Gracedale Has Strategic Plan For Future, But It Will Have to Wait Until Next Month

I published three stories on Thursday, all of which were related to Gracedale. One dealt with about half of the $5 million retention bonuses authorized by NorCo Council for Gracedale career service workers that was spent instead on operations. This happened without the assent of Council. Executive Lamont McClure told Council that even he was unaware of this until January of this year. A second story dealt with a daycare at the nursing home that was approved by County Council over three years ago but is still waiting for a state inspection and license. The third dealt with the agency nursing at the facility, which is somewhere between 70 and 80% of the staff. Council members want to know exactly how many agency nursing staffers are used there and what we've been paying them. I actually could have written more. Once again, the Controller's office was peppered with questions about the audit. And Council member John Brown has repeatedly claimed that finances there are a mess, and that the county is covering a deficit. This has been repeatedly denied by McClure and Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron with answers that make sense to me, but Brown has basically called them liars in his monotonal condescending style that would otherwise put you to sleep. Last night, Council was supposed to get answers to its questions with a presentation from Michelle Morton, Gracedale's new administrator. But it didn't happen. Instead, County Council listened for nearly an hour to a presentation from Battle Borne, leaving precious little time to discuss Gracedale before the Energy Committee was meeting. So most of Council's questions will have to wait until next month. 

Council member Ron Heckman suggested that the next meeting of Council's Human Services Committee should be devoted exclusively to Gracedale. He recommended that all management staff should be present as well. "I'm very concerned about what's happened. I'm very concerned more so for the future." 

Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski said that administrators have come up with a "strategic plan" for the home, and that will be provided next month. 

Gracedale Administrator Michelle Morton started at the home in mid-March. She has over 40 years of experience in long-term care. Between January and May of this year, the nursing home has paid $9,102,000 for agency nursing staff.  They worked 164,000 hours through June 6, which means the home is paying an average of least $55.50 an hour for outsiders. 

Morton told Council that the home's nursing staff is 70-80% agency. 

Although Morton's strategic plan will have to wait until next month, she said "we have already made a lot of progress moving forward. ... We have the right team in place."

Council member John Goffredo demurred. "From everything I'm hearing from people who have been there a long time, that's not the case." He noted that the home is only 25% staffed by actual employees. "We can't keep going at the rate we are. We're here to help but we need to be told realistically what's going on." 

Two other Council members had a diametrically opposite view. Council member Jeff Warren thanked Morton for taking care of his mother in the rehab facility for the past two weeks when no other rehab facility would take her. Council member Kelly Keegan noted the home has improved in census, nursing care time, an increased rating and a decrease in overtime. She added that Gracedale cared for her grandmother once her funds were exhausted at other homes. 

She questioned why, with all the improvements at Gracedale, half of Council continues to put out "an illusory truth effect", i.e. repeating the same false information until it is believed as true. 

I am very dubious about Brown's claims, although even Executive Lamont McClure has agreed that discussions about the home's finances are always worthwhile. And there is no dispute that a home that is staffed largely by outsiders is unsustainable. And Ron Heckman is absolutely right to suggest that the county needs to plan long-term. While nursing homes like Gracedale are indispensable now, will they be needed in 50 years? Will any nursing homes be needed? 

McClure: Retention Bonuse $ Spent on Gracedale Operations, It Is Not Missing

Back in March, NorCo Council member John Brown wanted to know what happened to $5 million in retention bonuses, set aside by Council for Gracedale employees. By a 8-1 vote, Council tasked Controller Tara Zrinski with finding out how much money had been spent, and what was left. Brown was the sole dissenter, and that was because he wanted a report within 20 days. 

Council had the right to wonder what had happened. They, and not the Executive, control the purse strings. And it is they who directed that $5 million in federal pandemic funds be used to stop the bleeding of nursing home staff. They actually did so at the request of Executive Lamont McClure. It was his idea. 

Zrinski's audit concludes that, of the $5 million approved for retention bonuses, only $2.36 million was actually paid to employees. The rest was used for operating expenses at the nursing home. Three bargaining units at Gracedale gave up the bonuses in exchange for higher pay. These agreements were unknowingly ratified by County Council. Had they known that the retention bonuses were ending. But there was no agreement with career service to end bonuses in exchange for higher pay. They just ended.

In her audit, Zrinski notes that since the money was commingled with other Gracedale funds, it is impossible to state exactly how each dollar was spent. 

McClure addressed this issue again at last night's Governance Committee.

"You continue to say things like '$2.6 million is missing.' Well, it's not missing. The Controller's report said it went to operating expenses ... . I provided you with an explanation as to what happened. I can provide you with further explanation as to what occurred. " 

He then said he was providing Council with Gracedale's expenses in 2024, which consist of 4,000 invoices over 12,000 pages "so you can be definitively sure that all of the money was spent at Gracedale." He added that, after a review for possible HIPPA restrictions against public disclosure of sensitive health information, these records will also be released to the public. "Most of it went for agency expenditures, overtime for agency folks and overtime that shouldn't have been paid."

McClure went on to say that "I was as angry as you were when I learned they had spent all the money. ... What I found when I was doing my investigation is what's akin to waste, fraud and abuse in overtime. with respect to some of the very folks [career service employees] that you're concerned about not having that final retention bonus payment."

McClure went on to explain that these non-nursing career service employees claimed an average 324.78 hours of overtime per pay period in 2023. In 2024, they claimed 270.35 hours of overtime per pay period. He said this added up to about $1 million over two years "that didn't need to be spent." He said that, as of today, there are 47 hours of overtime per pay period.

Council member Tom Giovanni wondered why McClure failed to come to County Council once he discovered this problem. "You should have done that in January, you already knew something was going on in January."

McClure acknowledged that he should have told County Council in January about this problem. 

UPDATED: What Is the Status of the Daycare at NorCo's Daycare?

On May 19, 2022, Northampton County Council approved the appropriation of $2 million in federal pandemic funds to establish a daycare at Gracedale to attract and retain staff at the nursing home, and if possible, at the 911 and forensic centers as well. 

Council was advised that this daycare is a pilot program and might ultimately be expanded to include the entire county. 

The only Council members opposed were John Brown and John Goffredo. 

Over a year passed before the daycare renovations were completed. The county spent $562,399, split among General Contractor – CMG of Easton, Inc.; Mechanical (HVAC) – JBM Mechanical; and Electrical – Billitier Electric. The daycare will be operated by Learning Locomotion. It will accommodate between 30-50 kids and operate between 6:30 am and 7 pm for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old. 

After that, a certificate of occupancy was needed from Upper Nazareth Township. It was finally obtained in April or May, and the next step is licensing. 

The state must inspect the proposed daycare before issuing a license and is expected to do in August, according to Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski. She told County Council yesterday that the state will probably need to inspect the property twice.  Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron also reported that the county has set aside $800,000 in pandemic funds to pay for the daycare's operation through at least one year. 

Since County Council appropriated $2 million for the daycare, and only $1.3 million is accounted for, where is the remaining $700,000? Hopefully, it's not in Gracedale's general fund. 

UPDATED 8:17 AM: Administration sources tell me the remaining $700,000 has been spent on licensing, permitting fees, payments to the vendor and outfitting the daycare with furniture and supplies. I would expect that, given what happened to the retention bonuses, County Council would ask for a breakdown of how the $2 million appropriated for the daycare has been spent.

How Many Agency Nurses Are at Gracedale and How Much Have We Spent For Them?

During a Finance meeting yesterday, Council members John Brown and John Goffredo asked Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron to provide a written report on exactly how much the county has spent for agency nursing in 2023, 2024 and this year. They also want a breakdown of agency staff employed at the home and have asked for copies of all nursing contracts between Gracedale and outside nursing agencies. 

Human Services Director told Council that outside agencies had provided 80% of the nursing duties at Gracedale, but the percentage has dropped to about 70%. Goffredo responded he wants to see the numbers. 

At tonight's Human Services Committee, Gracedale administrators are expected to provide a full report on all operations at the home, including agency nursing. 

UPDATED: Following the Money in the Pa. 07 Congressional Race: All But One Croswell Donation Comes From Outside the District

There are currently four Congressional candidates in the Pa. 07 race. Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie and Democrats Lamont McClure, Carol Obando-Derstine and Ryan Croswell. 

Croswell, a Republican who recently turned Democrat, is the newest of the bunch. He only announced in June. According to his July quarterly, he has already raised $320,979.91. But interestingly, all but one of his contributions are from outside of the district. In fact, most of them are from outside of the state. 

This should come as no surprise, as he has resided pretty much everywhere but in the Lehigh Valley he now wants to represent. 

McClure raised $87,121.93 between March and the end of June and currently has $92,768.15 in his campaign account. Although much of his money comes from within the district, they also include people who are employed by the county. He also reports $27,000 from five different trade unions. 

The July quarterlies for Obando-Derstine and Mackenzie are still unavailable to me. I was able to examine the "raw data" online for McClure and Croswell, but the information for the other two candidates is still unavailable. 

UPDATED 2:40 PM:  The campaign finance reports for all four Congressional candidates in the Pa. 07 race are now available on the FEC webpage. 

Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie has raised $1,469,186.04 between Jan 1 and Jun 30. He has spent $377,620.50, leaving him with a treasury of $1,194,805.45.

Democrat Lamont McClure has raised $229,386.04 between Jan 1 and Jun 30. He has spent $136,617.89, leaving him with a treasury of $92,768.15.

Democrat Ryan Croswell has raised $320,979.91 between Jan 1 and Jun 30. He has spent $66,976.62, leaving him with a treasury of $254,003.29.

Democrat Carol Obando-Derstine has raised $208,573.23 between Jan 1 and Jun 30. She has spent $85,603.29, leaving her with a treasury of $122,969.94.

Mackenzie has raised more money than all three Democrats combined. 

Boscola Wants to Reduce Size of State House and Senate

Pa. State Senator Lisa Boscola (D - Lehigh/Northampton) wants to trim the state house membership from 203 to 101, and the state senate from 50 to 38. Though no Bill has been formally submitted, she has circulated this memo to seek cosponsors:

Soon, I will be introducing legislation to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Under this proposal, the House of Representatives would decrease from 203 members to 101 members, and the Senate would decrease from 50 members to 38 members. 

Pennsylvania currently has the largest full-time state legislature in the nation. While the importance of strong constituent representation cannot be overstated, the size and cost of our legislature have become unsustainable and outdated for the needs of a modern and efficient government.

 This proposal is about responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Fewer legislators will reduce the overall cost of government by lowering expenses related to salaries, benefits, staffing, and daily operational costs. It will also allow us to modernize how we serve our constituents, taking full advantage of technological tools that make it easier than ever for elected officials to stay connected to the people they represent, even within larger districts.

Beyond the fiscal and procedural benefits, this reform is a direct response to what we continue to hear from voters across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvanians have repeatedly expressed their desire for a smaller, more efficient, and more accountable legislature. This legislation offers a real opportunity to deliver on that expectation.

I urge you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.

She has also suggested that the state should go on a two-year budget cycle, which would certainly be helpful to county and other municipal governments. 

Unfortunatley, similar efforts in the past have failed. 

How Will One Big Beautiful Bill Impact SNAP (Food Assistance)

How will the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21) impact snap benefits? It will reduce them. The National Association of Counties has analyzed the changes. Here is a summary:

1) Previously, the federal government fully funded SNAP. But states overpay out an average of about 10%. Now states with a payment error rate over 6% will be required to pay between 5-15% of the benefits. States that keep their payment error rate under 6% will be fully funded. 

Pennsylvania currently receives $4,268 millions in federal food aid. Its payment error rate is currently 12%. It has until FY 2028 to lower that rate but could get that extended until FY 2030. 

2) Administrative costs are being shifted. Feds currently pay half of the costs of administering SNAP, but that will drop to 25% in FY 2027.

3) Able bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18 and 64 will have to work 20 hours a week. If they don't, they can still get SNAP for three months. Although this change is controversial, the previous law also imposed a work requirement on those between 18 and 54. 

Since this change to SNAP is conveniently delayed until after next year's midterms, no one is going to be feeling any pain until then. 

LC Comm'r Jon Irons Refusing to Stand or Participate in Pledge - A Photo

Yesterday, I told you that LC Comm'r Jon Irons refuses to stand during the pledge of allegiance. As I noted, this pledge is voluntary In fact, he has a constitutional right to decline to participate in what could be criticized as "performance patriotism." 

I think those who voted to put Irons in elected office as their representative have a right to know that they elected someone who refuses to participate in an expression of unity around our American ideals.

A reader has sent me a photo of Irons refusing to participate from the June 25 meeting, and I thought I'd share it with you. 

Lehigh County Comm'r Refuses to Stand For Pledge, Encourages People "To Stand in Front and Block Ice"

Jon Irons was elected as one of Lehigh County's nine members of its Board of Commissioners in 2023. He refers to himself on his Facebook page as a "Police Abolitionist, Anti-Capitalist, Anti-Racist, Lehigh County Commissioner."  He and several other Comm'rs participated in the July 9 meeting via Zoom, but when he has been physically present, he has refused to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance that usually kicks off public meetings. He also recently encouraged people in a NBC televised broadcast "to stand in front and block ICE from taking neighbors whenever possible."

This was pointed out by my evil Republican brother, Mike O'Hare, at that meeting. My brother acknowledged that this pledge is voluntary. We are, after all, a free country. I could understand someone who is upset about the direction in which this nation is heading. But the pledge itself is an expression of our unity around the noble principles upon which this country was founded, as the Constitution expresses, "to form a more perfect union."

Attorney Ettore "Ed" Angelo, who also spoke at that meeting, defended Irons. "It's called freedom," he said, and it is. And I think the people who voted to put Irons in office should know he has so little regard for this country that he refuses to participate in the pledge. Even I do that. 

I also think it's dangerous to instruct constituents to physically obstruct law enforcement from doing its job. That is actually criminal. There are legal ways to take law enforcement to task when they act like cowboys. Obstruction is about the most foolish thing an elected official should say to anyone. 

As my brother observes, "An elected official should never encourage anyone to knowingly and willingly put themselves in a position where they may face arrest or violate any law. Such statements are reckless and irresponsible. They carry additional authority when made by an elected official and may put people and the County in needless jeopardy."

Could "Community Villages" Help Our Elderly Population Better Than a Nursing Home?

Unlike most of the rest of the state, both Lehigh and NorCo both maintain nursing homes to care for the elderly. At least in NorCo's case, most would have a difficult time getting into a privately-run facility. Executive Lamont McClure has consistently maintained, both as a member of County Council and now as top dog, that it is our "moral obligation." Without doubt, it serves a meaningful humanitarian mission. But dark clouds loom on the horizon, and we should start studying alternatives that might actually do a better job of serving our elderly than packing them four to a room.

During COVID, we experienced the Great Resignation in which many employees left their jobs. This became a major problem at Gracedale, which at one point enlisted the national guard to provide nursing service. According to Skilled Nursing News, this problem remains. Turnover among CNAs alone is 44%, despite increases in compensation and other perks. Gracedale, like 60% of all nursing homes, is forced to rely on agency nurses and to decrease census, which in turn makes them unsustainable in the long run. The county could make a pitch for foreign workers, but given the current immigration climate, that seems to be a no-starter.

On top of the staffing crisis, there's reason to be concerned about the intergovernmental transfer, a creative financial mechanism under which counties pool their money to get a larger federal grant each year. Without that, Gracedale would have a far more difficult time breaking even. But it could be on the chopping block. Conservative think-tanks like Paragon Health Institute describe it as "money laundering." Even former President Joe Biden called it a "scam".

It's unclear to me whether the recently enacted Medicaid cuts will impact nursing homes. I refuse to engage in the histrionics of Hakeem Jeffries. But no one can dispute that the federal government is becoming less willing to fund our social safety net. 

With all of this in mind, let me introduce you to the "Villages of Baltimore County," which recently provided $50,000 to six nonprofits specifically to help our older population to age in place. There are 285 such villages nationwide. 

This is more than a plan for paying for home health care aides. Volunteers can help the elderly make it o doctor visits or grocery shopping. Scouting groups have planted community gardens with real and healthy food.

I believe something like this would be far less costly to the county and would give our older population a little more dignity than packing them into a room. 

What do you think?

Lehigh Valley Planning Comm'n: Industrial and Warehouse Development Declining

Lehigh Valley Planning Comm'n Exec Director Becky Bradley provided Northampton County Council with an annual update at Council's July 3 meeting. 

It reviewed nearly 1,000 plans throughout the Lehigh Valley. It also examines grant applications, proposed municipal ordinances and plans, sewage and solid waste plan reviews, stormwater projects, traffic impact statements and permit reviews.

Bradley noted a surge of 3,519 residential units proposed last year, of which 2,323 are apartments. This year, 375 housing units have been proposed through April, of which 97 are apartments and 211 are townhouses. 

In 2024, 6 million sq ft of commercial development was proposed in 2024, of which 4.7 million is industrial and 4.1 million is warehouse. Nearly 1 million sq. ft in commercial development has been proposed this year through April, of which nearly 0.5 million is industrial and 317,000 is for warehouses.

Bradely said that the market for industrial development is changing as companies consolidate and the amount of available space declines. She expects this decline to continue, especially as municipalities have adopted more stringent zoning practices. 

She also touted three multi-municipal plans - the Northern Lehigh Plan (which includes municipalities in both Lehigh and NorCo); the River Central Plan; and the Slate Belt Plan (to coordinate zoning)

Attorney Who Forgot His Cocaine in Juvenile Court Scheduled For Court Today

As I told you back in February, Stan Margle, age 67, a prominent Easton area attorney, has been charged with possession of both controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.  He was charged with these drug offenses after he left juvenile court but forgot his bag.  In an attempt to determine the owner, Sheriff Deputies opened the bag and discovered that it belonged to Margle. They also discovered what was later determined to be cocaine, along with the paraphernalia facilitating its use. There was also video surveillance showing Margle bringing a satchel into Juvenile Court and then leaving without it. He later returned for the bag, only to discover it had been turned over to county detectives.   

He waived his preliminary hearing and is scheduled for criminal court today. He appears to be representing himself.

As a first offender, Margle is likely eligible for ARD. 

Margle was a $1,000 campaign contributor to DA Steve Baratta. 

There are no actions against him by the Pa. Disciplinary Board.

UPDATED 7/10/25, 12:00 AM (originally posted 7/8/25, 12:00 am)

Margle's criminal case has been rescheduled until August 28. At a hearing before Judge Michael V. Koury yesterday, Margle was directed to post $5,000 bail in bail, unsecured. This is essentially a promise to pay $5,000 if he fails to appear. 

I Met Bambi Last Night

This time of year, I like to cycle a lot. Yesterday afternoon, I got a few miles in on the Ironton Rail Trail before the rain started. The rain felt good, but I stopped once I heard thunder and met my grandson for dinner. By then the rain had stopped and we both decided to hit the trail. It was still light enough to ride and much cooler than it had been just a few hours before. It was actually quite refreshing, not just to us, but to several deer in the area.

This fawn actually was standing on the side of the bike path like a fan from the Tour de France. I stopped by bike and talked to her, and she had absolutely no fear.  I actually could have touched her. I pulled out my phone and snapped this picture as she began to move away. 

A few miles later, I saw a skunk standing right by the bike path as well. He told me he's starting a blog. 

Rally in Bethlehem on Thursday To Stop LANTA Cuts and Fund Mass Transit

Lehigh Valley Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (LVCAT) and Transit For All PA are hosting a rally on Thursday, 10:30 am, at Bethlehem's Payrow Plaza to seek more state funding for LANTA as well as other mass transit systems in the Lehigh Valley. They promise "remarks from local and regional elected officials, labor leaders, transit riders, and more." The persons I'd really like to hear from are the transit riders, many of whom are already suffering as some of these cuts have already started. While some routes probably attract too few riders to be viable, I know of several lines that always are quite busy. 

Unfortunately, this rally is scheduled during business hours, when many of you are working. But Transit For All Pa is urging you to contact your state legislators.

Did Warren Invite Nazareth Food Bank For Presentation To Advance His Own Political Ambitions?

Nancy Madara, President of the Nazareth Food Bank, was joined by Secretary Terry Herbster to explain how the food bank operates in the Nazareth area during a presentation to NorCo's Economic Development Committee last week. It serves approximately 230 families who live within the Nazareth Area School District. Nonresidents will be proved food once and will be referred to other food banks where they live. It is supported by donations from individuals, businesses, churches, charities. It is an old railroad station and is located "across from Pizza Joe's" on Main St in Nazareth. The food bank also maintains a garden for fresh produce. 

Madara said she spends "a lot of tie crying" when she is at the food bank "because the generosity of the community is unbelievable."

Food is distributed only a month and is closed over the winter. It collects about six tons of food every year.

Interestingly, no other food banks were invited to make presentations. Could this be because Jeff Warren who chairs the Economic Development Committee, happens to be running for State Rep. in an area that is mostly covered by the Nazareth Food Bank?  Ironically, it is Warren who suggests that other Council members have political motives for their actions.

Gracedale Agency Nurse Performing Exorcism Now in NorCo Jail

Last week, I told you that Gracedale nurse Octavia Lasha Robinson, age 42, (an LPN employed by an outside agency) was arrested by Upper Nazareth Tp police and charged with abuse of a care-dependent person (i.e. resident) by striking, shoving, kicking and threatening this person. She was also charged with simple assault and harassment. According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Officer Zach Dugan, he was dispatched at approximately 3:22 am. It is unclear whether the "caller" is a resident or a Gracedale staffer. He was told that the defendant had been in the victim's room for two hours and refused to leave. When he entered, he personally witnessed the defendant shoving her fingers in the victim's mouth, saying the demons needed to come out. He also saw blood on the victim's chest and bedding. He placed Robinson in custody and took her to Lehigh Valley Hospital for an involuntary emergency health evaluation. She obviously was committed, which is why the case was marked inactive. It's active now, but she won't be shoving her fingers into any resident's mouth anytime soon.  She's in the county jail.

Robinson was preliminarily arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Alicia Zito on July 3, and cash bail was set at $25,000. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 18, 3 pm, before Magisterial District Judge John Capobianco. 

On Wednesday evening, Northampton County Council conducted its usual biweekly meeting. At that time, Council could be expected to ask a lot of questions about concerns raised by you in connection with this story. They probably did, too. But it was in an executive session. 

Exec. Lamont McClure asked Council for an executive session to discuss personnel matters and possible litigation, which is permitted under the Sunshine Act.

There are numerous concerns about what this nurse was doing alone in a resident's room for two hours without making her supervisors suspicious. Why did the 911 calls come from a resident and not staff? And when 911 followed up with Gracedale supervisors, did they go to the room to see what was going on? As one of you observed, "This LPN refused to leave a resident’s room for two hours while possibly two nurse aides were on the unit who then possibly reported nothing to a house supervisor? That’s where it becomes fuzzy. Where were the unit rounds by the nursing supervisor assigned to the now reported Tower 7? Someone other than the other resident in that room had to have known what was going on and he, she or they did nothing about it (or did they report and nothing was done at the supervisory level?) My heart breaks for this resident and for those staff members at this facility who abhor this type of abuse."

These are personnel issues. If supervisors are found to have been negligent, I am sure action will be taken. 

Also, I think you all realize that what this LPN is accused of doing opens up the county to a lawsuit by the resident. 

There is potential litigation here. 

I doubt we'll know the full story anytime soon, if ever. What I do know is that the county really needs to look at the long term viability of nursing homes. The federal government wants people to age in place, not in some sterile environment that packs them four to a room. 

The county owns lots of land at the Gracedale campus. One Council member (I will not name this person) has suggested we at least study the construction of senior homes or apartments that will give residents dignity and independence while taking advantage of home health care. That seems to be a better way to fulfill our moral obligation than hiring outside agency nurses and being dependent on intergovernmental transfers, which will eventually go the way of the do do. 

Happy Independence Day =The Declaration of Independence

I strongly suggest that you read this. I'll be back Monday. Try not to blow yourselves up.

Jeff Warren to Challenge Joe Emrick For Pa. State House

Jeff Warren and Tara Zrinski

Jeff Warren, a NorCo Council member elected in 2023, announced at a Tuesday night fundraiser, that he plans to challenge GOP State Rep. Joe Emrick in the 137th legislative district. This seat encompasses the three Nazareths (Upper, Lower and Boro), Bethlehem Tp and a portion of both Palmer and Hanover Tp. 

He explains that he's running because "Harrisburg is filled with politicians who are extremely out of touch with what working folks, families, seniors, and children actually need and want." But what is he if not a politician? His undergrad degree from Penn State? Political science. He's worked as a staff assistant for the US Congress, was an aide to State Senator Lisa Boscola and has been a campaign manager for Tara Zrinski. He's also held office with Easton City Council and Hanover Tp's board of supervisors. 

The one thing he has going for him is that Joe Emrick is thoroughly unlikable, even among members of his own party. But he's hard to beat. He handily defeated Anna Thomas in 2024 even though she spent $1.4 million to topple him. In contrast, Emrick spent $311,000.

Warren told WFMZ-TV69 that "Northampton County deserves a better advocate for working folks, families, children, and our local communities." But do county corrections officers, 911 workers and the nursing staff at Gracedale consider him an advocate for them?

On NorCo Council, Warren has been known as one of Executive Lamont McClure's leading advocates. He has also introduced several nonbinding resolutions concerning matters like mass transit funding and a cap on rental fees charged in what we refer to as trailer parks. He has also pushed for more mental health funding and cosponsored a county ordinance that requires feminine hygiene products in all county-owned ladies' and family restrooms. 

A Little More About EBikes and LV Trails

Last week, I asked you whether e-bikes bother you. Although most of you seem to have no objection, some of you get upset when an ebike flies by pedestrians on a trail with no warning. This rude behavior gives regular cyclists a bad reputation as well. Whether you're riding a regular bike or one with a motor, you should always have a bell to warn pedestrians in front of you. Another problem, and one I never knew existed, is that their batteries can be a fire hazard when they are being charged, so that needs to be watched. 

Above is a chart being posted by local police departments that explain the laws governing bicycles, ebikes, scooters, segways, motorized pedal cycles and electric scooters. I've never seen a segway on a trail but have seen the rest. There are also motorized skateboards, which can fly. 

I also thought I'd give you my summary or trail etiquette. 

Who has the right of way? - Equestrians, followed by pedestrians, then cyclists. Pedestrians going up a hill have the right of way over those going down. 

Courtesy - Stay on the right side of the trail if possible, so that a cyclist passing you will do so on your left. He will usually either ring a bell or let you know unless the trail is very wide. Another thing that makes me laugh is the number of walkers who spend their entire time on a trail glued to their phone. They don't hear cyclists behind them and I often wonder why they are even out there because they are missing a lot of the natural beauty of this area. 

Crosswalk. - Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks across roads along a trail so long as they are in it. Cyclists do not. We are considered moving vehicles and must yield to traffic. 

UPDATED: Gracedale Agency Aide Nurse Performing Exorcism, Charged With Abusing Resident, Simple Assault and Harassment

Octavia Lasha Robinson, age 43, is reportedly one of the many outside agency nursing staffers working at Gracedale to fill a manpower shortage. I should probably say she was, not is, working there. On June 23, she was charged by Upper Nazareth Tp police officer Zach Dugan with the abuse of a care-dependent person (i.e. resident) by striking, shoving, kicking and threatening this person.  She was also charged with simple assault and harassment. 

The case is currently marked "inactive" because she was apparently served by summons to her address in Morristown, NJ, as opposed to an actual arrest. 

In its most recent rating, Medicare gives Gracedale a 4-star rating (above average), placing it at the same level as Moravian Hall Square. There were no complaints of resident abuse, neglect or exploitation for a full year prior to this incident. This is highly irregular but still begs the question of what type of screening is employed by outside agencies before dispatching someone like Robinson to a facility like Gracedale, where many of the residents have either some form of dementia or mental illness. 

From what I understand, Gracedale is currently investigating other residents who were under Robinson's care. 

It's certainly true that public nursing homes get more scrutiny than those that are privately owned. But they should. Executive Lamont McClure likes to say that we have a moral obligation to care for the elderly, but is that happening when four are packed into one room? Is that happening when a staffer is criminally charged with resident abuse?  When an incident like this occurs, Administrators should inform County Council as soon as possible and keep the lines of communication open. 

UPDATED NOON. - Below you will see a copy of the criminal complaint filed as well as the accompanying affidavit of probable cause filed by Officer Zach Dugan. According to his affidavit, he was dispatched at approximately 3:22 am. It is unclear whether the "caller" is a resident or a Gracedale staffer. He was told that the defendant had been in the victim's room for two hours and refused to leave. When he entered, he personally witnessed the defendant shoving her fingers in the victim's mouth, saying the demons needed to come out. He also saw blood on the victim's chest and bedding. He placed Robinson in custody and took her to Lehigh Valley Hospital for an involuntary emergency health evaluation. She obviously has been committed, which is why the case is currently inactive.

Robinson Criminal Complaint by BernieOHare on Scribd

Trump's Budget Bill Heads Back to the House

I have thus far refrained from writing too much about Trump's budget bill, which he wants on his desk by July 4. I will wait until it is adopted by both houses and then can write about what its actual provisions. 

Pa Lawmakers Blow By June 30 Budget Deadline

Will Governor Josh Shapiro convince the state senate to spend $292 million for mass transit funding throughout the state? Why is the state senate so reluctant to impose a 52% tax on supposed skill games? Could it be because manufacturer Pace-O-Matic has spent $618,000 in campaign contributions and another $440,000 in lobbying expenses in 2024 alone? What about the state's constitutional obligation to provide all children, even poor children, with a "thorough and efficient" education system?  Finally, what impact will cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, if passed by US Congress, have on Pennsylvania? These questions are currently unanswered. Until they are, Pa lawmakers are unable to pass a budget. 

While state legislators continue to collect salaries and per diems, school districts and counties will see the cash faucets go dry in about two weeks. They will be forced to rely on their own reserves or borrow money. 

Coleman-Sponsored Bill Aimed at Unauthorized Homeless Encampments Passes State Senate

By a 34-16 vote, a Jarret Coleman sponsored bill taking aim at unauthorized homeless encampments passed the state senate on June 25. The Lehigh Valley's other two state senators, Lisa Boscola and Nick Miller, also voted for this measure. The bill now advances to the state house. 

I have a cousin who lives in LA. When he left the Lehigh Valley, he was a Democrat. Now he's a conservative Republican. One of the things that has really bothered him is the number of homeless encampments on city sidewalks. Things there have become so bad that Governor Gavin Newsom is urging and even threatening cities and counties to ban these tent cities.  And in his NYC Mayoral campaign, former Governor Andrew Cuomo pledged to get homeless people out of subways. 

The prime sponsor of this bill, Senator Joe Picozzi, framed the issue as one of "public safety, health and welfare for neighborhoods."  He observed that these encampments bring " trash accumulation, drug paraphernalia, crime, risks from open flames, and blighted conditions."

Under the bill, an "unauthorized encampment" is an "encampment on public or private property, without the property owner's express consent or authorization, where an ndication of nuisance exists."

It imposes a duty on property owners, including municipalities, to "prevent, mitigate and abate any condition of nuisance on the property." It also creates a private cause of action in "interested persons" (any owner located within 1600' of the tent city) to sue for injunctive relief, including "reasonable expenses."

Amazingly, this legislation is opposed by the Pa. Municipal League. The primary purpose of government is to keep its citizens clean and safe. As Thomas Hobbes argues in Leviathon, a society without government would be lead to “continual fear and danger of violence; and the life of man, solitary poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” It appears that the Pa. League would rather let its taxpaying citizens suffer than actually do something to protect them.

Do E-Bikes Bother You?

For the past few years, there's been a growing trend in cycling - ebikes. For about the same price I'd spend on a regular bike, you can get one with a pedal-assisted throttle. You can even convert your bike with a nice motor. I've seen them everywhere, both on roads and trails. The people who seem to dislike them most are, believe it or not, cyclists. Frankly, I think these purists are snobs. 

I like them myself. I can understand why you can get rattled when someone flies by on an ebike without so much as a "How do you do?", but I get passed by a lot of road bikes as well. There's always someone faster.

I particularly like talking to older people on ebikes. Many of them would be doing nothing without them. Yesterday, I cycled a few miles with a retired tractor trailer driver who loved to cycle but then was sidelined with cardiopulmonary issues. He converted his bike and is able to ride regularly and even can pedal. 

I asked him what area of the country he likes best. Upstate NY, he answered. I asked him if cops tend to go easy on truckers. He told me most of them are great, except in Ohio. 

I'm no cycle purist. I wear a helmet but have no problem with people who prefer not to because most cycling injuries are to the shoulders, arms and clavicle, not the head. But on ebikes, which can hit speeds of 51 mph, I think they're a good idea. 

Following the Money: Zrinski Spent $86k in Dem NorCo Exec Primary; GOP Giovanni

Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski was able to beat Amy Cozze for the Democratic nomination as NorCo Exec in the May primary. She garnered 56.78% of the vote, beating Cozze by over 3,000 votes. But she spent a lot of money doing so.  According to her pre- and post-primary reports, she spent $86,273.72, relied on $35,000 in in-kind contributions. She's also over $13,000 in debt.

She enters the general election against Republican Tom Giovanni with just $4,327.15 and a donor base that might very well be tapped out. 

In addition to waging a negative campaign that gave Giovanni lots of ammunition, Amy Cozze forced Zrinski and many of her supporters to spend money they may be unable to provide in the general election. 

Unlike Zrinski, Giovanni had no primary opponent. He was able to coast and has $4,929.21 in his treasury.

NorCo Council Picks Parking Deck Architect For Courthouse Campus

At their June 18 meeting, Northampton County Council voted 7-2 to select Alloy 5, a Bethlehem architectural firm, to design a new parking deck at the courthouse campus for a price of $463,000. Alloy 5 was the Council choice of three firms who selected bids. The two votes against this selection came from Council members John Goffredo and John Brown. The remaining 7 Council members voted Yes.

Public Works Director Michael Emili told Council that he (and a selection committee) favored Alloy 5 because it has "a ton of experience designing parking decks, particularly in the City of Easton" and is a local firm. But Goffredo, who also participated in that selection committee, preferred another architectural firm whose bid was "$100,000 lower than the other bids." 

Goffredo argued that a low bidder should not be penalized for being the low bidder. But Council member Jeff Warren argued that bid was "aggressively low. That sends up a red flag to me." 

Brown opposed the selection because of problems with the "internal process". He was opposed to borrowing money to pay for a new garage and should have used existing funds. Yet Brown has also argued that the county has no money. Which is it?

Alloy 5 founder Randy Galiotto and development director Bekah Rusnock gave a brief presentation. Galiotto, who grew up in Easton, reminisced about riding his bike in the garage as a kid. Rusnock noted that Alloy 5 has relationships with Lehigh County, Montgomery County and numerous municipalities, private businesses and nonprofits. The firm has designed over 5,000 parking spaces in the LV area. This includes the design for a parking deck that will actually be under a proposed stadium at Executive Education Charter School in A-town. The firm has designed 5 of 7 parking structures built in Easton over past 10 years. 

Council member Ron Heckman agrees with Goffredo that "procurement is an imperfect process at best." But he suggested that no process is perfect and that he "always preferred local firms.  ... We gotta' get this garage fixed. ... [It's] made of play doh." 

The design process will take nine months. The garage itself will not be built until 2027. 

Chester County Business Leaders - Funding For Mass Transit a Statewide Issue

I've written twice now about proposed cuts to LANTA, including route eliminations and fare increases. NorCo Dem Exec candidate Tara Zrinski has complained about the proposed elimination of mass transit to the slate belt. And last week, Northampton County Council, which includes GOP Exec candidate Tom Giovanni, unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution calling on the state senate to include a $292 million increase statewide for mass transit. Though this increase has passed the Democratic state house, its fate is uncertain in the GOP state senate. This is so even though the House version includes $500 million for road and bridge projects, which has been a sticking point in the past. With a budget deadline of June 30 looming, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) is dubious. "Funding transit,” he said, “is something that we can live without in our caucus.”

Maybe he and his fellow Senators can. They get per diems and state cars funded by state taxpayers. Not all of us are so fortunate. 

Some say this is just a Philly problem. But as Laura Manion (President & CEO, Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry) and Mike Grigalonis (President & COO, Chester County Economic Development Council) observe, all of Pennsylvania has a stake in mass transit. Below is what they sent me. 

In the debate over how to fund Pennsylvania’s roads, bridges and transit systems, one counterproductive misconception persists: that mass transit, and specifically SEPTA, is a “Philadelphia problem.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

From Pike County to Erie County, Westmoreland County to Lehigh County, Pennsylvania’s businesses rely on a robust network of roads, bridges and transit systems to bring employees to work and attract customers. What every Pennsylvania county shares is public transportation that connects people and communities to work, school and essential services.

Here in Chester County, and the Greater Philadelphia region, our economic growth has been undergirded by this system, with SEPTA mass transit at its foundation.

SEPTA is an essential cog in the economic engine of Southeastern Pennsylvania — an engine that generates billions in economic output and tax revenue for the entire state. A weakened SEPTA means a weakened regional economy, and that ripples out to the rest of Pennsylvania in real dollars. The income, business, and sales taxes generated here help fund state programs and services that benefit all 67 counties. When our region suffers due to impaired transit, the state’s ability to reinvest equitably across Pennsylvania suffers too.

Counties across Pennsylvania also benefit directly from SEPTA’s operations every day — not just through travel, but through jobs, procurement, and commerce. Over the past five years, SEPTA has awarded over $1.14 billion in contracts to Pennsylvania-based companies in 39 counties, with an average annual investment of $228 million. That’s not just rail cars and bus routes in the southeast — that’s steel, rubber, electronics, parts, safety equipment, and professional services supporting jobs across the Commonwealth.

If SEPTA is forced to cut service or delay infrastructure upgrades due to unstable state funding, it’s not just riders in the southeast who are directly impacted. It’s those employers and the Pennsylvanians they employ who will also feel the impact. SEPTA is one of the largest transit systems in the country and one of Pennsylvania’s largest purchasers of goods and services — and when funding cannot fully support operations, that economic activity across the entire Commonwealth is also reduced.

This is proof of a fundamental truth: mass transit is regional infrastructure with statewide economic impact.

We fully support statewide transit funding to address SEPTA’s shortfall this year to avoid devastating cuts. But we also recognize the need for a long-term, sustainable solution that ensures our public transit systems — not just in Philadelphia, but across the state — are viable for the future. We are not suggesting a blank check or permanent patchwork. We are advocating for a smart, stable, and transparent approach that recognizes the shared value of a functioning, modern transit system.

Now is not the time to retreat. With major global events like America 250, the FIFA World Cup, the MLB All-Star Game, the PGA Championship and the NFL Draft all coming to Pennsylvania in the next year, our transit infrastructure must be ready to move tens of millions of visitors efficiently and safely. Without it, the region — and the state — will miss out on untold economic opportunity and global visibility.

Pennsylvania must now rise to meet this moment — and not just to “save” transit, but to invest in what it already delivers: regional economic impact, workforce access, and job creation.

This isn’t about urban vs. rural or east vs. west. It’s about building a statewide economy that moves — powered by a mass transit system that serves millions of Pennsylvanians in all 67 counties.

If you’re a business owner or policymaker outside of southeastern Pennsylvania, don’t think of SEPTA as someone else’s concern. Think of it as your next contract, your next job posting, your next opportunity. It’s time we fund transit operations across all of Pennsylvania like the statewide engine it is.

Trump's Attack on Iran's Nuclear Sites Results in Ceasefire

I would never have expected this, but President Donald Trump's attacks at Iranian nuclear sites appears to be on its way to a happy ending. Instead of activating sleeper cells or closing the Strait of Hormuz, I ran has agreed to a ceasefire. Everybody wins. Iran's nuclear dreams have been delayed a few years. Israel has seriously weakened its most belligerent adversary. Iran survives.

Here's how the nonpartisan Institute for the Study of War, which tends to be unbiased, has to say: 

US President Donald Trump announced that Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire that will go into effect at 12:00 AM ET on June 24. Trump said that Iran would adhere to the ceasefire starting at midnight on June 24 and that Israel would join at noon on June 24. Trump said that the war would officially end at midnight on June 25. Trump congratulated Israel and Iran for “having the stamina, courage, and intelligence” to end the war. Trump announced the ceasefire five hours after Iran conducted a ballistic missile attack targeting US forces in Qatar. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that Iran agreed to a Qatar-mediated, US-proposed ceasefire.

Iran conducted a retaliatory, but largely symbolic, ballistic missile attack targeting a US airbase in Qatar on June 23. Iran launched 14 medium- and short-range ballistic missiles at the United States’ largest position in the Middle East—al Udeid Airbase—just before 1:00 PM ET. The United States and partner forces intercepted 13 missiles and “set free” one missile on a “nonthreatening” trajectory. Trump confirmed that the Iranian attack did not injure or kill any US servicemembers or Qataris and caused “hardly any damage.” Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian claimed after the attack that Iran fired one missile at al Udeid Airbase for each bomb that the United States dropped on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21. Initial reports claimed that Iran also fired a single short-range ballistic missile targeting US forces at Ain al Asad Airbase in Iraq, but a US military official refuted that claim.

Key Takeaways:

• US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, beginning the evening of June 23. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that the ceasefire would occur following Qatari mediation.

• Iran conducted a missile attack targeting the US al Udeid Airbase in Qatar in retaliation for the US strikes on the Iranian nuclear program. The attack was largely symbolic and inflicted no casualties or damage, however.

• Iranian elite, including some moderate leaders, have reportedly tried to pressure Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to accept a ceasefire or sideline him entirely. It is unclear what role these individuals played in the US-announced ceasefire.

• Iranian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Policy Majid Takht Ravanchi announced that Iran will remain a member of the NPT. Iranian officials have previously threatened to withdraw from the NPT in response to US and Israeli strikes.

• IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the United States likely inflicted “very significant damage” in its strikes on the Fordow nuclear site. Iran may have moved some of its nuclear material to undisclosed locations beforehand, however.

NorCo Council Awards $525,000 for Open Space Projects

Northampton County has what it calls a "livable landscape" program that provides grant funding for land preservation, municipal parks, open space planning, ecological restoration and regional trails. At their June 18 meeting, County Council approved five such grants, totaling $525,000, to Bethlehem, Northampton, Palmer Tp. Upper Mount Bethel Tp and Hellertown.

Bethlehem is receiving $300,000 towards a $1.043 million project to connect the Soth Bethlehem Greenway with the Saucon Rail Trail. Once completed, it will be possible to cycle or hike from South Bethlehem to Quakertown. this will create continuous greenway in a populated urban area to promote physical activity, health and wellness, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The gravel trail will be 12'wide.

You never know what you'll find on the South Bethlehem Greenway. It's where I met the Wizard of New Zealand. 

Upper Mount Bethel Tp be awarded $75,000 towards a $1.125 million plan to rehabilitate a former sand and gravel quarry site at the UMBT Preserve. This will include a new main entrance and two smaller trailheads for public access at different areas into the preserve as well as observation decks, overlooks, fishing or kayak platforms.

Palmer Tp will be provided $50,000 towards a $104,000 plan to restore a 0.5 mile section of the Schoeneck Creek riparian buffer at Fox Run Park. This is expected to reduce stormwater runoff and improve wildlife habitat.

Northampton Borough will get $100,000 towards a $763,897 plan to replace outdated and unsafe playground equipment with a new 100,000 sq ft facility with a poured-in-place rubber surface. The gaol is to transform 4th Street Park into an exemplary recreation system serving as a welcoming, inclusive play environment for families of all abilities.

Hellertown has been awarded $75,000 for the $560,000 Tumminelo Park improvements. Hellertown will install a install a new footbridge over Mill Race to connect the Saucon Rail Trail (SRT) to Tumminello Park. This will improve access to the trail.

Irani Attack Was in US Nat'l Security Interests

Northampton County approved a number of livable landscape grants and have awarded a contract for a new parking deck at the courthouse campus, but those stories will have to wait until tomorrow.

On Saturday evening, US B-2 stealth bombers launched precision strikes at three Irani nuclear sites, including the underground site at Fordow. Not only was this attack justified, but it was in the interest of our own national security. six American warplanes dropped 12 30,000-lb GBU-57 massive ordnance penetrator (MOP) bunker-busting bombs on Fordow

According to the Institute for the Study of War, satellite imagery of Fordow from June 22 shows six probable entry-point craters on top of a ridge above the underground complex that houses two halls of at least 2000 centrifuges. These were producing nearly enough highly enriched uranium to fuel one nuclear weapon per month. Initial Israeli assessments indicate that US strikes did not destroy but inflicted serious damage. Iran may have moved materials and equipment from the site ahead of the strike. A senior US official similarly said that the US strikes did not destroy but severely damaged the Fordow nuclear site and took it “off the table.”

Was it the right thing to do?  Opinion is divided in both parties. 

House Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that Trump acted unconstitutionally and has given the House grounds for yet another impeachment. But the attack was praised by Democratic Senators John Fetterman and Josh Gottheimer.

Republican congressional leadership lined up behind Trump.  But there are voices in the isolationist MAGA movement, like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Greene Taylor, who condemn our involvement in yet another foreign war.

I believe this strike was an absolute necessity and in our own national security interests. Iran's raison d'etre since 1979 has been to promote a Shia version of an Islamic revolution, including state-sponsored terror by the 3 Hs - Houtis, Hamas and Hezbollah.  It has been a driving force behind international instability. 

British journalist Matthew Syed, whose father was a Pakistani immigrant, makes the case at Triggernometry. Here are some excerpts. 

"The doctrine of mutually assured destruction is what prevents people with nuclear bombs from initiating the first strike, because they worry that in the counter stripe they will be eliminated. So it's a very strong doctrine that even though there are nuclear weapons in the world, we have not yet, thankfully, be subject to a nuclear holocaust."

But Iran, unlike most countries, has no interest in the mutually assured destruction doctrine because they are religious fanatics.  

"They believe that they have absolute truth, many of them in the regime, and that anyone who disagrees with them by implication are infidels, and, moreover, they glorify martyrdom, they believe that if they can take out infidels, they will go through a door, into heaven, and be blessed for eternity." 

"A lot of people don't seem to know about the 20,000 child martyrs who are indoctrinated by the fanatics and the clerics who took over after the ' 79 Revolution to believe that the greatest duty they could perform for Allah was to walk and sometimes run into minefields and up against machine gun fire, to clear a path for the adult military coming in behind, and they died, their limbs strewn across battlefields, and they were then glorified in government propaganda , held up as icons of the Revolution. 

"The fact that the people who are supposed to protect [children] indoctrinated them into what is effectively a death cult seems to me very good evidence, in addition to all the more contemporaneous stuff, - the repression of women, the killing of people who have a sexual [difference], the funding of genocidal proxies committed to the elimination of Israel -  tells me that if they got a nuclear weapon, it is likely they would use it. 

"I could envision an aging fanatical leader initiating a first strike and then looking at the radar screen and seeing the inevitable response in which that person would die in thinking that I am closer to Allah. I don't think that that is true of Vladimir Putter. I don't think Putin is prepared to die for his ideology. He's a venal corrupt leader, of the old school. He's worth billions. He had a Black Sea palace, he's got a young girlfriend . He wants to live. I think the same is true of the North Korean leader, with this ham and his looted opulence. It is not true of religious fundamentalists who glorify martyrdom. 

"Nuclear weapons, potentially 9 or 10 nuclear devices being held by a militarian cult that is committed to the destruction of Israel and calls America the Great Satan. A nuclear war of that kind, even if it occurred between Israel and Iran, would kill hundreds of millions of people around the world."  

So yeah, eliminating Iran as a nuclear threat is in our own national security. If Canadian wildfire smoke can travel to France and interfere with the Criterium du Dauphine, there is little doubt in my mind that the nuclear fallout of a nuclear winter involving as few as 15 nuclear bombs following an exchange between Israel and Iran would kill millions worldwide.

NorCo Council Supports State Funding Increase For Mass Transit

Earlier this week, NorCo Controller Tara Zrinski issued a news release concerning the possible outright elimination of bus service to the slate belt. LANTA is currently planning a 20% reduction in fixed route bus service and a 25% fare hike even though 75% of its riders rely on it to get to and from work. This is because of a significant gap between stagnant state funding and costs.

Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a fix. Currently, mass transit statewide gets 4.4% of the sales tax collected every year. He has proposed increasing this allotment to 6.15%. This would result in an additional $292 million for mass transit statewide, including $7 million in revenue for LANTA, This would fix its funding gap. But it's unclear whether the state senate is willing to go along.

At their June 17 meeting, NorCo Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting a state increase in mass transit funding. 

There's a New Sheriff in Town

At their June 17 meeting, Northampton County Council voted unanimously to confirm the appointment of Chris Zieger as Sheriff. He was appointed to the position by Executive Lamont McClure, but under the Home Rule Charter, County Council must consent. He comes in at pay grade Group V, Step 4-D, salary $111,868.

McClure told Council the day before that "[t]here is no person more ready to be Sheriff of Northampton County than Chris Zieger is. He's done an amazing job as Acting Sheriff since Sheriff Johnston retired. ... There truly is no one more qualified to lead this department than Chris."

Northampton County has had a Sheriff since the county was first established in 1752. Deputy Nathan Ogden was the first law enforcement officer killed in the Commonwealth. He was shot in 1771 when attempting to arrest a fugitive during the Pennamite-Yankee War.

The Sheriff's office is charged with providing physical security for the courts; service of civil filings; fugitive location and arrests; administration of monthly Sheriff Sales; and prisoner transport.

Zieger, a 1991 graduate of Muhlenberg College, has been employed with the Sheriff's department since 1994. He started as a Deputy and worked his way up through the ranks to become the Chief Deputy in 2010. 

Northampton and Luzerne are the only Pennsylvania counties that appoint the Sheriff. In other counties, the office is an elected position. 

Is Council Member Brown Acting in Good Faith?

John Brown is without doubt the worst county exec Northampton County has had since the inception of Home Rule. He unliterally cut health care for county employees when he was Executive. He would later learn to his chagrin that he violated a number of union contracts in doing so and had to restore benefits to most union employees. Career service workers, however, got screwed.  On top of this misstep, he drew up plans to relocate the county's jail to the Gracedale campus, discussed them behind closed doors with Upper Nazareth Supervisors and then tried to pretend he had no such intentions. Finally, his goofy P3 bridge project was and remains a disaster. The only beneficiary of that brainfart was attorney John Lushis, whose law firm billed the county $813,000. Now Brown is a County Council member. Two nights ago, when reviewing an audit of $5 million in retention bonuses, I thought (and wrote) that he made some interesting points and raised questions that should be answered. He had that opportunity last night, when he could have posed those questions to Exec Lamont McClure or Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron. He asked neither any questions but instead made a previously debunked claims that the county started the year with just $3,000. In addition, he attempted to block two routine budget amendments that the remaining eight Council members supported. He basically wants to jam the wheels of county government until his questions are answered. But he never presented them last night to the very people who could answer them and made themselves available. So is he really acting in good faith or is he little more than an obstructionist who is trying his hardest to slime Lamont McClure, Tara Zrinski, Steve Barron or anyone who has a "D" after his or name? 

On Tuesday, Controller Tara Zrinski presented her audit about what actually happened to $5 million that Council had previously approved for retention bonuses at Gracedale. Zrinski was accompanied by her lead auditor, Stacy Duke, as well as Mark Dilberto, the accountant who did most of the legwork. Though she was battling what appeared to be a cold, or allergies or a combination of the two, Zrinski and her staff did a good job. The audit revealed that less than half of the $5 million approved by Council was actually used for that purpose. It was hardly helpful to McClure or Gracedale administrators.  

I was impressed by the concerns raised by Brown. He noted that the bonus money was used up in 2023 to pay for Gracedale operating expenses and wondered how the county could have paid bonuses in 2024 and even this year, as it has. Good question, but one that is beyond the scope of the audit. 

Brown wondered why Gracedale's former administrator failed to place the bonus money in a separate line item but instead commingled the monies with other funds, making them impossible to track. Another good question, but again, beyond the scope of the audit. 

Perhaps most importantly, he suggested that the county was moving money into Gracedale's general fund and did so both in 2023 and 2024 without Council approval. This is also beyond the scope of the audit, but a good question. 

Lead Auditor Stacy Duke told Brown several times that those are questions he could ask Fiscal. He could also ask the County Executive

At last night's meeting, as is his habit, Exec Lamont McClure specifically asked Council if they had any questions. Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron actually spoke during courtesy of the floor and specifically told Council that he was available for any questions they might have. 

Brown had no questions of McClure or Barron about the audit. He instead repeated later that night the irresponsible and debunked claim that the county had only $3,000 in cash on hand at the end of 2024. He insisted that the county is operating at a deficit and his questions have gone unanswered. Therefore, he suggested that County Council reject routine budget amendments of pass-through money that would basically paralyze the government and prevent it from providing vital core services. 

"You really think as an ex county executive that we have $3,000 in the bank right now? asked Council member Ken Kraft. "That's your honest opinion?" Brown said he was relying on unaudited financial statements. 

NorCo Controller's Office Faces Tough Questions Concerning Gracedale Retention Bonus Audit

Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski formally presented her audit of Gracedale's retention bonuses to County Council yesterday. I previously posted her report (you can see it here), in which she determined that less than half of $5 million that Council authorized for employee retention bonuses was actually spent for that purpose. Council had requested the audit in March. 

The $5 million in retention bonuses at Gracedale was part of a larger $15.5 million spending plan of federal pandemic funds at the nursing home, passed in 2022 by County Council. The only Council member to vote against bonuses was John Brown. 

The audit makes no recommendations. Council member Ron Heckman asked if the Controller had any recommendation that future contributions like this be placed in a restricted account so that the funds can be tracked as spent. Zrinski and Lead Auditor Stacy Duke both stated that a controller makes no recommendations when it does an "agreed upon procedures" audit. It just presents its findings. 

Council member John Goffredo, who like Heckman was participating by phone, was "very dissatisfied" because the audit fails to state specifically how these funds were spent after they were commingled with other funds. No matter how hard Zrinski and Duke tried to tell him that is impossible once funds are commingled, he kept insisting that the Controller could answer that question "with a little more work." Eventually, he was stopped by Finance Committee Chair John Brown, who said "we are going around in circles." 

Stacy Duke later explained that the Gracedale general fund was exhausted the year in which the retention bonuses were poured into it, so all the funds were necessarily spent on Gracedale expenses. Gracedale was contacted to see if there were any tracking, spreadsheets, balance sheets or excel reports that would show expenditures being paid from money set aside for bonuses. There were none. "There was no tracking system. I'm not really sure how you can get a tracking system out of somebody who did not track it."

In response to questions from Council Prez Lori Vargo Heffner, Duke stated that the $5 million in retention bonuses was reported to the federal government as a "revenue loss." She indicated that Gracedale had $88 million revenue in 2023 but operating expenses of $116 million. So the $5 million was used for a "revenue loss."

Council member John Brown noted that retention bonuses were still being paid after 2023, even though the federal funds had already been exhausted. This means that the county would have been spending its own money for a portion of the $2.3 million paid out in retention bonuses. Duke agreed with his observation. He would like to know what county monies were moved over to Gracedale, but he acknowledged he would need to seek a new audit to get an answer. Given that county funds were used to pay retention bonuses after 2023, Brown questioned why they are not being used to pay career service employees now. He also wanted to know why Jennifer Stewart King, who was administrator for more than seven years, was never interviewed. "our audit staff does not have the power to compel somebody to give a statement," said Zrinski, who was battling a cold, allergies or both. 

Brown concluded that the audit report was "misleading." He also expressed concern that the county moved money over to Gracedale in 2024 to cover a $8 million shortfall without a budget amendment or seeking Council's approval. "Someone's moving money without the authorization of this [Council]. ... This, along with the way monies are moved without being brought before this body is troublesome. They [the county administration] ignored or didn't honor the [council] resolution ... . There's a pattern of disregard for the checks and balances that are meant to be put in place."

Based on the points raised by Brown, there are still questions that need to be answered.  

Zrinski Wants Bus Service in Slate Belt To Continue

As most of you know, I'm an old fart. I live in an apartment building specially set up for old farts and younger disabled people with limited incomes. I like it. My next door neighbor (he passed away a few weeks ago) was a retired garbage man who spent 40 years on the back of the trucks. Another was a drummer for famous singers like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. One fellow - a giant of a man - provided security for celebrities in California before going blind. I could go on and on, and maybe one day I will tell their stories. One thing that most of us appreciate is the LANTA bus. There is a stop right outside the building. At one time, it was served by two separate routes. (217 & 216). Now it's just one (216), and that will no longer serve Nazareth at the end of June. There will still be service from another route, but it will be far more limited. This will affect several residents who rely on LANTA. It will also impact several other Nazareth residents whom I have seen on the bus from time  

I realize this is a "poor person" issue. I often hop on a bus, especially when riding my bike so I can pretend I went farther than I actually did. I've seen the people who rely on buses to get to jobs at restaurants, Walmart and local industrial parks. One Spanish lady - she does not speak a word of English or pretends not to when I'm on the bus - always has a piece of fruit for me. 

Although Governor Josh Shapiro is pushing for $292 million in mass transit funding statewide, his quest faces an uncertain fate in the Republican held state senate. LANTA is planning to reduce service by 20%. This should have little impact if you live in downtown Allentown, Bethlehem or Easton. But the farther you are from the urban core, the more difficult it will be to get around. It will be especially tough for Slate Belt residents. They are often little more than an afterthought among elected officials, so I was surprised to see a press release from NorCo Controller and Exec candidate Tara Zrinski about bus service to the slate belt (Route 217), which will be reduced at the end of the month.

Her news release states that Route 217 is being eliminated, but my understanding is that service is just being reduced. Here's what she says:

As the Democratic nominee for Northampton County Executive, and as a former county councilmember and current county controller, I am deeply concerned about the proposed elimination of Route 217 and other essential bus services in the Slate Belt region.

While I do not reside in the Slate Belt, I understand that public transportation is a lifeline for many Northampton County communities. Route 217 connects residents to jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores, and vital services. Surveys show that the vast majority of riders—about three-quarters—have no other transportation option. Eliminating this route would strand those without access to a car—especially in rural areas where alternatives are scarce.

It is especially important to recognize that many individuals in recovery from addiction rely on these bus routes to reach recovery centers, counseling sessions, and support group meetings. Reliable transportation is essential for successful recovery; without it, missed appointments can disrupt progress and increase the risk of relapse. 

Seniors, low income individuals/families and the disabled are all especially vulnerable to these proposed cuts. Reductions in fixed-route and paratransit services will limit their ability to reach medical appointments, grocery stores, and social activities, leading to increased isolation and diminished quality of life. The planned 25% fare increase on the Shared Ride for Seniors program and restricted service days and hours will further compound these challenges.

Removing Route 217 would undermine the hard-won progress of many in our community.

Northampton County has consistently advocated for equitable bus route allocation, ensuring that all residents—regardless of location—have access to essential services. To take these routes away now would undermine years of progress and jeopardize the well-being of those in recovery from opioid addiction and other substance use disorders.

Where can LANTA get the money?

LANTA’s funding challenges are real. The transit authority has relied on federal COVID relief funds, but those have now run out. Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget includes a $6.6 million increase in state operating funds for LANTA, which could help avoid devastating service cuts. Additionally, the Governor has proposed increasing the transit share of the state sales tax, which could provide LANTA with millions more annually if approved by the legislature. Federal grants, such as those from the Federal Transit Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also remain important funding sources.

I urge LANTA and state leaders to prioritize these funding solutions and to preserve essential services for all communities. Northampton County is a growing community and, as part of the Lehigh Valley our services are essential to that economic growth. Public transportation is not just about mobility—it’s about access, opportunity, and dignity. We must not let funding shortfalls harm our most vulnerable residents.