Mayor, the City's long-term debt has continued to drop from a high of $171 million in 2015 to $88.5 million today. 

Reynolds faces a possible primary challenge from Grace Cramsie Smith, a Bloomsburg and Lehigh U graduate who was first elected to City Council in 2019. She was a school counselor but may have retired. 

I'll have more once candidates file nomination petitions. I am told there will be numerous Council candidates, and from both parties.    

LVNewsBrief: WLVR's Future In Doubt

 According to Jeff Ward's LVNewsBrief, the future of public radio station WLVR is in doubt. Though WLVR is owned by Lehigh University, it is run by Lehigh Valley Public Media. That's Channel 39. It is bleeding money, which in turn has resulted in a significant loss of staff, down from around 80 to 49. 

Jeff Warren Attack of Giovanni Photo: Petty, Phony and Partisan

Last week, I told you that Tom Giovanni, who represents the northern part of Northampton County on its Council, intends to run for County Executive. Today, I told you that Tara Zrinski, the County Controller, also intends to run. Like it or not, these are two good candidates. They have experience with county government, which is a different animal than most local governments. Yes, Zrinski struggled in her infancy as a County Council member making the transition from activist to elected official. But she has grown, and it shows in the job she has done as Controller. Yes, Giovanni is quiet during meetings, which I actually consider as plus. He has also been everywhere in his district and spends more time at the courthouse than any other council member, serving his community. On this blog, both of them have come under heavy criticism with partisan attacks that are either anonymous or use sock puppets. I'd like to address one of the few partisans who necessarily had to reveal himself because his attack came at a County Council meeting last week. 

This partisan is Council member Jeff Warren. Near the end of Thursday night's Council meeting, Warren used the soapbox to complain about Giovanni's campaign announcement. Giovanni's announcement included a headshot that was apparently taken at county expense, and Warren ostentatiously argued that this use of public resources for politics is wrong and that if he had done it, people would be all over him. "You shouldn't be using public resources for campaign-based activities," he piously declared. 

It's unclear to me that public resources were used at all. When County Council members get their photos taken, it is done by an outside vendor. If they want, they can buy one like Warren did for his "I like me" wall. It would seem to me that the outside vendor might have grounds to complain, but not the county.

In any event, Giovanni said he would refrain from using it. 

This is a very petty complaint, as Warren himself seemed to acknowledge. It is also phony. Warren is complaining about the use of public resources for political reasons, yet that is precisely what he was doing himself. He used county cameras to launch a political attack against someone from another party over a perceived violation. If he felt this was a violation, he should have contacted the DA but chose instead to play politics himself with county resources. In essence, his attack is petty, phony and partisan. 

Lehigh Valley Loses Legal Giant, I Lose a Great Friend

Bill Malkames, a prominent land use and commercial real estate attorney who was highly regarded here in the Lehigh Valley, passed away unexpectedly on Friday evening. The Lehigh Valley has lost one of the best lawyers it has ever had. I have lost a good friend whom I loved and admired. 

When I practiced law, I knew Bill in passing. I was mostly in the criminal arena, while he handled multi-million-dollar deals. Ironically, I got to know him a lot better when I bumped into him during summer basketball games at Cedar Beach in Allentown. He loved watching Jay and Sammy Vaughan play for Allentown Central Catholic High School and became a quick fan of my grandson as well. He attended nearly every game they played and followed Emily Vaughan when she played for the Vikings as well. When they went to college, Bill even attended several of those games. He loved sports and encouraged the kids he saw on the basketball court as well.

Bill never played sports himself, and I think that sometimes bothered him. He grew up in Hazelton but was pushed through high school quickly at a young age because he was so damn smart. He got himself an academic scholarship to Muhlenberg but liked playing pick-up basketball when he had a chance. One of the persons he played with and against was Judge Ed Cahan, who at that time was a Lehigh U baller who eventually was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Bill and Judge Cahn became very good friends. 

Bill went on to attend and graduate from University of Pennsylvania Law School. 

While attending college and law school, he was a beat reporter and of course loved covering sports. 

Bill and Bill Jr. 

When my grandson was playing a District XI game in Hazelton, Bill suggested that we go up together, and we took an amazing trip through the coal regions. 

We tooled up 309 North and I received quite the history lesson en route. We passed near the scene of the Kelayres massacre. That's where five Democrats were shot and killed in 1934 when they passed the home of "Big Joe," the local GOP boss. He wanted to stop there, but I passed.

I'm a Dem, and Big Joe might still be around.

We also passed near the site of the 1897 Lattimer Massacre, where 19 striking miners were shot and killed by a sheriff's posse. Though evidence showed that most of those killed had been shot in the back, the Sheriff and his posse were acquitted. The barrister wanted to stop there, too, but I said it's too late to pass out cards now.

We passed through economically depressed McAdoo and Tamaqua and along slag heaps left from strip mining. We passed an old company town, Audenreid, in which workers would be forced to spend all their earnings and never get ahead.

We also discussed the Molly Maguires and whether they received a fair trial (I said they didn't, he said they did).

We passed near the site of the Sheppton Mining disaster, in which two miners were rescued but a third was never found. Some think the surviving two miners ate him. This barrister suggested we stop there. "Not on an empty stomach," I answered.

Speaking of empty stomachs, we did stop at a great Italian restaurant called Ovalon. That's been there forever and would rival any restaurant in the Lehigh Valley.

Bill had an encyclopedic knowledge of local history but was well versed in local and national politics as well. 

As a lawyer, I always marveled at how much he cared about his clients. He was always at the office, even on Christmas day. If he thought he did something wrong, he'd be the first to notify his client. In one matter, a client bought a property in a regulated housing development that banned dogs. Bill felt that he should have advised the client of this ban even though I thought the owner should have read the regulations. Bill paid his client for what really was no error. 

People like me give lawyers a bad name, but Bill really cared about his integrity and was honest to a fault. 

Though Bill played no sports when he was being advanced through school at a rapid pace, he finally found time to embrace a sport in his middle age - biathlons. Bill was at one time the dominant racer for over 40 biathlons and even triathlons. He’d spend a full day in the office, followed by hours of training. In his 50s, he once defeated the entire team sent by West Point to compete in a biathlon. He recruited sons Mark and Bill to join him as well. 

Bill was very competitive, and this showed in his Hearts' game as well.  He loved to play and once traveled to Las Vegas for a Hearts' tournament. But more than playing, he loved the banter with his many Hearts companions. They included me, although he liked to describe me as "barely competent." Unfortunately, he won most of the games he played, especially if he had a glass of Sangria. 

I'd argue that Hearts is just a game of luck, and he should play me in chess. He clobbered me at that, too. 

He loved music, from Mozart to Bob Dylan. 

During games, he often liked to recite from one of his favorite poems, The Ballad of Reading Gaol, which is about a condemned man waiting to hang. At 91, Bill knew his time was coming and even said so but never complained.

He did not wring his hands nor weep,

Nor did he peek or pine,

But he drank the air as though it held

Some healthful anodyne;

With open mouth he drank the sun

As though it had been wine!

Bill is survived by his wife Lori, son Bill, daughter Susan Glass, several grandchildren, two very cantankerous dogs and hundreds of friends who loved him. I will miss him very much. 

Controller Tara Zrinski To Run For NorCo Exec, But May Have Primary Opponent in Former Elections Registrar Amy Cozze

Tara Zrinski

NorCo Controller Tara Zrinski will be announcing her candidacy for County Executive on Thursday at United Steelworkers Hall in Bethlehem (You can see her announcement below). But in the latest twist in this race, she may have a primary opponent. Several sources tell me that Amy Cozze, a former elections registrar, will make her announcement as soon as today. 

Cozze, who resigned as Voting registrar nearly two years ago to take a job with then US Senator Bob Casey. Now that he's out of a job, so is she. 

In 2018, Cozze mounted an unsuccessful campaign for the state house against incumbent Joe Emrick. After that loss, she complained she was without health insurance. Executive Lamont McClure offered her a job with the county administration. 

Amy Cozze

In 2020, she took over the Elections Office as Registrar. In addition to successfully lobbying for e-pollbooks, she began a thorough training job for elections judges and pollworkers. She prepared an extensive handbook for pollworkers at the precincts, answering most questions that could arise at the polls. Under her leadership, the office also expanded in size. But she also gained a reputation at the courthouse who used people and then discarded them when they no longer could help her get ahead. She rarely even greeted her own staff. 

Cozze has been at odds with the Exec Lamont McClure administration over a two-step increase (10%) she insists was promised to her. When she learned that it was denied, she sent a letter resigning her post just 10 days before the election. She rescinded her resignation only after Council member Lori Vargo Heffner stepped in and promised she would get Cozze that raise. 

McClure would actually go on to veto that raise, which was subsequently overridden by Council.  

Needless to say, Cozze was unhappy. 

McClur praised the work Cozze did but added that the county has been running elections for hundreds of years without Cozze and will continue to do so without her.  

In November 2023, I caught her posting a comment critical of the McClure administration that she sent from her US Senate IP. 

Amy Cozze is primarily interested in herself, not what's best for the county. 

From Tara Zrinski Campaign: Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski to Announce Candidacy at United Steelworkers Hall

What:
Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski, a dedicated public servant and former Northampton County Council At-Large member, will make a significant announcement alongside other Democratic candidates.

During the event, Zrinski will present her shared vision for the future of Northampton County, highlighting her commitment to building coalitions, fostering innovative solutions, and advancing the county’s legacy of sustainability and prosperity.

When:
Thursday, January 30^th, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Where:
United Steelworkers Hall
53 E Lehigh St
Bethlehem, PA 18018

Who:
Tara Zrinski, Northampton County Controller
Additional Democratic Candidates TBA

Democratic Supporters and Community Organizations

Why:
As the current Controller of Northampton County, Zrinski has championed transparency, efficiency, and progressive solutions. Her experience as a former Northampton County Council At-Large member further showcases her dedication to the community. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in her career and the future of Northampton County leadership.

Media Opportunities:

• On-site interviews with Tara Zrinski and other candidates
• Photo and video opportunities

RSVP & Inquiries:
For more information or to RSVP, please contact tara.zrinski@gmail.com

---

About Tara Zrinski

Tara Zrinski currently serves as Northampton County Controller, where she has implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve county operations. She is currently on the Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and is the Academic Relations Chair. She is a member of the IIA and Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) as well as the Pennsylvania State Association of County Controllers.

As a former Northampton County Council At-Large member, she had a proven track record of leadership and advocacy for sustainable development, public health, and social equity. As a commissioner, she was the Chair of the Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee and the Economic Development Committee. She spear-headed the creation of an ad hoc Committee to promote the production, manufacturing and processing of industrial hemp as well as the Karst Geology Advisory Council to address concerns for the Bushkill Creek.

She was member of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and the Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee where she participated in the Solar Task Force. She previously held positions on the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, Lehigh Planning Commission, Lehigh Economic Development Corporation, Conservation Districts Board and the Wildland’s Conservancy Boards.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and English with Specialized Honors from Drew University, and two Master’s Degrees, one in Theological Studies and the other in Pastoral Counseling, both from Moravian Theological Seminary, now Moravian University. She has taught Philosophy as an adjunct Professor at Northampton County Community College, Lehigh County Community College, Lehigh and DeSales. She worked as a labor organizer for Service Employee Industry Union, Healthcare in 2021. She is a mother of three boys, who was raised in Bethlehem Township, and currently lives in the City of Bethlehem.

NorCo Council Tables $35 Million Bond For New Parking Deck at Courthouse Complex

At an unusually brief meeting last night, Northampton County Council voted 6-2 to table a $35 million bond ordinance to finance the construction of a badly needed parking deck at the courthouse campus as well as an advanced radio system that would ensure communications among first responders throughout all four corners of the county.

Council member Jeff Corpora, who actually is a sponsor of the financing package, moved to table the ordinance because Council member Ron Heckman, who is battling a virus, was absent. Corpora's motion was seconded by Council member John Goffredo. 

Once a motion to table is made and is seconded, no debate is permitted. Voting to table were Corpora and Goffredo, joined by Council members Lori Vargo Heffner, John Brown, Tom Giovanni and Jeff Warren. Voting against the motion to table were Council members Ken Kraft and Kelly Keegan.

At a committee meeting the day before, financial advisor Scott Shearer told Council that he does not believe there will be any change in the interest rates between July, when a larger bond package was proposed, and now. He said bind pricing would be known in late February or early March.

The overall price for construction of a stand-alone garage will be about the same as it was when the project was first proposed in July, according to Gary Warren of Skanska. 

Executive Lamont McClure provided no report to Council.   

In other business, County Council voted 8-0 to adopt an ordinance effectively granting a no-fault divorce between the county and its conservation district. It has been removed from supervision by the county administration. 

Tina Cantelmi Seeks Seat On Bethlehem City Council

Blogger's Note: There are seven members of Bethlehem City Council. The seats held by Grace Crampsie Smith, Hillary Kwiatek, Rachel Leon and Kiera Wilhelm expire at the end of this year.

BETHLEHEM, PA (IMMEDIATE RELEASE)—Tina Cantelmi, a native of Bethlehem, communications specialist, and visual artist, has announced she will run for Bethlehem City Council. 

Cantelmi is a Freedom High School graduate whose career has included editorial positions for business trade publications, including Women's Wear Daily (WWD) in New York City.  After returning to Bethlehem in the early 90s to raise a family, Cantelmi became a popular weekly columnist for The Morning Call, a freelance feature writer for national and local publications, and a public relations consultant. 

Small business development will be a leading platform for Cantelmi, the granddaughter of the founder of a century-old South Bethlehem retailer. "Small businesses are essential to the local economy—they bring a unique character, provide essential local services, and create a sense of community," she says. 

Additionally, the candidate supports the following platforms.  

• Affordable Housing: Advocate policies to increase affordable housing options for residents. 

• Arts and Culture: Promote current programs and encourage the development of new programs to enrich the lives of people of all ages city-wide.

• Economic Development: Support local businesses and attract new investments to boost the local economy.

• Public Safety: Enhance public safety measures, including pedestrian and bicycle safety; police and fire support. 

• Environmental Sustainability: Implement eco-friendly policies to protect the environment. Promote our Tree City USA designation; boost awareness of tree care and the city's shade tree ordinance.

• Infrastructure Improvement: Maintain and improve local infrastructure - roads, bridges, parks, and public facilities.

• Education Support: Collaborate with local educational institutions to support quality education for all residents.

• History and Tourism: Promote and protect the city's rich cultural heritage. Invest in improving tourism services, such as public rest areas, to attract additional tourism revenues year-round. 

• Health and Wellness: Promote health and wellness programs to improve the community's overall well-being.

• Fiscal Responsibility: Ensure responsible budgeting and financial management to maintain the city's fiscal health.

"Our neighborhoods are highly distinctive, with deep histories, diverse ethnicities, beautiful architecture, trees, and waterways. Bethlehem is a precious place to live. I believe in protecting and enhancing our city as we grow into the future," sums the candidate. 

  Cantelmi earned a B.F.A. from The New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, New York. She continued her studies at The Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, where she later served as an adjunct professor. 

   For the past decade, Cantelmi has provided communications and event planning for the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation, a small Bethlehem-based non-profit dedicated to providing nourishing meals for families at hospice in addition to establishing the Judith Adele Agentis Education Fund and the first Palliative Care Fellowship in Pennsylvania at St. Luke's Hospital. 

Cantelmi lives in Bethlehem with her husband, Robert Agentis. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. In her spare time, Cantelmi often creates large, lively, contemporary abstract paintings. 

Susan Wild Takes Offense at My "Potshots," Threatens Libel

Yesterday, I told you that the rumors that NorCo Exec Lamont McClure had decided against seeking a third term were accurate. He told me (via text - he has laryngitis from shouting during the latest Eagles' victory) there's still a lot of "unfinished business" this year, like a bond to finance the construction of a new parking deck at the courthouse complex and a new radio system for first responders. After that he might return to the practice of law or "may explore other options to continue serving the public." One of those options certainly includes a run for the Congressional seat that Republican Ryan Mackenzie won in November against Democrat Susan Wild. That possibility has angered Wild, who apparently thinks the seat she lost in November is still hers.

After her loss, Wild fell off the planet for a month or two. But as word began to circulate that McClure might be eyeing that seat, Wild began reaching out to people I know, complaining about it. Then she suddenly appeared at Easton's Shiloh Baptist Church on MLK Day, where she glad-handed nearly everyone. Nearly. She snubbed McClure.

How do I know this? Well, I was not in attendance myself but heard about the snub from several very reliable people who were there.

I reported this in yesterday's story. Some of you don't read comments, or only read a few, but one of the reactions came from Wild herself. Here's what she had to say:

Bernie, I was hoping that your potshots might stop once I was out of office, but I guess it’s too much fun for you. For the record: The 118th Congress went back into session after the election and remained in session until almost Christmas. I fulfilled my duties and was in DC most of that time. And, as I very publicly said, I planned to give myself the grace of a month off in January, since I hadn’t enjoyed a period without working since I was in my teens. The MLK event at Shiloh has always been a favorite of mine, so I went to that and enjoyed it. I didn’t shun anyone. I also didn’t see you there, so you’re just making this stuff up. I don’t owe you any accounting of what I’m doing as a private citizen, but if you’re going to continue to disparage me, I’ll correct the record as necessary.

Oh. And I didn’t leak any ethics report. That was a smear campaign by a couple of Republicans. If I had leaked it to someone, don’t you think it would have come out long before the committee authorized its release? Your statement is libelous and I assume you know the law on libel. Just reprinting trash lies is not a defense.

Wild's comment and threat deserves a response:

Susan, the truth is that I paid very little attention to your race. Most of the news releases I received from the Mackenzie campaign went to my spam folder and I missed them. In October, I did post a blog about your car getting booted for unpaid fines. As I explained at the time, I could understand how you might have been busy. But there was another matter for which you were never cited, and that is parking your Toyota SUV in a handicapped spot with no placard. Even there, I was more than willing to accept a reasonable explanation. Perhaps you are handicapped and just forgot to use your placard. So I sent two emails to your campaign seeking an explanation. You and or your staff ignored them. Perhaps you were all too busy raising money from California donors to pay attention to an actual constituent. So the only conclusion I could reach is that you were, in fact, illegally parked in a handicapped spot. As I said at the time, "people who park in handicapped parking spaces are the lowest of the low. This selfish and completely inconsiderate behavior betrays [your] elitism, something [you have] already demonstrated in condescending comments about Carbon County voters."

You indicate that you returned to Washington after your loss and fulfilled your Congressional duties. That's simply untrue if the weekly summary of votes appearing in The Morning Call is accurate. It reports you as missing your vote on several pieces of legislation. Perhaps that is fake news.

Finally, you claim that my report about you leaking a House ethics report is libelous and that I should know the law on that subject. I do. You don't. What I did was write about was a Hill news story that you, as Ranking member of the House Ethics Committee, leaked derogatory information about a former Congressman after swearing an oath to keep everything confidential. Moreover, according to Congressional Insider, you admitted to being the source of the leaks and then skipped a meeting of the House Ethics Committee in which you would be called upon to explain yourself. 

I'll let you return to your hustle for campaign dollars from outside the district you supposedly represented. 

NorCo Council Member Tom Giovanni to Run For Exec

I've dubbed him the "Quiet Man" of Northampton County Council. Most politicians have a difficult time trying to be succinct, but not this guy. He follows Abraham Lincoln's admonition that it is better to be quiet and be thought a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt. When he does speak, people listen. His name is Tom Giovanni. He represents NorCo's District 4, which includes the slate belt and northern tier. He announced yesterday that he is running for County Executive. Below is his release:

(Plainfield Township, PA) Republican Northampton County Councilman Thomas Giovanni announced today that he is running for Northampton County Executive. Giovanni will formally announce his candidacy alongside a slate of Republican candidates for Northampton County row offices at an in-person press conference on February 6th.

“After seven years of failed leadership under County Executive Lamont McClure, it is time for a change in Northampton County,” said Giovanni. “Mr. McClure and his allies have taken Northampton County backwards. He failed in his constitutional responsibility to administer fair and secure elections; disastrously failed to give county residents an equal opportunity to vote after two election fiascos in 2019 and 2023; and even failed the most vulnerable of our county’s citizens by not maintaining the quality of care at Gracedale.”

“The dysfunction and incompetence of Mr. McClure’s tenure motivated me to offer better leadership and a new direction for Northampton County,” continued Giovanni. “I will help Northampton County reach a brighter future and continue to be a champion for every resident as I have done as a council member. No matter who Mr. McClure and his allies back in this election to continue his failed track record, it will not deter me from working to better Northampton County.”

“We need an executive who will work for the people of Northampton County instead of weaponizing the office and leaving the people of Northampton County behind. I will be making a formal announcement on February 6th, along with a slate of candidates that will truly fight for the people of Northampton County.”

McClure Sez No to Third Term as NorCo Exec

Earlier this month, I told you that rumors were spreading through NorCo's courthouse that Executive Lamont McClure had decided against seeking a third term. This is in spite of a $166,000 warchest heading into an election year. This is in spite of telling radio host Brad Osborne in December that he would seek re-election. It turns out that the rumors were correct. Yesterday he told WFMZ-TV69 that he will be riding off into the sunset. He later told me as well. The WFMZ-TV69 story reports that McClure's decision was "unexpected." It was actually the worst kept secret in the courthouse.  

He would likely have no primary opponent, so he could continue raising money for the general election. So why bow out?  In 2023, Northampton County voters, and by a 82.8% margin, approved a change to the Home Rule Charter limiting the Executive to two consecutive terms. Legally, that has no application to McClure because it applies prospectively. But I know that this plebiscite has had an impact on his thinking. He worries that seeking a third term might defy the express will of the voters. Plus, quite frankly, it's a grueling and thankless job. The longer you are in, the fewer friends you have. No NorCo Exec has lasted three terms. 

There were some corollary rumors. State Senator Lisa Boscola seriously considered the county's top spot and made numerous calls about what would be expected. Once she learned that it would be difficult for her to be poolside at the country club by noon in the summer, her desire to leave a comfortable job vanished. 

Democrats have reportedly talked Controller Tara Zrinski into running even though she's only served one year in that position. Though this is very much against her own will, she will still be defined by Republicans as a job hopper who runs for every seat that becomes available. I hope that the Democrats who persuaded her to run are willing to support her with some serious campaign money. 

And yes, there will be a Republican candidate. I've been tolf to expect an announcement very soon, possibly as early as today. 

So what will McClure do?  He told me he might return to the practice of law or "explore other options to consider serving the public."

That would certainly include a run for Congress to challenge recently elected Ryan Mackenzie in next year's midterms. 

Susan Wild, who was defeated by Mackenzie, fell off the planet after that race, especially after it was reported that she had leaked an investigative report into another Congress member. But she's back. On Martin Luther King Day, she was at Shiloh Baptist Church in Easton, shaking hands everywhere she went.

Except for McClure. She snubbed him.  

Allentown Conducts Segregated "Healing Sessions" To Combat Racism

Yesterday, most government workers, schoolteachers and banks took the day off in honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. He, and many like him, fought for the Civil Rights, Voting Rights and Fair Housing Acts.  Groups like the Freedom Riders peacefully protested segregation despite being beaten, fire-bombed and arrested. This segregation existed locally, too. Blacks were barred from swimming in our local pools. When they did, the pools were drained.  Now, despite the valiant efforts of civil rights leaders to bring people together, Allentown is doing its best to drive them apart with absurd "healing sessions" in response to a noose supposedly found on the computer of an employee who has made complaints about discrimination at city hall. 

Get this. These "healing sessions," which were conducted on Friday, were divided into two groups. One was for black, the indigenous and persons of color. The other was for whites, even those who call themselves "allies" to persons of color. This initiative imposes the very segregation that civil rights leaders fought against for decades. 

A letter to city staff states, "The purpose of these affinity spaces is not to divide AT ALL. We do not want people thinking that we are dividing by ethnicity, to put people on separate sides or ideals."

Whatever the intention, that is precisely what happened. George Wallace would have been proud. 

By the way, the "affinity space" for persons of color is a basement.  

Trump 2.0

When Donlad Trump was first elected in 2016, Democrats responded with fury. Locally, Lehigh Valley For All (who agree with us) was formed. Nationally, there was the million-woman march, complete with pink hats. This time around, it's mostly a whimper. I confess to feeling resigned to four very uncertain years. 

My feelings can be summed up in Dave Chappelle's message to Trump: "Remember, whether people voted for you or not, they’re all counting on you. Whether they like you or not, they’re all counting on you. The whole world is counting on you. I mean this when I say this — good luck. Please do better next time. Please, all of us do better next time. Do not forget your humanity, and please have empathy for displaced people, whether they’re in the Palisades or Palestine.”

I believe we all can do better, and that includes me. 

Expect County Exec Announcements This Week

Earlier this month, I told you of rumors wafting through Northampton County Courthouse halls that County Exec Lamont McClure had decided against seeking a third term. This would be contrary to what he told radio host Brad Osborne when he appeared on his radio show on December 11. But that was then. Since that time, he has declined to declare his intentions. I believe his silence will come to an end this week, possibly on Wednesday. 

There is little doubt in my mind that he's stepping aside. As I explained a few weeks ago, a citizen plebiscite limiting an executive to two terms weighs on his mind even though it has no application to him. If nothing else, it would be a ready-made issue for his opponents. His future intentions are unknown. He has reactivated his law license, so he might just want to return to the practice of law. 

So who will be running, if not him?

State Senator Lisa Boscola was rumored to be running. She often likes to tell people that she wants to run and has been doing that for at least the past decade. This time around, she seemed more serious as she made several calls to local politicos. I'll believe it when I see it. As a State Senator, she lives a fairly carefree life. She can be at the country club pool by noon most days. Moreover, she gets no scrutiny from Harrisburg reporters. I can guarantee that would change if she decided to run for Executive. She would be under a magnifying glass, as she should be. If she decided to get drunk and put on an embarrassing display at Larry Holmes' recent birthday bash, I would be reporting it. I doubt she wants the kind of scrutiny she deserves.

So if not her, who? 

Democrats apparently have talked Tara Zrinski, the Kenny Pickett of NorCo Dems, into running and against her own will. She is doing a fine job as Controller and would have liked to have avoided the rat race of another campaign just one year after being elected. She knows she will be painted as an opportunist who runs for every job that comes along.  She would do better to follow her own instincts than listen to other politicos like McClure and Boscola, who assure her she can win. 

If that's what they think, they should put their money where their mouths are and give her sizable campaign donations so she can mount a campaign. That has historically been her major weakness. 

If Tara decides this really is bad for her own political future, which it is, then who?

There's the Tanner McKee of NorCo Dems, Steve Barron. He has thrown no passes for a few years, so he could actually be more like Carson Wentz. I think Steve is quite happy where he is. 

What about Republicans? Do they have a candidate? I am told they do and that I should expect an announcement on Wednesday. 

What about Lehigh County? We know that State Rep. Josh "Fuck the Police" Siegel is running on the Dem side and is amazingly unopposed. On the GOP side, I expect either or both former State Rep. Justin Simmons and former Allentown City Council member Roger MacLean to announce. 

Allentown Ponders "Welcoming" Ordinance For Immigrants

At the rate that Allentown is investigating itself, it might soon need a tax increase just to cover the host of investigations and lawsuits concerning those investigations. But that's only the start. On Wednesday, the City Council also considered a "welcoming" ordinance that would protect immigrants without regard to status. According to a summary from LehighValleyNews, city employees would be blocked from sharing the immigration status of residents unless required by federal law. The matter has been referred to Council's Public Safety Committee. 

Though from Ecuador, Lehigh County Comm'r Jon Irons spoke in favor of this legislation. He was festooned in a keffiyeh, otherwise known as a Yasser Arafat scarf. It's unknown whether he's advocating for this on a county level. " Sharon Finnigan argued that people have the right to feel safe, adding that similar legislation has already passed in Lancaster. "There ain't no power like the power of the people," added Jessie Lopez.

And therein lies the rub. The people decided in the most recent Presidential race to support a candidate who wants to deport millions of illegals. Like it or not, a majority of American voters feel unsafe with the status quo. A "welcoming" ordinance may be very unwelcome to them. 

In response to this city initiative, Lancaster County Commissioners passed a resolution declaring Lancaster a "non-sanctuary county" and called on the City to rescind its ordinance. Three Indiana cities have rescinded their "welcoming" city legislation after being threatened by the state attorney general with litigation.  

Numerous cities throughout the country, including Philadelphia, are certified welcoming cities. Though similar to a sanctuary city, a welcoming city must still comply with federal law. 

Palmer Tp Police Seek 15 YO Runaway Missing Since January 10

FROM PALMER TP POLICE: On Friday January 10, 2025, Palmer Twp PD took a report for missing Juvenile identified as Enci Wu nickname “Aubrey” (DOB 7/24/2010, 145 lbs., Asian female) Wu snuck out of her parents’ house in Palmer Township while her parents were sleeping. Wu was seen on video surveillance camera wearing navy blue sweater w/ red on the sleeves and light color pants and a small overnight bag. Wu left the home sometime after 1828 hours. Police received information on 01/11/25 that Wu was last seen in the In the Allentown area, near Parkland High school. She has since disposed of a secret cellular phone she had and left the area prior to Police arriving at a residence where she was temporarily staying. Anybody in contact or has any further information with Enci Wu, that will assist locating this missing juvenile, Please call The Palmer Township Police Department Non Emergency 610-759-2200 or dial 9-1-1. Wu was last seen wearing a Nirvana band grey hoodie, black yoga pants, and white Nike Billie Eilish sneakers. Thank you. 

UPDATE / REWARD: As of Wednesday January 15, 2025, anonymous donor from the Easton Area is providing a reward of $2000.00 for information leading to the location and safe return, of the missing Palmer Township girl, Enci "Aubrey" Wu. Anybody currently in contact with Enci Wu, or has any information about her whereabouts, please call The Palmer Township Police Department non-emergency number 610-759-2200 or dial 9-1-1. Thank you.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://northampton.crimewatchpa.com/palmertwppd/44270/broadcasts/missing-juvenile-update-reward?fbclid=IwY2xjawH1dwRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdrGVH8-M0JcWULFD2HCk5VTbN9TBvKn09LQm3QJwS3qXCBGBx8kTiURjg_aem_JUYJVtX79CKkDghGKilxyw

Allentown City Council Reports That FBI Working "In Tandem" With Allentown Police Over Alleged Noose Incident

At the beginning of last night's Allentown City Council, but not before praying to Jesus, Council President Cynthia Mota announced that earlier that day, Council conducted a questionable and possibly illegal executive session with Allentown police concerning the noose that was supposedly discovered early last Friday. She then reported that the FBI is working "in tandem" with Allentown police to uncover the truth.

She failed to disclose that it was in fact a city council member who supposedly discovered this noose at City Hall on Friday, on a floor where this member has no business. No explanation was given for the presence of this member of City Council member, or whether this is a possible attempt to throw a monkey wrench into Tuerk's re-election.  

Given that the Sunshine Act's exceptions for executive sessions have no application to this situation, I question City Council's ability to determine what is or is not legal. That meeting should have been open to the public spotlight. 

Mayor Matt Tuerk, described by one of my readers as a 4th degree black belt in virtue signaling, was conspicuously absent. "Where's our Mayor?" asked saloon owner Don Ringer. "This is an important meeting." It certainly is to those trying to set him up as the mastermind of a racist city hall. 

A parade of outraged citizens addressed Council, not one of whom suggested that this could have been put there for political purposes or to lend credibility to claims of racism. 

I referred to Mota as City Council President, but Daryl Hendricks was elected President later that evening. 

After agreeing to spend $50,000 for a related civil investigation and incredibly, is considering hiring yet another law firm to conduct even more investigations. 

A Tale of Two Developers

According to The Morning Call, Allentown developer Nat Hyman was before Palmer Tp's Zoning Hearing Board last week seeking a use variance that will enable him to convert a Crayola Crayon office building near the Tatamy Trail and Bushkill Creek into 94 one-bedroom apartments for working people. This is similar to what he has already done 40 times. and mostly in the Lehigh Valley, from Allentown to Northampton and Nazareth. He is probably doing more to provide affordable housing than any local government, often without their help and usually with some roadblocks. 

Hyman's project is similar to and one mile away from the Dixie Project in Wilson Borough, where an old factory is being converted into luxury apartments at rents that most working people are unable to afford. It will attract transplants from NJ and NY who can commute and afford higher rents. It will do nothing to provide workforce housing for those who need it and will likely just aggravate what everyone claims is a national crisis. 

But local government is falling all over itself to help a developer who has never done a single project in the Lehigh Valley or anywhere else, for that matter. He's on track for a $29 million TIF break and a $10 million Rcap. 

Does this make sense? 

Is Allentown's Supposed Noose Story a Set-Up?

According to both The Morning Call and LehighValleyNews, Allentown employee LaTarsha Brown found what appeared to be a small noose on her computer when she reported to work on Friday morning. She just happens to be the very employee who has made multiple accusations of racism and harassment at City Hall. City Council member Ce-Ce (from DC) Gerlach was quick to call the incident a "hate crime." An investigation by Allentown police isn't good enough for outraged activists, who want to involve the FBI in tracking down the bigot who supposedly placed this symbol of racial hatred.  In addition to investigating a possible hate crime, I'd suggest that police or FBI or INTERPOL look into another possibility as well. - false reports. 

While possible, I find it hard to believe that someone would place a noose on the computer of a city employee who has repeatedly claimed that she and others are victims of racism. It's equally possible that it was placed there in an attempt to make the allegations of bigotry seem more credible. Another reason for the hangman's noose is to strangle Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk's quest for re-election. Several members of City Council would be pleased by that outcome. 

Here's what neither news account has revealed. This was reported to authorities by a City Council member who just happened to be at City Hall on a Friday morning at 6:30 am. Though Council's meeting room is on the first floor, and city council offices are on the fifth floor, this City Council member was on the third floor, where this employee's office is located and where there are no cameras. What the hell was this person doing there? If there in response to a tip, who did that come from? 

Elected officials and city employees are issued ID cards and can enter City Hall at any time, but there is a record of it. And there are cameras on the first floor and entrances. 

I'm unwilling to identify this City Council member at this time, but this person is no friend of Tuerk or his re-election efforts. It will come out with the wash. For now, I'll leave you hanging. 

Blogger;s Note: Michael Molovinsky has a related story about the politics of racism.

Will NorCo Exec Lamont McClure Seek Third Term?

Early in his second term, NorCo Exec Lamont McClure dropped numerous hints on social media that he would be seeking a third term. This is something no NorCo Exec has done. By this time, I would have expected an announcement, as he tends to kick off his campaigns early. In fact, I expected an announcement of a team of county council candidates as well who have his stamp of approval. But I'm hearing the opposite. Numerous rumors are wafting through the courthouse hallways from people who say he's going to step down when his term expires. McClure himself has thus far declined to state his intentions. 

Is he afraid he'd lose? I doubt it. His most recent campaign finance report, filed Friday, reveals he's sitting on a $166,454 warchest. Council President Lori Vargo Heffner has been rumored as a potential primary opponent, which might explain some of the fractious relations between County Council and the Exec. But it is highly unlikely that could raise the kind of money she'd need to wage a successful primary contest. How about the general? In the last cycle, Republicans chose a divisive and poorly informed candidate who was unable to get out if his own way. There are good Republicans who could make for an interesting race, but few are willing to spend the time and effort to run a half billion-dollar operation for a meager $85,000 a year salary. While NorCo swung to the right in the 2024 Presidential race, the voters who vote in those races generally skip municipal elections. Aside from his inability to get along with County Council, McClure probably has the best record of accomplishments of any Exec since the Home Rule Charter was adopted. I particularly like the proactive approach to emergencies, from the pandemic to the Blue Mountain wildfire to a train derailment in Lower Saucon Tp. His response to the fentanyl crisis has actually resulted in a reduction of overdose deaths. On top of all this, he's never raised taxes and even cut them in one of his years in office. 

So why drop out? In 2023, Northampton County voters, and by a 82.8% margin, approved a change to the Home Rule Charter limiting the Executive to two consecutive terms. Legally, that has no application to McClure because it applies prospectively. But I know that this plebiscite has had an impact on his thinking. He worries that seeking a third term might defy the express will of the voters. Plus, quite frankly, it's a grueling and thankless job. The longer you are in, the fewer friends you have. 

Another rumor floating around is that State Senator Lisa Boscola might seek the county's top spot. That might explain why her Chief of Staff, Joe Kelly, has decided against seeking a judgeship. I have heard this rumor for the past 10 years, so it's unclear to me whether Boscola is serious. 

Controller Zrinski Finds No Irregularities in Audit NorCo's Child Support System

If you live in NorCo and are separated or divorced with children, you likely have come into contact with Domestic Relations, an arm of the Courts. It establishes support orders and paternity, locates absent parents and enforces. This is required by federal regulations and state law in order to ensure that non-custodial parents contribute toward the support of their dependents, allowing them to stay off the welfare rolls and therefore save taxpayer dollars. Some of my readers have complained and even sued over the way Domestic Relations handles support. But it collects and pays out a lot of money, $41.5 million support in 2018. It also received $85,000 in fees. That's just 0.0002 in administrative costs. This important part of the courts, which helps our children was recently audited by Stacy Duke and Controller Tara Zrinski for compliance with internal controls, policies and procedures. Here's what they found:

"Our audit of the Domestic Relations Section (Domestic Relations) revealed that internal controls over cash, receipts and disbursements are functioning as intended. The three financial analysts and their support staff are able to properly segregate duties and retain complete and proper documentation for the financial transactions. Receipts for support payments and other fees are collected and accounted for by DRS financial staff and then properly recorded in the statewide PA Child Support Enforcement System (PACSES). Support payments are deposited the following business day in the PACSES support bank account which is swept daily by the State Collection and Disbursement Unit (SCDU) for distribution to plaintiffs. Payments collected by DRS for certain other fees are deposited in the County’s common bank account via the Revenue Division."

The following items were tested:

 Determine if receipts (support) are deposited intact daily and into the proper bank account. 

 Determine if SCDU funds sweeps from the support account were for the correct amount and if the detailed support payments entered into PACSES by DRS were accurate. 

 Determine if there were any withdrawals from the bail account during the period being audited. 

 Determine if there were any withdrawals from the support account that were not initiated by SCDU during the period being audited. 

 Determine if bank accounts are being reconciled monthly by an accountant and then reviewed by the director of DRS. 

 Determine if there is $100 in “change” in the cash drawers before any transactions are taken into account. 

 Determine if the activity posted to the DRS Agency fund is accurate.

NorCo Council Introduces $35 Million Bond For New Parking Deck

In a rare uneventful meeting, NorCo Council last night introduced a $35 million bond. The project contemplated includes (1) the design and construction of a new parking deck at the courthouse complex; (2) renovations and improvements at the jail; and (3) improvements to the emergency management system. A previous and larger bond, which would have included a new office building by the courthouse, was defeated last year. 

The bond ordinance is being co-sponsored by Council members Jeff Warren and Jeff Corpora. 

Absent last night were Council members Ken Kraft, whose father-in-law passed away, and John Brown. 

Eastom Lawyer Jeremy Clark Expected To Announce Judicial Candidacy Today

I told you earlier this week that Bob Eyer, NorCo's First Assistant DA, has announced his candidacy for the judgeship being vacated by Judge Tony Beltrami. He was the first out of the gate, but I expect to see several more candidates.

One of them is Easton Attorney Jeremy Clark. He's expected to make his announcement tomorrow. He is an Assistant City Solicitor in Easton. Over the years, I've seen him in action at several zoning hearings and he's good. What I did not know until I looked at his webpage is that he's served three combat tours as an infantry officer with the 82d Airborne, one of the Army's most elite units. My daughter served with that unit in Iraq. 

I doubt I'll be able to attend his announcement as I have several conflicts today but will publish his announcement when I get it. 

Expect to see more candidates announce in the coming days. 

Should Elected Officials Be Sanctioned For Missing Meetings.

Easton City Council members Frank Pintabone and Crystal Rose last night discussed the possibility of some form of disciplinary action aimed at Council members who miss meetings, extending from docked pay to an annual report on member attendance. Although it is virtually impossible to remove absent members, legislation can easily be crafted to penalize elected officials when they miss meetings. Pintabone also suggested that elected officials who travel to conferences at taxpayer expense should be required to report to the entire body on what was learned. 

Pintabone is hoping to have a least one measure ready by the end of the month.

"It sets the precedent going forward," He observed. "I think accountability is important," agreed Rose, who urged an annual attendance report so that residents can see for themselves who is showing up and who is absent. 

The only Council member opposed to the idea was Taiba Sultana, who called in from Belgium. Before last night's meeting, she had missed 8 meetings or executive sessions in a row, including the amendment and adoption of the city budget. She said that forcing her to attend would interfere with her "autonomy."

Pintabone observed that any employee who failed to show up would be fired. "We owe the public the right to know that we're in attendance," added Council VP Kenny Brown. "If you're not going to show up and do your job you should step aside," said Rose. 

Although Mayor Sal Panto said he agrees with the proposal, he is bothered that this is a response to the absences of just one member. 

I believe this is a measure designed to ensure transparency and accountability, and force elected officials to do their job or face consequences. 

In NorCo, Council President Lori Vargo Heffner went on a taxpayer-funded trip to the National Association of Counties yet refuses to give a report unless everyone else does for the conferences they attend. This should be mandatory for all of them. 

NorCo Council member Ken Kraft missed three budget hearings, which is where some of the most important work is done.