UPDATED :Yet Another Mistake in Nazareth School Board Race

In the story above, I have told you how the county has screwed up the mail-in ballots (MIBs) in the District Two race for Easton City Council. Unfortunately, the errors continue for in-person voters in the Nazareth Area School Board races. 

In that race, the MIBs seem fine. I have one myself. But based on the sample ballot for in-person precinct voting, Linda Stubits is being hung out to dry. 

Sample ballots never appeared on the election website until after MIBs had gone out. It appears to have been an afterthought. 

In the Nazareth Area School Board race, there are three candidates in Nazareth. You can vote for two. Christine Stofko is running as a Democrat. Kathryn Roberts is running as a Republican. Linda Stubits cross-filed and is running as both a Democrat and Republican. 

Yet this is what appears on the sample ballot.

Stubits is listed on the Democratic side of the ballot, as she should be. But the county has thus far refused to list her on the Republican side of the ballot, where she also belongs.

Let's say you're a hard-core Republican and will only vote for someone you know is a Republican. If you look at that ballot, you're only going to cast one vote, and it will be for Roberts. Stubits, who is also a Republican nominee, will miss out because she is listed on the Democratic side.

This is far from the "legal, fair and accurate" election that Executive Lamont McClure promises. It essentially guarantees that Stubits, who incidentally is a Republican, will be deprived of GOP votes that would otherwise go her way. 

County officials have told me they would send an explanation for this ballot, but at the time of publication, I don't have it.  

In a comment, a reader tells me the county is merely following the law.

"It's not a mistake. That's the law in Pennsylvania. Cross filed candidates are only ever listed once on the ballot, on the left hand side, with both parties by their name. In this case it's under the Democratic side because The Governor is a Democrat. If the Governor was a Republican, they would be listed under the Republicans side even if they were a Democrat.

This has always been the case and it is the case in all cross filed races in the county. See also Bangor, Pen Argyl, Forks (EASD), Saucon Valley, etc. They are all this way and this is not a mistake.

Article X of the PA voting code speaks to ballots and has this to say:

"(d) Whenever any candidate shall receive more than one nomination for the same office, his name shall be printed once, and the names of each political party so nominating him shall be printed opposite the name of such candidate, arranged in the same order as candidates names are required to be arranged."

That's not how the ballot appears. The names of the political parties appear under the candidate, and are not opposite the name of the candidate, as required by the Code. The order in which the parties appear (Democratic/Republican) assumes that all the candidates are listed under the race together, which is exactly how it appears on the MIB. The ballot itself is a mistake because of its design. It lists the cross filed candidate's name under only one of the parties. It needs to be there twice to correct the wrong impression that a candidate is running. If the ballot was designed precisely the way it was done in the MIB, there would be no problem.  

This is the exact opposite of "legal, fair and accurate."

Updated 10:10 am.

The county has responded to concerns raised by Stubits. I believe the voting machine can be configured in a way that ensures you may only cast one vote for a candidate who has cross-filed, as I have seen in other races. So I completely disagree with the county's reasoning, but wish to share what the county solicitor's office has to say:

I have received your letter regarding your ballot placement on the 2025 General Election Ballot. It is my understanding that you cross-filed during the primary election and were nominated by both the Democratic and the Republican party as a candidate for Nazareth Area School Board.

In compliance with email guidance received from the Pennsylvania Department of State and the Pennsylvania Election code, specifically 25 P.S. § 2963(d), candidates nominated for the same office by more than one party are printed on the ballot only once along with the names of each party by which the candidate was nominated. The candidates’ names are arranged in the same order as all other candidates’ names are otherwise required to be arranged.

This year, because the last gubernatorial election was won by a Democrat cross- filed candidates are listed with other Democrats in order by number of votes received in the Democratic primary. If a Republican was governor, cross-filed candidates would be listed with other Republicans in order by number of votes received in the Republican primary.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, “Ballot Position for Cross- Filed Candidates – Because the Democratic Party has acquired ‘ballot preference’ as a result of the 2022 gubernatorial election, a candidate who has won both political party nominations is listed on the official ballot according to the position he/she obtained at the Democratic Party primary.” According to 25 P.S. § 2963 (d), “whenever any candidate shall receive more than one nomination for the same office, his name shall be printed once, and the names of each political party so nominating him shall be printed opposite the name of such candidate, arranged in the same order as candidates’ names are required to be arranged.”

Listing the name only once is especially important in races, such as school board, that allow voters to vote for more than one candidate. If the same name appeared more than once on such a ballot, it would create the opportunity for a voter to vote more than once for a single candidate which is not allowed. If you have any further concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. If you have questions, I suggest that you consult an attorney.

UPDATED: Following the Money - Sam Elias Has More Grassroots Support than Anyone in NorCo Races

I've written about the campaign finances of the five Democrats running for NorCo Council. Five Republicans are in the hunt, too. What about their campaign finance reports? I'll start with Sam Elias, a Bethlehem police officer seeking office for the first time. His job alone makes him popular. So does his Lebanese heritage. There are only about 700 Lebanese families in the county, but they are very vocal and very persuasive.  Sam's report (you can see it here) reveals that he's raised more money, not counting in-kinds, than any of the other County Council candidates. Moreover, he's received more of the smaller ($250 or less) donations than any of the candidates running, including Tara Zrinski. Does this mean he's going to win? No, but it is a very positive sign.

According to his report, Elias started with $2432.52 in June and raised $17,775.00 through June 20, giving him a total warchest of $20,207.52. He's kept $12,164.26 for the final push, which makes sense because many Republicans and independents wait to vote until election day. 

He received $2,000 in donations of $50 or less, and $9,825 in 73 individual contributions of $250 or less. That's two more than Tara Zrinski, who's leading the charge for county Dems as the Exec candidate. 

Elias was the top vote getter in the Republican primary, and I think it is highly likely he wins a seat on Council.  

Updated 9:35 am: In my original version, I reported some large contributions that actually went to another candidate, not Elias. He actually rejected a contribution from the realtors because of their affiliation with and endorsement of Josh Siegel, whose anti-police rhetoric was a staple of his agenda as a member of Allentown City Council. 

NorCo Screws Up Third Election Since 2019

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On Friday, I told you that it was very possible that the wrong Mail-in-Ballots (MIB) were being sent to voters in Easton City Council's District 2 race. The two candidates for Easton City Council are Sharbel Koorie and Julie Zando-Dennis.   But one voter told Koorie that the ballot he received was for the race in another district, where a candidate is running unopposed. Koorie called the elections office and was told that this was a one-off. An election worker just accidentally placed the wrong ballot in the envelope addressed to the voter in District 2. It was more than a one-off. 

As Julie Zando-Dennis observed yesterday on her Facebook page yesterday, at least 48 incorrect ballots have been mailed. Apparently, the elections office is calling or writing to voters to ask them to request a new MIB or is voiding the incorrect ballots. But how many voters will recognize these calls or letters as legitimate? 

There is no question that the election in Easton District 2 has been tainted. This error cannot be caught during the official canvass because the ballots themselves are separated from the envelopes once the envelopes are opened to assure voter privacy. 

This marks the third time since 2019 that NorCo has botched an election.  In 2019, the voting machine manufacturer failed to calibrate the machines. In 2023, the machines were improperly tested and elections officials failed to provide enough emergency paper ballots to voting precincts. Now the wrong MIB has been sent to voters. 

I personally think elections workers have been asked to do much. They are conducted a MIB election, a ballot-on-demand election and voting in person, They also have been tasked with opening and operating two satellite offices. They simply are being asked to do too much, and this is leading to problems. 

Unfortunately, the only remedy I see in District Two is a special election between Zando-Dennis and Koorie. Both candidates are very depressed at what has happened. But it is the voters who have been shortchanged. You have the right to an election that, as Lamont McClure says, is "legal, fair, and accurate." This is none of those things. 

Unfortunately, other raceswith cross-filed candidates have been compromised as well. In most cases, this makes no difference. But it does in Nazareth's School Board race. I will tell you about that in the post below.

NorCo GOP County Council Candidates Brown and Goffredo Decline to Raise Money

John Brown and John Paul Goffredo are two incumbents seeking re-election to NorCo Council. They've been to several campaign events and to the usual parades and festivals. So they've campaigned. Yet neither has raised any money through they could easily do so, choosing instead to let the other three candidates eat. Is this a mistake or genius? We'll find out on election day. 

Both are from the slate belt and Goffredo should easily win. He never hesitates to share his views. I am less sanguine about Brown, who tends to be stand-offish. 

An Easton City Council Race Now Officially Screwed up by Elections Office Errors

Last week, I told you that at least one mail-in ballot was mailed out by the elections office on the Easton City Council District 2 race between Julie Zando-Dennis and Sharbell Koorie. A voter in District 2 called Koorie after receiving a MIB for a City Council race in another district in which there is only one unopposed The elections office conceded the error and explained that an elections worker made the mistake of placing the wrong ballot in the envelope intended for a District 2 voter. They minimized the possibility that others have received the wrong ballot by saying they received no calls. Apparently, they were wrong. It was no one-off. It was a systemic failure by elections officials affecting dozens of voters.

This is what Julie Zando-Dennis, one of the candidates, posted on her Facebook page. 

District 2 Ballot Alert – What Voters Deserve to Know

As your Democratic candidate for Easton City Council – District 2, I want to share a critical update about a ballot error affecting our West Ward community.

On October 27, Northampton County officials publicly described the issue of a voter receiving the wrong mail-in ballot as a “one-off” incident. But when I followed up directly with the Election Office on October 28, I was told “a couple of dozen” ballots were affected. Today, October 29, that number has grown to 48 incorrect ballots.

This is not a one-off. Voters deserve clarity.

Affected ballots were labeled correctly for District 2 but contained the wrong candidates—specifically, a District 3 ballot listing Susan Hartranft-Bittinger, who is unopposed in that race.

If you received a mail-in ballot and it does not list both District 2 candidates—Julie Zando-Dennis (Democrat) and Sharbel Koorie (Republican)—please call the Northampton County Election Office immediately at 610-829-6500 to request the correct ballot.

Based on my campaign’s count, there are 132 Democratic mail-in voters in District 2. If Republican mail-in voters total roughly the same, that’s approximately 264 mail-in ballots overall. With 48 ballots affected, this error touches 18.18% of all mail-in ballots—a significant portion of our voting base.

It’s also important to note: Democrats are statistically more likely than Republicans to vote by mail, making this error especially concerning for Democratic representation in District 2.

I asked the Election Office how many of the 48 incorrect ballots were sent to registered Democrats or Republicans. They declined to provide that information, citing legal restrictions. I’ve formally requested the specific statute that prohibits disclosure of this data. Every vote matters. Every voter deserves accuracy. I will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability to ensure your voice is heard. Thank you for standing with me and for staying vigilant.

Both Julie and Sharbel have been let down by the elections office. More importantly, it is you the voter who has been let down. 

Sorry About the Technical Issues

For reasons still unclear to me, the postings today failed to load properly on mobile devices. I managed to fix the issue after some trial and effort, but in the process, some of your comments disappeared. I apologize. I like the interactivity of a blog and often learn things I would not otherwise know. 

Following the Money - NorCo Council Dem Candidates Fadem and Qayuum

Theresa Fadem (her report is here)  has done nothing. In June, she had $1,186.80 in her campaign fund. That's exactly what she has in her most recent report. She neither raised nor spent any money. Republicans couldn't have asked for a weaker candidate from Dems.

But they got one anyway. 

Nadeem Qayuum (his report is here) is worse. He's run for Magisterial District Judge ... and lost. He's run for Controller ... and lost. He's married to soon to be ex Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana, who has run for Mayor ... and lost ... and for State Rep. ... and lost. In her campaign for the state house, Qayuum circulated a petition on her behalf and obtained the forged signature of State Senator Lisa Boscola. His chief occupation is following his wife around to take pictures of her that she can then post on Facebook. He thinks the county can raise the minimum wage, but I'm uncertain whether he - like his wife - wants the country to establish diplomatic relations with Palestine. 

His campaign fund is called "Friends of Nadeem Qayuum," but it should be "Friend of Nadeem Qayuum. He only had one individual donate to his campaign other than himself. He claims to have raised $650 ($400 came from the Easton Area Democratic Committee) and is in debt for $850. 

Both Fadem and Qayuum are terrible candidates.

Following the Money - Lori Vargo Heffner on an Island

I've written many times about Lori Vargo Heffner (her report is here) over the years, both bad and good. She can be testy at times, as she certainly was when she told Executive Lamont McClure to "Shut Up!" at a recent County Council meeting. But she also has been a forceful voice for asserting Council's power as a co-equal branch of government. She has stood up against executive over-reach, which is something sorely needed in all levels of government. A healthy disdain for one-man rule was the basis of our Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and Constitution.  She also taken a bipartisan approach to governing, which included voting for a Republican as Council VP. This apparently is a sacrilege to Council members like Kelly Keegan. And Lori has paid the price. She had no support from Lehigh Valley For All (who agree with us) during the primary, and trade unions run from her even though she supported their cherished responsible contractor ordinance. Many of the more partisan Dems like Keegan and Kraft have worked against her. So she's been on an island. But I have admired her courage in standing up for her beliefs. I really wish she and Lamont could sit down and talk. Life is too short for this kind of acrimony. I did not expect to see much in her campaign coffers, but she did better than I thought. 

She started with $1,412.45 and raised $6785.00 through October 20, giving her a grand total of $8,197.45. She did have 10 individual contributions of $250 or less. One of them came from Lisa Pektor, who with her father has an industrial development in Upper Mount Bethel. Vargo Heffner supported a LERTA (in which tax increases are phase in over 10 years) for that project based on assurances that it would lead to badly needed jobs in the Slate Belt. 

She accepted $500 from developer Nat Hyman, who spoke against a tax break for luxury apartments in Wilson Borough. 

She also accepted $1,000 from Nimita Kapoor Atiyeh, who also donated to Tara Zrinski. Nimita is married to Abe Atiyeh, who owns the work release facility leased to the county. 

She also accepted $1,000 from Blue Valley Holdings, LLC, a corporation apparently owned by natural foods importer Murat Guzel. I'm unsure whether a LLC contribution is considered a corporate contribution. If it is, it's illegal.

Although the trade unions have run from her, Vargo Heffner did get $500 from the PSEA. 

Now you may wonder if it's legal to accept donations from county vendors or those seeking something from the county. Unfortunately, it is both legal and common practice. Zrinski accepted money from Atiyeh and numerous county employees and hopeful county employees. Tom Giovanni took money, at least indirectly, from Lou Pektor. I have long suggested this needs to change, but it is far from the top of the list of issues that people consider important. Until the law changes, this practice will continue. 

Don't hate the playa', hate the game. 

Following the Money - NorCo Council Democrats Boulette and Holland Boosted BigTime By DemocracyFIRST PAC

Jason Boulette, a Wind Gap Borough Council member, and Dave Holland, a former Gracedale Administrator with a nursing background, are two of the five Democrats running for NorCo Council. Both have raised money and worked hard. But both have benefitted immensely from the largesse of a fairy godmother known as DemocracyFIRST. I have never before seen a PAC exert such influence in a county race before this cycle.

Jason Boulette (his report is here) raised a respectable $13,905 between June 10 and October 20, giving him a warchest of over $22,000. Not bad, but that pales when compared to the $57,709 in in-kind contributions he received from DemocracyFirst. This was spent on literature, paid door-to-door canvassers, rent, digital aids and mailers

It's a similar story with Dave Holland (his report is here). He raised a paltry $825 and appeared to be relying heavily on a $3,000 loan he made to himself until the fairy godmother- DemocracyFirst - showered his campaign with those in-kind donations. 

DemocracyFirst promoted Holland, Boulette and Zrinski. 

Boulette interestingly also received a $3,500 donation from the LV Ass'n of Realtors. It is highly unusual for that PAC to donate to a Democrat, although it also recently donated to Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds. He also accepted $1,000 from outgoing Exec Lamont McClure. 

NorCo's Centenarian Lunch Rescheduled For November 10

A reader with a 100 yo mother has informed me that NorCo's annual luncheon for centenarians has been rescheduled for November 10, 11:30 am, at the Green Pond Country Club. This event had been postponed by Executive Lamont McClure, and he blamed it on the state budget impasse. This in turn led to widespread criticism. County Council President Lori Vargo Heffner suggested that Council could use their contingency fund. Republicans running for County Council offered to pay for it out of their own pockets. It is unclear to me who exactly is paying the small sum needed for this luncheon. 

UPDATED: Following the Money: Zrinski Outraises Giovanni 3 to 1 in NorCo Exec Race

Money may not be everything, but it sure helps if you're running for office. Based on the pre-election reports filed for NorCo Executive candidates Tara Zrinski (her report is here) and Tom Giovanni (his report is here), Tara Zrinski is well on her way to victory in November. In a county in which Democrats still maintain an edge in voter registration and in a race where the name "Trump" is nowhere to be found, she has outraised Tom Giovanni by a margin of 3 to 1, both in cash and in-kind contributions.

According to her report, Zrinski raised $93,687.00 between June 10 and October 20. She also received $64,698.14 in in-kind contributions, and I'm not talking about pizza pies. In contrast, Giovanni raised only $26,885.00 as well as $19,399.31 in in-kind contributions. 

Zrinski's report demonstrates a great deal of grass roots support. She received contributions of $9612.00 from 71 individual donors of $250 or less. Giovanni had far less grass roots support. His report shows only 32 contributions of $250 or less. 

Zrinski was also boosted by several large PAC contributions, the largest of which is IBEW ($15,000). She also received $10,000 from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC and $5,000 from Executive Lamont McClure's local campaign fund. 

Her largest individual contributor was Nimita Kapoor Atiyeh, wife of Abe Atiyeh. He owns the work release center in West Easton being leased by the county.

Zrinski benefitted immensely from in-kind contributions made by the Democracy First PAC. That group produced mailers, campaign literature, paid people to go door-to-door and even paid rent. 

Giovanni's largest PAC contributor was the Pa Future Fund ($5,000). His largest individual contribution came from Charles Baltic III ($1,500), a retired attorney who lives in Upper Mount Bethel and who has spoken out against satellite elections offices in Northampton County. His largest in-kind contribution is $17,000 from the state Republican party for both campaign literature and postage. He also reports $2,243 from a sign company called JES for banners. I believe that portion of his report is a bit misleading because it fails to explain who actually paid for these signs. I believe the person who did so was Lou Pektor and am pretty sue Tom told me that himself when we met to discuss his personal story. Tom supported a LERTA for his development in Upper Mount Bethel Tp.   

(Updated 7:34).

Federal Court Strikes Last Minute "Declaration" By NorCo's Former Custody Master

I've told you before about a federal (civil rights) lawsuit brought by Lisa Tresslar, who claims she was constructively fired as NorCo's custody master. In response to a motion to dismiss, District Court Judge John Gallagher found that there was merit in her claim that she was a victim of retaliation.  She had voiced concerns over new procedures in custody cases that would shield judges from hearing evidence of child abuse. Tresslar's contention is that the courts did this to insulate themselves from public rancor in the event that a child was abused after a custody order is entered. It was after she voiced her concerns that the courts basically stripped her of most of her duties, reducing her to a glorified clerk instead of a Harvard-educated attorney. The courts, however, maintain that they still wanted to hear this evidence, but only after listening to the parties. 

What ensued is something known as discovery, in which the parties to a lawsuit can explore the evidence from each side. In this case, that included 20 depositions and over 4,000 pages of documents. The parties then file what is known as a Motion for Summary Judgment, arguing that the uncontroverted facts establish they are entitled to win as a matter of law. In this case, both sides have filed motions for summary judgment, but Tresslar's is under seal because it contains sensitive information about specific cases.

In the motion for summary judgment filed by the courts, a number of legal claims like legislative immunity are raised. But what struck me most was the contention that Tresslar was biased in favor of Stanley Margle, a lawyer who has been implicated in two drug prosecutions and who once represented her. In addition to numerous text exchanges, the courts have documented text messages that show Tresslar providing legal advice or legal strategy to Margle as well as messages that disparage one of his opponents. 

Tresslar responded with a lengthy "Declaration" even though discovery had already been closed and motions for summary judgment had been filed. 

Yesterday, Judge Gallagher struck both Tresslar's Declaration as well as 20 paragraphs from another filing submitted by her.  He notes that motions to strike should be granted “'where the allegations have no possible relation to the controversy and may cause prejudice to one of the parties, or if the allegations confuse the issues in the case.' As this Court has previously recognized, Plaintiff is not permitted to present facts that are immaterial to her First Amendment Retaliation claim. Allowing Plaintiff to do so would confuse the issues in this case. Moreover, the Court finds that the prejudice at issue is substantial."

While this is no proof that Tresslar's lawsuit is on life support, it's certainly in trouble. 

I Welcome Immigrants But Not Taiba Sultana

At last week's meeting of Easton City Council, there was quite the argy-bargy over Council member Taiba Sultana's latest attempt to make immigrants feel at home in Easton. Her earlier attempt at an ordinance failed. Her latest effort - a nonbinding resolution - was tabled so that the language can be cleaned up

During the chaos that seems to follow her wherever she goes, Sultana accused Council member Frank Pintabone of raising questions "because immigrants can't vote for you and you want to make sure you have votes of all the racists, all the white people."

She's continued to bray away on her Facebook page at Pintabone, while weighing in about every five minutes about how bad it is in the US

She's entitled to her opinions. She can claim white people who disagree with her are racist. This is America. She can even criticize the way we responded to the 9-11 attack on Twin Towers, as she actually did on September 11, a day that most Americans remember as the worst thing to happen here since Pearl Harbor. 

Here's what she said.

"On this day 24 years ago, 2,977 people lost their lives. In their names, the U.S. launched a "War on Terror" that created terror by spending $8 trillion of public money, our taxes, killing more than 900,000 humans across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan. We were told it was for justice; it was for oil, arms deals, and imperial control. Honoring the fallen means condemning the lies that sent so many more to their graves.

I SAID WHAT I SAID!!!"

She's certainly entitled to claim we are all about imperial control. But my question is - why is she here? If she hates the United States so much, why did she leave Pakistan and move here? Shouldn't she return there or to one of the many countries that endorses her hatred of the US?

I know there's a lot of xenophobia out there, but she herself is full of hate. 

She claims Easton, obtained by the Penns as a result of an admittedly shaky deal known as the walking purchase, is on Lenape land. If she believes that, why would she want to be a member of Easton City Council?

Have You Considered a Bullet Vote?

In the Northampton County Council election, there will be five winners and five losers on election day because voters can pick up to five candidates. This is where what is known as the bullet vote comes into play.

Bullet voting is a tactic used in multi-winner races. For example, on Northampton County Council, you may vote for up to five candidates. But let's say you really like one of them. If you vote for that person only, you have effectively given him (or her) five votes. 

In smaller areas like the county races, a bullet vote has much more impact. 

In this year's County Council race, a concerted effort by Democrats has been made to ensure the defeat of Council President Lori Vargo Heffner. Although she has supported Democratic causes like a responsible contractor ordinance and has advocated for continued human services and higher pay for county employees, she has differed with Executive Lamont McClure on issues like the voluntary employee health center. She has also been bipartisan, even to the point of voting for Republican John Goffredo as Council VP. 

In my view, that's no basis for voting her out. That's a basis for keeping her in office We benefit from different points of view in a democratic form of government.  

You might also consider a bullet for Dave Holland, a former Gracedale administrator, or Jason Boulette, who also takes a bipartisan approach and is even endorsed by some Republicans. 

Following the Money - NorCo Pre-Election Finance Reports Were Due Friday

Campaign finance reports for Northampton County candidates running in November's election were due Friday.  As of Sunday evening, none have been posted on the county's webpage. This is done by the elections office, Since it is already preparing for or conducting three elections (Mail-in Ballots, On-Demand Ballots and In-Person), a slight delay in getting these reports posted is understandable. But I wait to cast my vote until I see who is financing an election as well as how the money is spent. I hope to be able to start reporting on these reports on Tuesday. 

Are Wrong Mail-in Ballots Being Sent in Easton City Council Race?

I've been an ardent advocate of mail-in ballots (MIBs). They make it easier for people to vote and should increase turnout. They are a great convenience to those with mobility issues or many people who work two or three jobs to make ends meet. Though possible, I see no more fraud than exists in other forms of voting. But I presume that elections officials are actually sending the correct ballots. Unfortunately, in one Easton City Council race, it is certainly possible that the wrong ballots have been sent to several voters.

According to Sharbel Koorie, who is running for Easton City Council District 2, has been contacted by a voter in his district who received a MIB for a City Council race in another district. The elections office conceded the error and explained that an elections worker made the mistake of placing the wrong ballot in the envelope intended for a District 2 voter. They minimized the possibility that others have received the wrong ballot by saying they received no calls. 

Frankly, that does nothing to reassure me. Many voters in local races have little understanding of who is running in what district and would likely just assume everything is as it should be. In reality, this kind of error could very well disenfranchise several voters in that district race. It could hurt Koorie. It could also hurt his opponent, Julie Zando-Dennis, even more. She's a Democrat, and Democrats tend to like MIBs. 

There is no way of knowing for sure unless those ballots are segregated with the return envelopes and opened separately to ensure that the ballots are correct. It's questionable whether this can be done without violating Pa law providing that ballots are private.

Here's the email I received from Koorie: 

A voter in the 8th Ward East area of the City of Easton received a mail in a ballot with the correct envelope label but the wrong ballot for district 2. The ballot he received was for district 3 and had Susan Hartranft-Bittinger's name on it, not my name or my opponent's name. This was explained to me at the voters office as a human error. They told me the process of how they are mailed and received. They said that when they mail these out they do one ward at a time in a bin, they print the labels, adhere them to the envelopes and then stuff the coordinating ballots. Sometimes while doing this they said they could run out of ballots and the person would go back to the room and get more ballots. They believe someone grabbed the wrong ballot by accident and mailed it. My concern is we don't know how many people may have received the wrong ballot, this person's last name started with an "S" does that mean everyone after "S" received the wrong ballot or did they run out of ballots at the letter "L" and everyone after received the wrong ballot. They claim that if there were more people they would have already called by now.

I happened to see the woman who lives across the street from the person who received the wrong ballot and she claimed she voted for me already. I asked her if she remembered how many names were on the ballot for Easton city council she believed only one, I explained that was incorrect there should have been two, she followed up and said she can't remember 100% it was a week ago that she filled it out but believes it was one.

We are running in a small district which had around 365 votes in the primary and this fall we could have 6-700 votes total. A few wrong ballots could sway the election one way or another. This particular voter went to the county courthouse while I was there and they verified he received the wrong ballot and gave him a new ballot and yellow envelope. I just feel this is wrong. I have been knocking on doors for 12 weeks working hard to meet all the voters and was feeling real good about my chances of winning. I'm going to continue working hard until election day. Am I overreacting or could this be an issue.

I informed my opponent so that she was also aware. I also reached out to the Republican party officials to let them know as well. Should the county put something out on their site since they actually verified the wrong ballot was mailed just in case there are others? My number again is [redacted] if you have any questions. I know you have the pulse of the county and would know what should be done to make sure everything was fair.

I appreciate you reading this long rant.

Sincerely,

Sharbel Koorie candidate for Easton City Council representing District 2

NorCo Controller's Budget Proposed to Shrink From $987,800 to $816,500 in 2026

Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski's budget for 2026 is $816,500, which is 17% below her $987,800 budget this year. She explained that she has eight staffers, a part-time solicitor and one vacancy.  

In response to a question posed by Council member Jeff Corpora, Zrinski conceded that she will be unable to fill that vacancy with the budget as proposed. She said she was told that the money for the vacant position might be available if "we need that staff member."

McClure Explains Why NorCo's Proposed Budget Calls For No Contribution to Pension Fund

Over the past few days, I've received a number of comments complaining that NorCo's proposed budget for 2026 calls for no county contribution to the pension fund. At Wednesday's budget hearing, Council member Jeff Corpora asked Exec Lamont McClure to explain the risk of not putting any money into retirement. 

McClure: "I'm glad you asked that question. There is no risk. Currently, in the pension fund, we have $563,181,986.53. ... Our pension fund at the beginning of the year was funded at 90.7%. It is now presumably, because it has grown, funded at 93%. Your average pension fund in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is funded at 77%. Actually, nationally, the average is 77%. ... The taxpayers have been overtaxed for the pension and specifically, to the tune of $103,469,300.00. That's one year of the general fund real estate taxes. One entire year of the taxes we collect for the general fund went into the pension fund. We're going to rebalance that. It will be back down to about - I suspect - 85% funded at the end of next year."

Council member John Goffredo said McClure was being "too optimistic" McClure said he has had this argument for many years with former Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron but believes that a county contribution this year would be "funding liabilities well into the future that should be shared with future taxpayers because the whole purpose of this is to spread out the liability over the years, not to have it disproportionately paid for by taxpayers now ... .."

In addition to a pension fund for retirees, the county also maintains a $58,296,110.55 trust fund that pays medical expenses for eligible retired employees, which are those who started on or before 2010. McClure explained that since no one who was hired after 2010 is entitled to retiree health benefits, there is no reason for the county to continue paying into this fund. 

LANTA Could Face 20% Service Reduction in January

Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) is seeking $701,727 from NorCo in 2026, and Executive Lamont McClure has proposed $701,800. 

Exec. Director Owen O'Neill explained that this money is leveraged to obtain much larger grants from the state and federal government to operate and maintain our region's buses. 

Funding for LANTA is based on the amount of service provided to each county. 57% of LANTA's bus system serves Lehigh County, while only 43% serves NorCo. 

Although funding is uncertain as a result of a state budget impasse, O'Neill noted that SEPTA and Pittsburgh have been approved by PennDOT for flex funding, and LANTA has applied for this as well. If this application fails, O'Neill said there would likely be a 20% reduction in service in January. He also said fare increases have gone into effect. "We have tried to keep them stable as long as we can," he observed, adding that fares had not gone up since 2014. 

LV Planners Want $965,500 From NorCo; Only $625,000 Budgeted

At last night's budget hearing for Northampton County Council, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) requested $965,500 for next year. But in his proposed budget, Executive Lamont McClure has limited funding for that bi-county venture to $625,000, the same sum approved in this year's budget. 

As explained in the proposed budget, LVPC does the planning for planning for regional land use, transportation, recreation, economic development, storm water management, and environmental impact studies. It reviews subdivision plans and is already over 250 this year alone, just in Northampton County. It also is the body that reviews and regulates stormwater management plans for municipalities. It also provides technical assistance with smaller local governments. But does this justify what is 50% increase in the county contribution next year? According to Executive Director Becky Bradley, Lehigh County thinks so, and was voting last night on a budget that would give thus admittedly busy and worthwhile agency more money. That is, however, a terrible argument to make in Northampton County. It almost guarantees a rejection, if only out of spite. Northampton County has long considered itself the ugly red-headed stepchild when compared to Lehigh.

Council member John Goffredo, easily that body's most conservative voice, surprisingly voiced support for this substantial increase. He noted that the county (and its municipalities) need these services, and they are required under state law. He said head be comfortable matching Lehigh County. 

But Council member Ken Kraft, easily that body's most candid voice, was far less encouraging. "I am totally against that," he said of the proposed 50% increase. "I can't see taking another $300,000 out of our budget, so I'm a No vote on that. .... I'm fiscally conservative so, you know, sorry."

During LVPC's presentation, Bradley warned these funds are needed for salaries, which is close to 90% of its budget. 

If NorCo Council wishes to fund the entire $965,000 requested, it will have to deduct money proposed somewhere else. 

Is Gracedale's Administrator Resigning?

A rumor is circulating that Gracedale Administrator Michelle Morton is stepping down. She was only hired in March.

In August, Morton presented NorCo Council with a "strategic plan" for success to increase census and reduce the nursing home's reliance on agency nursing from 59% to 30% by June 2026. The latest budget proposal for Gracedale involves no county contribution. 

According to her LinkedIn page, Morton has had 23 jobs since 1983. She's moved around a bit over the years. Though she is licensed as a nursing home administrator, her degree is in therapeutic recreation. 

We'll know if the rumor is true tomorrow, when she meets with county administrators. 

A History Primer For America's 250th Birthday

Over the past weekend, numerous No-Kings Rallies were conducted nationwide.  They were aimed mostly at President Donald Trump's constitutionally questionable assertions of executive authority, and this has angered many of his supporters. But if truth be told, Americans have long been very leery of executive overreach.  They also resented people who, once elected, make it a career. 

In the Articles of Confederation that existed before we actually ratified the Constitution, there was no executive branch of government and no federal courts. States' rights, echoes of which can still be heard today, was the guiding principle. Delegates to Congress were limited to three years in office. 

We quickly learned that we did actually need an executive branch but were still suspicious of the tyranny that could result from a strong national government. Hence the Constitution. When George Washington was elected (unanimously) as the first President, he actually highlighted and underlined all mentions of his office. After his inauguration, he made it a point to visit every member of Congress instead of having them come to him and swear their loyalty. He also made it a point to leave his office every day at about 4 pm for a brief walk to demonstrate that he is just like everyone else. 

And so things remained until Andrew Jackson was elected President. He was the first to push the authority of the executive branch, ignoring acts of Congress and the courts when they acted contrary to his agenda. He even called for some of his critics to be "Houstinized" (assaulted). He was a populist who despised effete intellectuals like John Quincy Adams.

After Jackson, the power of the Executive branch continued to grow under different Presidents, especially during times of crisis. 

If you'd like an overview of our history from the beginning to present, I highly recommend a series of lectures from Yale University professors David Blight, Joanne Freeman and Beverly Gage called America at 250.  A course syllabus is included. You can view the lectures online as well. 

NorCo Council to Vote on Dixie TIF on November 6

After a great weekend of cycling fun in Philly, helped by outstanding weather, I finally had the opportunity to watch the public hearing for the tax break (known as a TIF) at the long vacant Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough. What I saw was pretty much a rehash of arguments previously made. County Council will vote on the TIF ordinance itself on November 6. 

If it passes, it will be a $20-29 million windfall for the developer of the long vacant Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough. It will enable Skyline Investment to float two series of bonds for a proposed 405-unit luxury apartment complex and use the projected increased assessment to pay for the improvements made over a period of 20-25 years. During this time, taxing authorities will continue to receive the taxes on the existing assessment, but they will have to wait a quarter century to see receive the taxes it should receive when improvements are made. 

In addition, Skyline will also use historic tax credits and has already received a state grant for asbestos removal. 

It's nice to be a picked winner

Both Wilson Borough and Wilson Area School District have already agreed to this windfall. 

Unanimously.

Skyline principal Brian Bartee and his bond counsel, Jonathan Cox, monopolized much of the hearing. Obviously, they're all for it. So is Doylestown attorney Richard Groff, who gobbles up distressed properties at tax and Sheriff sales and then flips or rents them out. Obviously, high rentals at Dixie will make it possible for him to charge more rent at his Wilson Borough and Easton properties. 

Support from those who benefit financially is understandable. Unanimous support from Wilson Borough and the school district, however, is either incredibly naive or downright stupid. In Wilson Borough's case, I think it's stupidity. This is the municipality that uses Stan Margle, who is facing multiple drug charges, as their solicitor. He even spoke for the borough at two county meetings where he actually insulted one of the County Council supporters. 

Brilliant. 

In the case of the school district, the rationale offered by superintendent Harrison Bailey III (that's Doctor Bailey to you), was downright mystifying.  He said students would receive an education by watching union contractors as they install drywall during the year or so that it takes. I bet. They would also be able to meet the developer and learn what it means to be an entrepreneur. Is that worth 20m years of tax breaks? 

In response to questions from Council member John Brown, Dr. Harrison Bailey III said it costs about $22,000 a year per student. Brown indicated that some tenants at Dixie will have children who attend school, and the school district will have to pay for their education. Moreover, the school district will miss 20 years of increased property tax revenue Dr. Harrison Bailey III said taxes at Wilson have only gone up 0.66% for the past five years, but his doctorate certainly has nothing to do with math. This year alone, taxes at Wilson have gone up 3.5%. His doctorate has nothing to do with business, either. Dr. Harrison Bailey III conceded he did no analysis or study on exactly how much this TIF will cost the school district. People in the audience apparently shouted out that the school board did a study, but I certainly find it off that Dr. Harrison Bailey III had no knowledge of it. 

This ordinance will be supported by Council members Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan and Jeff Warren for one and only one reason - trade unions. Skyline Investment's Brain Bartee will use union labor. It matters not that this labor will be used to develop housing that only New Jersey and New York immigrants can afford. It matters not that this will just exacerbate the affordable living crisis. A year of union labor makes it all worth it to them.

I'm less certain about the others. 

NorCo Council Conducts Public Hearing on Dixie's Tax Break Proposal

At last night's meeting of Northampton County Council, a public hearing was conducted on the request to grant a tax break known as a TIF for the conversion of long vacant Dixie Cip factory, located in Wilson Borough, into luxury apartments. Most speakers were pro-development. Most were there at the behest of the developer, Wilson Borough or the Wilson Area School District. No action was taken on the TIF application last night.

I'm in Philly today for an annual cycling event, so I'll post about the hearing on Monday. 

Lehigh County Dems Not Lookin' Good

The primary focus of this blog is Northampton County. I'm a Democrat, but I've been highly critical of just about every NorCo Democrat over the years. And not just county Dems. I've taken shots at Easton Mayor Sal Panto, Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds, State Senator Lisa Boscola, State Rep Steve "Diaper Man" Samuelson and even State Rep. Bob Freeman, who has been in office for about 2,000 years. But I'll let you in on a little secret. Compared to Lehigh County, they;'re saints.

The video you see above, sent to me by my evil Republican brother, explains why. But they will all be elected.

A Political NorCo County Festival

The annual luncheon for centenarians was recently cancelled as a result of the state budget gridlock, but the annual county festival was held on Saturday despite the rain. 

During the festival, County Executive Lamont G. McClure presented awards to outstanding individuals and organizations whose service, leadership, and dedication strengthen our communities. This is undertandable because he represents the Executive branch. But what bothers me is that McClure was joined by County Controller Tara Zrinski and County Council member Jeff Warren. Neither Zrinski nor Warren have anything to do with administration and play no role in deciding who gets awarded anything. But Zrinski is running for Exec and Warren is running for the state house. Their involvement is pure politics. The gods must agree because they made sure everyone got drenched.

NorCo Human Services Caseworkers Plan to Rally Before Tonight's County Council Meeting

Yesterday, I received a news release from SEIU Local 668, the bargaining unit for NorCo's Human Services Caseworkers. Here's what it says:

County workers and community supporters will gather outside the Northampton County Council Chambers at 5:00 PM on Thursday, October 16, before the evening meeting. Participants will rally outside, then attend the meeting to speak during the public comment period about the announced layoffs and the broader funding crises driving them. Northampton County recently announced layoffs in its human services workforce, citing a lack of state reimbursements caused by the ongoing budget impasse in Harrisburg and the federal government shutdown. Workers and their union say those cuts are unnecessary and avoidable. SEIU Local 668 members are calling on Congress, Harrisburg, and the County to take responsibility for protecting critical public services and the workers who provide them.

Executive Lamont McClure assured me in a telephone conversation yesterday that he has no intention of laying anyone off and believes the county has enough funds to pay caseworkers through the end of the year. He explained that the union was given a 30-day notice because the collective bargaining unit requires it. He also told me and advised County Council last night that he's asked for an interest-free loan of $10 million from the state treasurer.

There's no denying, however, that if the state budget impasse continues much longer, the well will run dry, and the county will be forced to make difficult decisions. Instead of laying off caseworkers, I'd furlough as many exempt positions (these are political appointees) as possible and temporarily reduce wages to cabinet officials. I'd also sit down with SEIU and other unions to see if workers are willing to take a temporary paycut so that human services can continue. 

County Furloughs Begin

In Northampton County, Executive Lamont McClure has notified SEIU, the bargaining unit for human services caseworkers, that furloughs are on the horizon as a result of the gridlock over a state budget that has been overdue since July 1.  This decision has been met by widespread criticism from both caseworkers and public officials, including both of the candidates who want to succeed McClure. In his most recent statement on the topic, McClure said he believes the county has enough cash on hand to stave off furloughs until the end of the year, which coincidentally is when his term expires. He said he has inquired about a loan from the State Treasurer but believes it should be interest free. What's going on elsewhere? 

According to Lehigh County Comm'r Jon Irons, his county was seeking a loan.  It is unknown precisely how much interest will need to be paid or the exact sum being borrowed. In Cambria County, Comm'rs have borrowed $8.5 million with a 4.49% interest rate and no pre-payment penalty. About 30 organizations, including as many as seven counties, have applied for a loan from the state treasurer. That loan originally required repayment with 4.5% interest, but the Pa Senate has passed a bill making the loans interest-free. That bill has yet to pass the Pa. House.  

In Westmoreland County, 125 employees have already been furloughed. They include human services caseworkers, workers in row offices and aides to elected officials. That way, vital human services can still be provided. In Armstrong County, human services caseworkers have been furloughed and senior centers that provide hot meals have been shuttered. Carbon County officials think they can hold on to the end of the year. 

In the meantime, the Pa. House has passed yet another budget bill. Though it spends less than Governor Josh Shapiro had hoped, he said he'd sign it if the Senate passes it when they reconvene on October 20.

No hurry. 

Josh Siegel Should Think Twice Before Attacking Allentown's Former Top Cop

Lehigh County Exec candidate Joshua Siegel likes to tell anyone who will listen that he's outgrown his immaturity and has learned from previous mistakes that include participating in night rallies that chant, "F--- the Police!" They also include voting No to grants for Allentown's police. But one of his more recent ads indicates that Siegel has learned nothing. The man who wants to "F--- the police" and who wanted to burden you with both a sales and county income tax is claiming that his opponent, Roger MacLean, "failed to keep us safe" as Allentown's top cop back in 2010. 

Back then, Siegel was still living in Jersey and attending Phillipsburg High School. So there is no "us." 

If Siegel wants to know who has failed to keep Allentonians safe, all he needs to do is look in a mirror.

Where Are Tom Giovanni's Mailers?

So far, I've received four mailers from Tara Zrinski's campaign for county executive. Two appear to be directly from her campaign. Another two, which also ask you to support County Council candidates Jason Boulette and David Holland, come from the DemocracyFIRST PAC. But I've received nothing from Tom Giovanni, Zrinski's opponent. 

If Tom wants to be elected, I'd think he'd have reached out to Democrats and independents by now. This is because mail-in ballots have already been sent out, so it's almost too late at this point. Zrinski can win this race without GOP support. But I doubt Giovanni can do so without attracting a few Democrats. That will not happen if he fails to reach out to them. As my friend, Bishop Ron Angle once told me, "People like to be asked."

Former Custody Master's Federal Lawsuit - The Court Strikes Back, Claims She Was Biased For Attorney Accused of Drug Possession

I've written several times now about the federal lawsuit filed by Lisa Tresslar, Northampton County's former child custody master. She initially sued the entire court and county as well, but her lawsuit now is only aimed at Court Administrator Jermaine Greene and President Judge Craig Dally (I'll refer to them henceforth as the NorCo Court).  A previous motion to dismiss was partially granted. Federal Judge John Gallagher ruled that Tresslar failed to allege properly that she was a victim of discrimination.  But he allowed Tresslar's claim of retaliation to stand. She argues that she was effectively terminated for voicing concerns about revisions to child custody guidelines. After exhaustive discovery, NorCo Court has filed a motion for summary judgment based on the undisputed facts of record. It claims that the revised custody guidelines were adopted "to alleviate several concerns of reported conflicts of interest [and] favoritism based on complaints NorCo Court had received about Tresslar's bias toward certain attorneys. These include Attorney Stan Margle, who has now been charged twice with bringing cocaine and drug paraphernalia to court and then forgetting it there.  

Tresslar has filed a competing motion for summary judgment, but I'm unable to tell you about it because she requested that it be sealed. I've outlined her arguments in the past. I believe she may have sought to seal her motion to keep individual cases from being publicized. But up until now, I've never really heard  NorCo Court's side of the story. It's a doozy. 

According to NorCo Court's motion, its concern about bias turned out to be accurate. Through discovery, it learned of "ex parte communications between Tresslar and Margle in which she worked actively to undermine the opposing party, provided legal counsel and acted in a manner "completely contrary to her role as neutral Court employee." It calls its revised custody guidelines a reasonable attempt to limit the appearance of impropriety that arose from her dealings with her friends. Had it known then what it knows now, the actions taken would have been far harsher. 

NorCo Court contends it has "an affirmative duty to address any appearance of impropriety when it arises." That was the reason for revised custody guidelines. Discovery revealed that she made several statements to Margle that are clearly beyond the pale. 

Here's an example from one of her texts to Margle:

"Seriously, the day you cross-examined Dr. B----, and the day you cross-examined U-----, I got weak in the knees. I, like, wanted to have your baby. ... When other lawyers complain I have a special relationship with you because you were once my lawyer, I always scoff at them, but privately I'm thinking, 'If you only knew ... ."

While I believe a judicial officer can certainly compliment good lawyering, Tresslar appears to have gone a bit beyond mere puffery. The record reveals she shared confidential information with Margle and disparaged an attorney who was squaring off against him. "He is none too bright. You will be splendid tomorrow. I wish I could be there to see it. Please delete these text messages!" Discovery also revealed that she gave him advice on how to present cases and who to call as witnesses. Margle himself said he had "help from a little birdie who sometimes work[ed] in the Courthouse." 

Other custody masters were concerned. Brian Panella, now a judge, said that attorneys complained to him of being "stonewalled" with an "endless cycle of co-parenting counseling." This apprehension was shared by another former custody master (now retired) who called Tresslar's insistence on co-parent counseling a "roadblock" that "added months, and costs, to any given custody matter." Panella was concerned that this was effectively denying due process. He made these concerns known to NorCo Court. 

He In previous filings, Tresslar has maintained that Judges Jennifer Sletvold and Paula Roscioli refused to look at counseling reports because they wanted to be able to claim ignorance if a parent abused a child after an order was entered. They both deny this, saying they find these expert reports helpful. They simply decided it would be improper to read these reports before a trial because it might make them biased. 

The Tara Zrinski Story

Earlier this week, I shared the Tom Giovanni Story with you. He and Tara Zrinski are the two candidates seeking your vote for NorCo Exec on November 4. Both have appeared, in 12-minute segments, on  Tony Iannelli's Business Matters program. They've also responded to five questions posed by The Morning Call. I've decided to take a different approach and try to understand what makes them tick. They both have strikingly different personalities. Tom is quiet and unassuming, perhaps too quiet at times. Tara is loud and assertive, perhaps too loud at times. As different as their personalities might be, they both want to make things better for people. 

Tara is from Bethlehem and graduated from Freedom High School before attending Drew College and Moravian's Theological Seminary. She has a gay brother about 10 years older than her. He taught in Bethlehem's schools, and at a time when being gay was far from popular. She was alienated by her classmates, who would assume she must be gay, too, or must have AIDs. 

This never stopped her. She played in numerous sports, from soccer to field hockey to softball. And like many student athletes who must learn to manage their time, she got into the habit of being very disciplined in her personal approach. Even today, she often gets by with only a few hours of sleep. She starts the day walking her dog, works out, goes through her emails and is "out the door." 

She played soccer at Drew University as well, where she majored in Philosophy. And to those of you who think this is a useless major, you ought to read Plato's Republic. In addition to being a student athlete, she worked at a nearby cafe and was actually taking graduate classes in her senior year. 

She had an unhappy marriage. I chose against discussing that topic with her in any detail though she was willing to do so. 

Her attitude was influenced by time spent abroad, both as a student and after graduating. In Costa Rica, she witnessed the impact that deforestation had, not just on the environment, but on people who lived there. In Germany, she experienced what it's like to receive free medical car after she injured her hand, even though she was not a citizen. In Hungary, she actually spent a month at a train station after per backpack and passport were stolen. There she met numerous refugees escaping the genocide in war torn Bosnia.  She met people from Poland and East Germany who were returning to their countries after the wall had been torn down. She considers that month "just an amazing education for me. And the resilience of people, what they've been through, what somebody will do to survive, you know?" That experience is what led her to want people to have better lives, "to thrive."

"I want them to have opportunities, and I want them to have dignity and justice and equity, and all those all those lofty things that we talk about in politics, but it seems like they never happen. At Moravian Theological Seminary, she considered becoming an ordained minister and got degrees both in Theology and Pastoral Counseling but was non-denominational and by then she was a single mother of three children whose first priority was putting food on the table. This included trips to the local food banks. 

Her interest in local government began with her participation as a local coordinator for Food and Water Watch, where she was opposed to the PennEast Pipeline. She recalled having a meeting set up with a township supervisor, who refused to speak to her but was willing to speak with a male who accompanied her. He actually told her he was unwilling to speak to her because she is female. "This is insane," she said. "And I thought more women have to get into politics."

And so she shifted gears from activism to politics with a whirlwind approach to campaigning that is hard to match. 

She condemns the partisan and adversarial approach she's seen in county government by both sides. She said she can talk to John Brown, John Goffredo and Tom Giovanni, the County Council Republicans. The only problem she has is when she sees personal attacks. "I don't think that's helpful, because now you're not talking about the issues anymore. You're sidestepping the issues and making personal attacks. I want to address what it is that is going on in the room, and I don't want my integrity or judgment questioned because we're all supposed to be there to make solutions"

She said this toxicity just makes people angrier. "People are dissatisfied with the way government is going, and they're dissatisfied with this dysfunction that doesn't allow anything to happen. Trump does get things done. Whether you believe that he is effective or whether he is doing what you want him to do, he's doing stuff every day."

She said that by listening to voters, she knows we have to recognize that "both Republicans and Democrats come here so that we could find what's best for everybody." 

Like Tom Giovanni, she listens. Like Tom Giovanni, she wants people to have better lives. So on a personal level, I think both would be fine as Executive. 

NorCo County Festival to Continue?

As a result of the gridlock over the state budget, Northampton County has "postponed" its annual luncheon for centenarians, has paused payments to human services vendors and has notified the union representing human services caseworkers that furloughs are on the horizon. What about the county's fall festival, planned for this Saturday at Louise Moore Park?  Last week, when Executive Lamont McClure announced his proposed 2026 budget, he indicated that the fall festival would likely continue. 

"It isn't costing us anything," said McClure. He added that the event has sponsors and that vendors have already paid to reserve spots. 

NorCo Seeks Pollworkers For Nov. 4 Election

As election day approaches, Northampton County is seeking poll workers. It's a long but important day that includes checking in voters, operating the voting machines and delivering results to Easton's courthouse. The pay is $175-200, the most a county can pay by state statute.If you are a registered voter and interested in becoming a poll workers in your community, email the Northampton County Elections Office at election@norcopa.gov or call 610-829-6260.

What Would We Do Without Landfills?

Landfills located in both Lower Saucon and Plainfield Townships want to expand. The owners dangle financial carrots in the form of host fees, taxes and other financial incentives that make it hard to say No. But many residents wish they would. They are unsightly, smell and no matter how hard landfills try, pollutants always leech into the surrounding groundwater. But what's the alternative? Incineration is said to be worse. Dumping garbage in the ocean destroys our ecosystem. I'd really like to know. Until we can find a reasonable alternative, attempts at expansion will continue, and opposition will be fierce. The battle for Grand Central's expansion is just getting started, but the fight over the expansion of Lower Saucon's landfill is in full swing. Standing in one corner is Easton attorney Gary Asteak, representing the Citizens for Responsible Development. In the opposite corner are Bethlehem Landfill's corporate lawyers, being cheered on by two Trumpion Council members who pride themselves in disrupting meeting after meeting in what has become the most dysfunctional local government in the Lehigh Valley. And that's saying something. 

Asteak has sued to stop the expansion. At one time, the City of Bethlehem owned and operated the Bethlehem landfill. It also owned surrounding tracts. In 1994, it adopted two conservation easements and a woodland easement. The conservation easements preserve 208 acres of landfill property for scenic and conservation purposes and specifically exclude landfills. The woodland easement, which applies to 8 acres, is intended to preserve undisturbed woodland. It was binding on both the City and future owners to preserve the Delaware and Lehigh Canal Heritage corridor as well as "the original character and scenic nature of the land." 

In 2023, Lower Saucon Tp voted to release these easements, but did so without the approval of the Orphans’ Court under the Donated or Dedicated Property Act (DDPA). Because the Township failed to take this step, and admits it never sought approval. Attorney Asteak contends the releases are invalid.

He has filed what is known as a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. Based on his assertions and the Township's admission, he contends the releases must be set aside as a matter of law. 

Good argument, but the question still remains - what would we do without landfills? 

The Tom Giovanni Story

Late last month, in 12-minute segments, Northampton County Exec candidates Tara Zrinski and Tom Giovanni had the opportunity to make their case at Tony Iannelli's Business Matters program. Tara, who has far more experience on these shows than Tom, was definitely more poised and less nervous. But does this mean she should be the next Executive? Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Tom for more than a few minutes and learn a lot more about him. I want to share his story with you. Maybe it will make you want to vote for him. Maybe not. But at least you'll know why he's running and what he hopes to accomplish.

Giovanni is known as Northampton County's Quiet Man. He rarely speaks at meetings. Some of you consider this a negative. One of you has actually reviewed the minutes of several meetings to note how little he has spoken in comparison to others, as though this somehow disqualifies him. Quite the contrary. In my 74 years on this planet, I have learned that those who speak the most tend to know the least. They fail to listen. They already think they know everything. The reality is that we have one mouth and two ears for a reason. We need people in government who actually listen. Giovanni does that.

Though he is only a part-time employee of the county as a member of county council, I often see Giovanni at the courthouse when I'm there to search a title or plead insanity. What's he doing? He's listening. He listens to county employees when they have gripes. He's met with corrections officers, deputy sheriffs, 911 workers, Gracedale staffers and even human services caseworkers. He knows that there are far too many steps for most positions. He sees the turnover. He probably hears some things that are just not true, as things do tend to get twisted a lot, but he's listening.

As Executive, he told me his door would always be open to people who want to talk to him. If he heard gripes from employees, he'd arrange a meeting between them and their managers to see if the problem could be worked out as a team. "We're all on the same team," he told me. 

This, unfortunately, is far from the way things are right now. The relationship between the workforce and administration has increasingly become adversarial, with some employees who rightly or wrongly feel they will face retaliation if they speak out. This is a far cry from the way things were under Gene Hartzell, Marty Bechtel or Jerry Seyfried. 

In addition to the adversarial relation between employer and employee, there is also a very unfortunate partisan edge to many things. It was pretty clear in a news release from the county about the "postponed" centenarian luncheon. McClure made that matter worse when he referred to Senate Republicans who refuse to pass a state budget as "deadbeats." But more alarming, at least to me, was what has happened to State Rep. Ann Flood's Senior fests. They usually attract about 300 people from her district. She has asked the county to send someone from the Area Agency on Aging on each occasion, but her correspondence has gone unanswered. The county does respond to other state agencies. She believes she is ignored because she criticized McClure's handling of an election a few years ago, when the voting machines were improperly tested. If that's true, the only persons being hurt are the seniors in her district. 

Giovanni told me he would be neither adversarial nor partisan in his dealings with others. Contrary to one of the rumors being propagated by readers of this blog, he has no intention of asking former Exec John Brown to serve in his administration. He is more interested in governing than in politics and told me his only interest is county government. He has no intention of going anywhere else. 

On Business Matters, Giovanni stumbled when explaining why he's running for executive. But when I heard his story, I know why he's running, and it's for all the right reasons. 

He's a product of Bangor, as many of you know. Many of you know that he's a product of Pius X High School, Lincoln Tech and Northampton Community College, after which he launched a successful career in IT with 15 employees. Most of you probably don't know that, although he had no obligation to do so, he provided medical benefits for his staff. Only few of you know what made him as interested in human services as he actually is.

Tom's father served in the Korean War. When he returned, he "wasn't right. I don't know what he saw, but he wasn't there. He ended up in Allentown State Hospital." His Dad would later be sent to Norristown State Hospital.

This left his mother, on her own, to raise two boys with a house and a mortgage. She struggled.  She worked at three different blouse mills to keep the bills paid and food on the table, but it wasn't enough. One day, "I remember it like yesterday," the "town fathers (and bank) met with his mom in the living room to say they would take over the house and build a parking lot. The family would move from a home to a small apartment next to a news stand. "I was five years old, and my brother was two, and I vowed in my mind I will never let this happen to me." 

Tom grew up poor, had a father whose combat experience mentally crippled him, and knows first-hand what it's like to have nothing.

Given his life experience and his Italian heritage, I asked him why he's a Republican and not a Democrat. "I was a Democrat," he answered. He told me Sundays included trips to his uncle's house, where portraits of FDR and JFK adorned the walls. There were so many that he wondered whether they were relations. "No, no, no, they're Kennedy and FDR and the Democrats. So I grew up like that."

Tom eventually changed parties at the request of (now Judge) Craig Dally, who was then running for State Rep.  

(I remember tormenting Dally myself once over switching parties when he ran for State Rep., and he responded, "I didn't leave the Democratic party. It left me." 

I told Craig he'd lose the election. He won. 

That was the first in a long line of unsuccessful election predictions I've made over the years.)

Giovanni also told me that governing requires compromise. "Nobody wants to compromise," he said, noting Council's complete inability to appoint a person to take over Tara's job on County Council after her election.  

In conclusion, Giovanni brings a nonpartisan and non-adversarial approach to government that includes compromise and a team approach. He'd listen instead of pontificating. He has a deep understanding of the immense importance of human services, which the county is state-mandated to provide. This is regardless of whether it is technically a core county function. 

Tara is a more polished and experienced campaigner who can probably raise more money than Giovanni. She'll probably win. But a Democrat or Independent might want to consider voting for him.  Zrinski has been a very good controller and has matured from her experience as a member of county council. I would not be unhappy to see her elected. But she might be more driven by state and federal issues, as her record attests.  Giovanni is focused solely on county government.  

McClure and State Republicans Trade Blows Over Budget Impasse

In the face of a state budget impasse that has existed since July 1, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure has given the SEIU bargaining unit that represents caseworkers a required 30-day notice of furlough. Before this, McClure postponed an annual luncheon for the county's centenarians, some of whom may no longer be here if and when the county ever gets around to rescheduling it. A supposedly nonpartisan county news release called the delay a "direct result of the Republican-led State Senate’s ongoing refusal to pass a state budget. McClure is directly quoted as saying this: “Republicans in the State Senate have failed the people of Pennsylvania by refusing to pass a budget. ... For three months, their dysfunction has left counties like Northampton footing the bill, costing us millions of dollars just to keep essential services going. And now, their failure means we must cancel a celebration for residents who have given more than a century of service and spirit to their community. This is unacceptable. They must do their job, pass a budget, and stop punishing taxpayers and seniors alike. Once a budget is passed, we will move quickly to reschedule this important event.” State House Republicans Ann Flood, Zach Mako and Milou Mackenzie have responded to this news release with some harsh words of their own, and McClure has fired back at them. 

Flood, Mako and Mackenzie to McClure:

Our offices have been made aware of your administration's efforts to blame Pennsylvania's budget impasse on Senate Republicans. Since you appear to have a misunderstanding of the facts surrounding the impasse, we, as elected officials in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, feel compelled to set the record straight. 

The first and most egregious misleading allegation you continue to make is that we are facing a budget impasse due to Senate Republicans. This claim is a shameful and deliberate obfuscation of the facts for cheap political points. 

Senate Republicans passed a stopgap budget on Aug. 12,2025. The stopgap was intended to release some funding while negotiations on spending increases continued. Less than 24 hours after its passage, House Democrats called a House Appropriations Committee meeting to vote it down. In fact, it was Senate Republicans, supported by House Republicans, who advanced the plan. 

Our offices recently obtained a letter from Susan Wandalowski, director of the Department of Human Services, dated Sept. 19,2025, regarding the current budget impasse' The letter contained multiple inaccuracies and omitted the stopgap budget entirely. 

Further demonstrating a misunderstanding of the state budget process is the claim that the impasse is due to an "equitable funding formula." Pennsylvania's budget is not based on a single formula. It comprises hundreds of line items distributed to agencies, the public, school districts, counties, contractors, and nonprofits through various methods, including block grants, direct payments, and, in some cases, formulas. There is no "funding formula" blocking the budget. 

What is preventing a finalized budget is the unwillingness of House Democrats and the governor to compromise. The governor's proposal spends roughly $5.5 billion more than projected revenues. The problem is not Republican opposition; the math does not add up in the proposals advanced by the governor and House Democrats. While compromise is challenging when initial proposals are unrealistic, we still have a responsibility to try. 

Unfortunately, House Democrats and the governor have rejected reasonable Republican offers that could have resolved the impasse. 

It is also important to note that the Sept. 19 letter contains misleading equivalencies. The county is not in danger of losing 9l1 center funding. As you know, 911 services are funded through the 9l1fee and the funding is distributed to counties entirely separate from the General Fund budget.

We recognize that County Human Services programs are not receiving funding. Solving this requires the governor and House Democrats to face reality and act swiftly, not play political games. In the meantime, our Republican state treasurer, Stacy Garrity, is offering short-term loans to counties needing assistance with payments. We recommend exploring this program. 

When you announced the cancellation of the Centenarian Luncheon, you again blamed Senate Republicans while pledging not to raise taxes on Northampton residents. Passing the governor's budget, however, would deplete reserves and likely lead to tax increases. Just as you are unwilling to raise taxes at the county level, raising taxes at the state level is equally untenable. 

We urge you to stop playing politics with people's lives. Canceling events and sending letters intended to alarm constituents is not good government. We have already seen the deadly consequences of political rhetoric taken too far this month. 

Finally, we encourage you to urge House Democratic leadership and Speaker Joanna McClinton to convene the House promptly to, at a minimum, pass a stopgap budget.

McClure fires back: (His letter to state reps is unfortunately in a format that I am unable to load in a more readable format):

On Thursday, when announcing his budget he called Senate Republicans "deadbeats." In my view, this divisive rhetoric does nothing but guarantee that the impasse will continue. 

From Gracedale's Chapel, McClure Proposes His Final Budget as NorCo Exec With No Tax Hike

Standing behind a podium next to the organ and piano at Gracedale's pristine chapel, where a preacher would ordinarily be delivering a homily, Executive Lamont McClure may have answered the prayers of many county taxpayers yesterday. No tax increase has been proposed in his eighth and final budget as Northampton County Executive.  Before a throng that included his entire cabinet, county council members, the press and curious Gracedale workers, McClure delivered a financial sermon. Fiscal Director Steve Barron acted as altar boy, genuflecting now and then. This crowd also included McClure's successor next year, which will be either Controller Tara Zrinski or Council member Tom Giovanni. 

You can see the budget here. 

It's a $503.6 million spending backage, about7.3% less than in 2025. As required by the Home Rule Charter, it is a balanced budget. Total spending may not exceed revenue. 

It maintains the same tax rate as this year. If you're a county taxpayer, this means that the current 10.8 mill tax rate will remain the same. A home assessed at $75,000 will receive a tax bill for $810. 

Open Space. - McClure will continue the county's investment in open space and farmland preservation. His administration has spent $23 million on open space during his time in office, and the county has preserved 20,000 acres of actual working farmland. 

Gracedale. - While county government has no obligation to support a nursing home, and few counties are left that do, McClure has always argued - both as Council member and later as Executive - that it is a moral obligation. He stated that Gracedale will "again" operate in 2026 with no contribution from the county's general fund, but Gracedale did require a $9.9 million contribution in 2024 and another $15 million from the county in 2023. The 2023 payment was from federal funding to replace revenue lost during COVID. McClure said that Gracedale has implement an aggressive plan to reduce the county's reliance on the use of agency nursing care. That practice is unsustainable long-term. The proposed budget still includes $20-25 million for agency nursing, but McClure stated that spending for agency nursing care could be down by $1-1.5 million by the end of this year. He predicts spending on agency nursing will drop $3.5 million in 2026.

Infrastructure. - In addition to an emphasis on open space and Gracedale, McClure's spending plan will use bond proceeds to address a badly needed parking deck at the courthouse campus as well as upgrades to 911 service. 

Council Action. - McClure proposes, but County Council disposes. Council will conduct several lengthy budget hearings between now and mid-December before taking action. Under the Home Rule Charter, it can vote to reject the budget. But if it does, McClure's spending plan automatically goes into effect. Council does have the power to amend, but it must leave intact any payments scheduled for debt service and as no authority to modify the Executive's revenue estimates. If it wants to fund something, it has to find the money by making cuts elsewhere. It must take action by December 16. 

That won't be easy. McClure will use $5 million from the general fund to balance the budget, leaving the county with just $1 million in unrestricted funds to start the year. This has been a sticking point with some members of County Council, who are more comfortable with larger fund balances. McClure has long eschewed the $50-60 million fund balances favored by previous executives, claiming that his approach is that of "lean efficient governments that are taxpayer friendly like ours."

The stabilization fund, commonly referred to as the rainy-day fund, will be $8.6 million, slightly above the minimum required by County Council. This has also been a sore spot with some Council members.

Furloughs. - McClure was asked how the county will respond with more furloughs if federal and state funding dries up because of budget stalemates. 

McClure stated that a furlough notice was sent to SEIU because that is required under the county's collective bargaining agreement, but there are no immediate plans to furlough anyone. He added that "it's not the county's responsibility to fund human services. Human services is funded 80-100% by the state government." He said that if the county funded human services on its own, it would cost $30 million.

He stressed that, no matter what happens, the county has plans in place to make sure that the most vulnerable children and seniors are still seen. He then took a shot at SEIU, the union that represents human services caseworkers. He noted that the county had offered 13% in wage hikes, but SEIU threatened to strike. He said the most vulnerable will still be seen even though state senate Republicans are "deadbeats." He repeated this epithet several times, saying "the deadbeats need to pass the budget."

McClure said that the county has asked the state treasurer for as $10 million loan but wants it interest-free "because it's our money."

McClure has called furloughs an "option of last resort," but is also unwilling to invade the rainy-day fund or take out a loan with interest. So isn't the option of last resort actually the option of first resort?

He explained that the county has paused payments to human services providers, and this there is no need to consider furloughs until the end of the year, "which is why I said it is an option of last resort." 

Deadbeat Republicans. - After calling state senate Republicans deadbeats on three separate occasions, McClure was asked whether he considers the Democrats on a federal level deadbeats as well because they have blocked a continuing resolution that would fund the federal government. He said that, if he were in Congress, he would want something in exchange for his vote, like extending the credit of the Affordable Care Act. 

McClure was asked, "When you use terms like deadbeats, aren't you just continuing the divisive rhetoric that has caused problems that we have on a national and state level?" His response? "If you're going to melt because I called you a deadbeat, you're a snowflake."