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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Lori Vargo Heffner to Seek Third Term on NorCo Council

Last night, NorCo Council President Lori Vargo Heffner sent me a release indicating that she is seeking a third term as one of Northampton County's five at-large members. At-large members are countywide. The other four members are selected from four different geographical districts. (Bethlehem area, Easton area, Nazareth area and northern tier). Her release is below, but I thought I'd take this opportunity to say I'm glad she's running. Let me explain why.

First, she's a veteran. Most people, even those who run for council and get elected, have no idea what county government does. There's a two-year learning curve for most people who serve in this part-time position. With Ron Heckman stepping down, her knowledge and experience is very beneficial, not just to newer members, but to the public she serves. 

Second, she's bipartisan. When Peg Ferraro served on Northampton County Council, she liked to say she was a Republican until the election was over. After that, she did what she thought was in the best interests of the people she served, even if that meant ruffling a few feathers here and there. Vargo Heffner has embraced this thinking. As President of County Council, she named Republicans to chair different committees and even voted to elect Republican John Goffredo as Vice President. We could use more, not less, of that attitude. 

Third, she's independent. She's unwilling to be pressured into voting a certain way, whether it is for a voluntary employee health center or a new county building. While I disagree with her position on these matters, I think it's very important to have Council members who can think for themselves. 

Fourth, she stands up for the working class. Over the Executive's objection, she insisted on a pay study for county employees that reveals most of them are stuck for years in the middle of their pay scales. She supported a responsible contractor ordinance that ensures people working in trades are paid what they are worth and are safe. 

Fifth, she has weathered a barrage of personal and mean-spirited attacks during her seven years in office, most of which are based on her simple refusal to rubber stamp what the Exec wants. In fact, I half-expected her to simply bow out because it has had to have taken a personal toll. At all levels of government, Executive overreach has been a problem. She has made sure that the legislative branch has remained a separate and co-equal branch of government. 

Is she flawed? Yes. There are times when she can get petty or make snide remarks and can be obstructionist at times. But we need people like her in office now more than ever. 

From Lori Vargo Heffner's Campaign, Northampton County, PA (February 12, 2025): Northampton County Council President Lori Vargo Heffner will seek re-election to Northampton County Council as an At-Large member.

“I’m announcing that I will be seeking a third term to continue my service to all residents and fight for Northampton County’s working families,” said Vargo Heffner. “In addition to 7 years of no tax increases, including one tax cut, I have worked to ensure that core county services are available and accessible to all residents.”

“During my tenure I have worked across party lines to maintain quality core services, complete the P3 bridge project, and enhance good governance practices. I have led efforts to create an independent pay study for our workforce and an independent study of operations at Gracedale. I have worked with judicial services to support their service delivery needs and identify ways to collaborate on the statewide mental health population crisis in our prisons. I believe the essence of good government is to be an independent voice and work to ensure a high quality of life for all residents.”

“I have proven my experience, commitment and integrity during my seven years on Northampton County Council, and I would be honored to continue working to improve the quality of life of all of our residents,” adds Vargo Heffner.

As a member of County Council Vargo Heffner has served in a variety of leadership positions, including her current role as President, a position she has held for four years. Vargo Heffner also served two years as Vice President and Chair of the Human Services, Finance, Governance, and Election Integrity committees. She serves as the Northampton County Council liaison to the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and Discover Lehigh Valley. She also serves on the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) Board as the Region 6 Representative, a position she has held for 3 years, as well as a member of CCAP’s Human Services and Court and Corrections committees. In addition, she currently serves as the President of the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women.

Her accomplishments on County Council include the creation of term limits for all elected county officials, a Responsible Contracting Ordinance which ensured that County residents earn a living wage for work done in Northampton County, distribution of ARPA funds to small businesses during the COVID pandemic, and support for all farmland preservation and environmental resolutions.

A nearly 30-year resident of Northampton County, and 23-year resident of Lower Saucon Township, Vargo Heffner is a psychotherapist employed by St. Luke’s University Health Network. She earned a Bachelors degree Psychology from Moravian College, Masters degree in Counseling from Kutztown University and Masters degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University. She serves on the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and Discover Lehigh Valley Boards and is a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church where she serves as a lector and on the Liturgy Board.

Blogger's Note: Democrats Nadeem Qayyum (husband of Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana, Jason Boulette (Wind Gap Borough) David Holland (a nurse practitioner) and Theresa Fedem (Hellertown Borough Council) have also announced that they are seeking the Democratic nomination.   There may be more. 

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Former Top Cop Roger MacLean Announces Candidacy For Lehigh County Executive

(From Roger MacLean's Campaign) ALLENTOWN, PA — Former Allentown Police Chief and City Council President Roger MacLean, a lifelong Allentown resident and dedicated public servant, announced his candidacy for Lehigh County Executive, seeking the Republican nomination.

"Serving Allentown has provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our county," said MacLean. "As Lehigh County Executive, I will leverage this experience to ensure effective governance and uphold the values that make our community strong." MacLean served 39 years with the Allentown Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from cadet to chief, managing a staff of over 200 officers and a $30 million budget. Following his retirement from the police force, he worked for the District Attorney’s Office at the James B. Martin Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center for ten years and served four years on Allentown City Council, including two as President. A proven fiscal conservative, MacLean has consistently fought to protect taxpayers. As a City Council member, he voted against a 26% tax increase and opposed the establishment of a stormwater fee.

MacLean is a staunch advocate for farmland preservation, recognizing the critical role agriculture plays in the county’s heritage and economy. He is committed to protecting farmland from overdevelopment and opposes the proliferation of unnecessary warehouses, noting the large, vacant facilities already sitting unused. Instead, MacLean supports thoughtful, strategic development aligned with the county’s long-term needs. “Lehigh County is at a pivotal moment,” MacLean added. “We must balance growth with preserving our community’s character and values. I’ve done that throughout my career, and I’ll continue that mission as County Executive.”

MacLean holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from DeSales University. A proud grandfather of two, with a third grandchild on the way, he attends Bethany United Methodist Church in Wescosville and remains deeply connected to the community.

"I am seeking the Republican nomination because I believe in time-tested conservative principles: responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, personal accountability, and common-sense solutions that foster growth while preserving our community’s unique character," said MacLean. "I’m ready to lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for the values that unite and strengthen Lehigh County."

Roger MacLean’s decades of public service, deep understanding of governance, and unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility make him uniquely qualified to serve as Lehigh County Executive. He invites the community to join his campaign to build a stronger, more prosperous county for generations to come.

Blogger's Note: MacLean joins Justin Simmons and Mike Welsh in seeking the Republican nod for Lehigh County Exec. The winner of that race will face Democrat Josh Siegel in November.

NorCo Republicans Unveil Full Slate For Executive, County Council and Judge

Yesterday afternoon, in the cacophonous Northampton County Courthouse rotunda, a formidable slate of Republicans announced their candidacies for the county offices to be decided by voters this November. Their point man is Tom "The Quiet Man" Giovanni, a second term Council member who has decided to take the next step and run for Executive.

Standing with him are County Council candidates John Brown and John Goffredo, both of whom are seeking re-election to a second term. Also present was political newcomer Juan Martinez, who owns the popular Don Juan restaurant chain. Two other newcomers, Bethlehem police officer Sam Elias and commercial air cargo pilot and Venezuelan immigrant, are also seeking two of the five at-large Council seats up for election this year. They were both working and unable to attend. Finally, James Fuller, who is running for Northampton County judge, introduced himself.

 

Giovanni, whom I have referred to as "the Quiet Man" on NorCo Council, explained he's never been interested in making headlines or playing politics, but feels "it's time to get louder" because of what he calls the dysfunction, irresponsibility and mismanagement by the county administration. 

I first met Giovanni long before he ran for office. I mistook his IT business for a computer repair shop. While he was unable to help me, he referred me to a few people who could fix my ailing blog machine. In the private sector, he also served as a board member of the Greater Valley Y, including 9m years as its chair. He currently is the board chair of Nazareth Mutual Insurance. 

He pledged fiscal responsibility and a rejection of tax hikes. He noted he has always voted for tax cuts and would oppose any tax increases, adding it would be unfair to burden people struggling with high prices. 

He promised to end "the failed policies that have hurt Gracedale." He claimed that the Lamont McClure administration failed to maintain the quality of care at the county-owned nursing home. 

Giovanni also pledged to expand farmland preservation should he prevail. "We need to work to protect family farms and keep them going from generation to generation. Also, our farmers have to have a voice in county government. Farmers are the people that put food on the table, and we need to cover theor backs." 

Giovanni asserted that the McClure administration has been neither transparent nor honest over the past seven years and botched elections in 2019 and 2023. 

"When you are elected, you must represent everyone, no matter if they voted for you or not. Unfortunately, what we are seeing in the county government is political weaponizing the office instead of working jointly for bipartisan results to work for the progress of the morale of the county employees. And I did vote for a pay study."
"I will continue to wake up every day to fight for the county that I love so much." 

John Brown, a former county executive and Bangor Mayor, is finishing hie first term. He graduated from Bangor High School and the University of Notre Dame.

He stated that, when he was Executive, he worked to make sure that Gracedale, a 688-bed facility (current census is 546), had a 97% occupancy rate. He said his reforms eliminated multi-million-dollar losses and returned the facility to profitability while earning a four-star rating. 

He complained that the McClure administration is responsible for two failed elections in 2019 and 2023. He added that McClure has also undone most of the improvements he made as Executive. "They have spent down most of the county's reserves," he charged, asserting that the county drained its rainy-day fund just to be able to balance the budget. He also slammed the county for failing to replace failing infrastructure like the parking deck on the courthouse campus, and then "plunge the county into debt to do so."

His final and most egregious indictment is that the administration has allowed Gracedale "to fall into financial and operational ruin with a 425-bed census with only 30% of the nursing staff [as] county employees.

John Goffredo, a slate belt businessman seeking a second term, has lived in NorCo his entire life. A coach and volunteer firefighter, he said "a lack of leadership in general" is what has prompted him to run again. "We have too many people who are followers or opportunists or activists seeking these positions and not people that are here to do the will of the citizenry and to do what's right, even when it's politically inconvenient." Though he is a Republican in a 6-3 Democratic Council, he was elected VP in January. He said that as a member of the minority, he has mostly played defense, "trying to stop things I thought were bad ideas, things that were pushed over every year, every time they got the opportunity to bring up the same issue. We have to sit there and argue for months as to why we thought it was a bad idea. He argued that with a Republican majority on county council, they would be able to "get back to the things that matter."

Thise include the county core functions, like elections. He noted botched elections in 2019 and 2023, with machine malfunctions and vote-flipping. He also pointed to 6-hour long lines in the 2024 Presidential. "All of those things are unacceptable. We don't have that many responsibilities as a county government. We have the courts, we have the jails, we have elections with human services.  If we can't get elections right, we're failing the most important task this government has."

Goffredo stated that a Republican majority County Council would introduce a new "culture of excellency."

Juan Martinez Announces Bid For NorCo Council

Unfortunately, and as a direct result of the incompetence of my videographer (me), I could only upload this announcement as a YouTube short video. 

Martinez, said he worked hard to build something from the ground, creating jobs and opportunities while contributing to the local economy. But he said that, along the way, he's encountered a government that imposes roadblocks instead of finding solutions. 

He said he would bring common sense and accountability as well as a leadership that listens and works hard. He would work to support small business, lower taxes, responsible budgets, safer communities and better infrastructure. Most importantly, he pledged to bring a county government that works for the people. 

He introduced his wife and two sons, who joined him for his announcement. When finished, he invited everyone to his restaurant on Third Street (he has five of them) for tacos and margaritas.

That was a generous gesture, but I am a highly conditioned, well-trained athlete, so I demurred. 

James Fuller Announces Candidacy For NorCo Judge

Fuller stated that he's been a resident of Northampton County since he was a child. He went through the Easton school system and graduated from Penn State. He at first worked for KidsPeace, where he met his wife of 15 years. They have two boys who attend Northampton schools and he coaches baseball, soccer and basketball. His soccer team went undefeated, but his basketball team is 2-7. 

He has practiced criminal law in  Monroe County for nearly 10 years, 7 as a public defender and two as a prosecutor. "My message to everyone is that I'm in court every day." He has tried 13 jury trials, 10 of which are felony trials. He feels that running for judge is the best way to give back to a community that has given him so much. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Denmark Citizens Start Movement to Buy California

Denmarkification. That's how a group of Denmark citizens are describing a movement to purchase California from the United States. They believe it's time to "Måke Califørnia Great Ægain." Why, for one thing, they want to trade in rain boots for 300 days of sun in flip flops. They think Donald Trump might sell, too, since he has called it the "most ruined state in the union."

If successful, initial plans include re-naming Disneyland to Hans Christian Andersonland. They need just 200,000 kroner from every Dane. 

Monday, February 10, 2025

Republican Mike Welsh to Run for LC Exec

FROM MIKE WELSH CAMPAIGN (Allentown, PA) Today, Mike Welsh, a longtime Lehigh County resident and small business owner announced his candidacy for Lehigh County Executive.

“It’s an honor to step up to represent the County that I have had the privilege of calling home,” said Welsh. “Lehigh County has given me incredible opportunities — it’s where I’ve raised my family, run a small business, and served my community both in and out of office. Now, as our county grapples with new challenges and faces an uncertain future, it’s time for a steady hand and strong leadership.

“I know how to fight on behalf of residents and taxpayers. When I served as one of the few conservatives on the Allentown School Board, I fought against tax increases and wasteful spending while also working with both sides to get things done for students. And as a small business owner, I know the challenges that taxpayers and working families are facing in our county. I’m looking forward to fighting tax increases, supporting our local law enforcement, ending our status as a sanctuary county, and restoring common sense to the Lehigh County government.”

Welsh also highlighted another critical factor in this race: keeping Lehigh County out of the hands of out-of-touch, left-wing radicals.

“Make no mistake, Josh Siegel is an extremist, an opportunist, and a danger to the people of Lehigh County,” said Welsh. “This career politician has run for five offices in seven years, only ever completing a single two-year term in the process. In between running for office, he’s amassed a record of supporting a myriad of far left positions. He has supported over $100,000,000 million in new taxes on Lehigh County residents, sending social workers to respond to 911 calls, ‘decolonizing the education system,’ and defunding the police. Josh Siegel has no business running the government of Lehigh County.

Mike Welsh is originally from Paoli, Pennsylvania and is a 1985 graduate of DeSales University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. Welsh has had a near 40 year career in insurance 21 years with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Allentown and for the last 11 years as owner of AC Thompson Insurance in Allentown.

Welsh is a former Allentown School Board Director with a proven record of fighting for fiscal responsibility with a focus on providing the best outcomes for ASD Students. Welsh is the past board president of the Liberty Bell Shrine Museum and the Allentown Flag Day Association. Welsh has been active in the DeSales University Alumni for many years and is a member of the St Catharine of Siena Cathedral Choir in Allentown for over 30 years. Welsh resides in Allentown with his wife Nancy, also a 1985 graduate of DeSales University. They have 3 children and are proud to call Allentown home.

Blogger's Note: Welsh has a primary opponent, Justin Simmons. Now that Welsh has announced, Simmons should back out of this race.

President Attending Super Bowl is Good, Picking Winner is Bad, Especially When He Gets it Wrong

Donald Trump is the first sitting President to have ever attended a Super Bowl game. Though I dislike both him and his policies, I like the idea of the nation's leader attending an event that attracts the interest of most of the nation. It brings us all together. But when he picks a winner, as he did here when he picked Kansas City to beat the Eagles in a pre-game interview on Fox, he divides us. 

Fortunately, he was wrong, as most of you will learn he is about many things. 

What Impact Will Trump's Federal Freeze Have on NorCo?

Late last month, the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) imposed what it calls a temporary "pause" (you can read it here) on all federal financial assistance programs, at least to the extent permissible by law. This was supposedly being done to stop "financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal." The memo was rescinded after widespread confusion, but a White House spokesperson claims that a federal funding freeze remains in "full force and effect." So the sword of Damocles still hangs over the heads of state governments, local governments, nonprofits and the people who rely on these institutions for help. 

Trump cultists love it. "Too many unjustly live off the government' Huge wake up call. Loving it." said one of my readers who is unaware that he, too, relies on this aid for many of the services he has come to expect, like police protection in Bethlehem. In a news conference, Mayor Willie Reynolds relies on $43.4 million from the federal government and budgets accordingly. 

At last week's Northampton County Council meeting, Executive Lamont McClure explained what impact this freeze, if it really goes into effect, will have on the county. He indicated that, while this freeze supposedly would have no impact on funds that go directly to individuals (food stamps, social security), individuals who are cared for and assisted by federal dollars would have suffered. 

Approximately 954 county employees - half of its workforce - are paid either fully or partially by federal dollars. The county would be forced to immediately furlough 610 workers, and they represent 72% of Human Services staff. These are the people who answer suicide calls and respond to complaints of child abuse and neglect. They are the people who protect seniors from predators who steal from them. It would have also hurt those who care for Gracedale's residents. 

To make up the deficit in federal funds, the county would need to triple its current tax rate from 10.8 to 32 mills. 

Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski noted that 20,000 people called crisis hotlines in 2023 and 2024. 

Friday, February 07, 2025

Philadelphia Eagles (With Local Legends Saquon and Jahon) Will Be Hunting On Sunday

NorCo Council Approves $35 Million Bond Ordinance For New Parking Deck, Radio System

By a 7-2 vote, Northampton County Council voted last night to approve a $35 million bond that would finance a new parking deck at the courthouse campus, a new radio system for first responders, other county projects at the jail and to purchase assets currently under lease. Voting No were Council members John Brown and John Goffredo. The Yes votes came from Council members Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan, Jeff Warren, Jeff Corpora, Lori Vargo Heffner, Ron Heckman and Tom Giovanni. 

Brown complained that no plans were ever presented to Council for the new parking deck even though detailed plans were presented in July and discussed several times. In fact, after those plans were presented, Goffredo insisted he could bring in an expert t show that there was no need for a new parking deck. That never happened, and even Goffredo last night acknowledges that a new parking deck is needed. 

He was still skeptical because a parking deck would cost about $21 million but the bond is for $35 million. "We're cutting a blank check and we don't know what we're getting," he said. Public Works Director Mike Emili said that the county could spend about a half million to get more refined estimates, but any savings would be lost by waiting for the bond. 

Financial Advisor Scott Shearer told Council that $6 million of the $35 million would pay for the purchase of energy conservation assets currently under lease. He added that bonds would not be sold until March or April. The bonds would be repaid over 16 years. 

Council member Jeff Warren produced a picture of a car damaged by falling concrete in the deck. "This is a vehicle. I don't want it to be a family walking into this building. It's a public safety hazard, straight up."

McClure Explains How Venezuelan Immigrant Was Picked Up By ICE

Last week, ICE officials picked up a suspected Venezuelan gang member on his release from NorCo's jail after serving a misdemeanor sentence of 3-6 months for a sexual offense related to a person under 16. This Venezuelan is in this country illegally and is subject to deportation. According to The Morning Call, an ICE news release claimed that an immigration detainer, which is essentially a request that they be notified 48 hours before someone is released, was ignored. 

Executive Lamont McClure explained at last night's NorCo County Council meeting last night what actually happened. "I believe that an undocumented person who also commits crimes, if ICE wants them, to deport them, they should be able to deport them. He said the county devised a procedure in which it will hold an undocumented immigrant for 48 hours after the sentence is served to give ICE an opportunity to determine if they want to take an undocumented criminal. The county will hold the immigrant an additional further 48 hours if ICE obtains a warrant signed by a federal magistrate. "If they don't have that, they are released at the date and time they're released, and ICE can pick them up on the corner." He added that "people who are here unlawfully and commit crimes should be deported, but there are also constitutional limitations." 

Gracedale Gets 4-Star CMS Rating

In July, I told you that Gracedale's (NorCo's nursing home) CMS rating had jumped from two (below average) to three stars (average). Executive Lamont McClure stated as recently as last night that he has warned staff against "chasing stars" because the nursing home will never reach five stars (above stars). This is because the facility includes residents who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's, and they are treated with psychotropic drugs disdained by CMS. Despite these admonitions, McClure was happy to report last night that Gracedale's rating has jumped from three to four stars. 

Given that the families of prospective residents use the CMS rating as a guide for selecting a nursing home, this higher rating should increase the current census of 456 residents in a home with a maximum capacity of 688. 

At last night's meeting of NorCo Council, McClure also explained why Jennifer Stewart is no longer Administrator. She's still at Gracedale, but now directs the Admissions office. McClure moved her there because she's "an expert at getting the census up." This results in more revenue to the home and less of a need for a county contribution. 

Council member John Brown insisted last night that Gracedale's operational expenses exceed revenue, but McClure disputed that argument last night. It is certainly true that the county does rely on an annual IGT (intergovernmental transfer) grant to fund the facility. 

Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski told County Council that the home is now the possibility of performing dialysis in-house, which would decrease the need to send residents to the hospital and increase revenue. 

Gracedale is also in the process of getting a daycare license for employees with children. 

Thursday, February 06, 2025

Following The Money: NorCo Exec Race (UPDATED)

Campaign finance reports for 2024 are in. Here's what they tell us about the Northampton County Exec candidates Tara Zrinski (D), Amy Cozze (D) and Tom Giovanni (R). 

Cozze had no active committee prior to announcing her campaign for Executive. Thus, she has no obligation to disclose her finances until May 9, when her pre-primary report is due.  

Zrinski's report (you can see it here) reveals that she is starting 2025 with roughly $5,000. She raised $6700 in 2024, with her largest contributors being former Executive Glenn Reibman ($1,000) and her Solicitor, Steve Goudsouzian ($1,000). She did receive a total of $1,000 form IUOE Local 542 but refunded $500. 

Starting in December, she used campaign finances to pay a small sum for HULU streaming service. It is unclear to me what connection that has to her campaign activities. She explained that this was an error because her paypal account was linked to her campaign account. She has since disconnected this link so that there will be no additional errors. 

Tom Giovanni (you can see his report here) started 2025 with the same $535 he reported in 2024. He neither raised nor spent any money.

UPDATED 11:31 AM

Following the Money: Bethlehem Mayoral Race

Grace Crampsie Smith, a member of Bethlehem City Council, announced last week that she is running for Mayor. I expected a similar announcement from incumbent Willie Reynolds, but he and many other local government officials were dealing with the confusion caused by an OMB freeze on federal spending, which was later rescinded. Though he's made no announcement, I expect him to run. I'm unsure whether any Republicans are up for it, but I expect to see a Democratic primary. Campaign finance reports for last year are in, and they can certainly shed some light on who is backing them and why. 

Reynolds report (you can read it here) reveals that he pulled in $94,400 in campaign contributions last year, although $40,000 of that is a loan to himself. He starts the election year with a $96.951.30 treasury.

Contributions of $1,000 or more came from the following sources: KTMC PAC - $5000 (I believe this is a law firm that specializes in class action lawsuits; Matthew Bieber - $5,000 (software consultant); Richard Master -$5,000 (a business owner who has produced two documentaries about healthcare; Randy Galliotto (owner of Alloy5 architectural firm); Jack and Marian Spirk - $3,000 (Spirk is City Solicitor); Murat Guzal - $2,500 (Turkish businessman who is both a philanthropist and Democratic donor); Bob Donchez - $2,500 (Reynolds' predecessor as Mayor); Jim Broughal - $2,000 (Bethlehem lawyer specializing in municipal law); Plamenta Ayazou - $2,000 (Monocacy Builders); Diana Morganelli - $2,000 (Judge Morganelli's wife); King Spry - $1,500 (Bethlehem law firm); Borko Milosev - $1,000 (property manager); Kevin Kinross - $1,000 (Democratic strategist and business leader from Pittsburgh); Charles Marcon - $1,000  (construction); IBEW - $1,000; and Placido Corpora - $1,000 (Bethlehem businessman). 

Crampsie Smith's report (you can read it here) tells us she has $30,415.29 available and that she raised $23,630 in 2024. Most of this - $16,000 - comes from trade unions IUPAT, IUOE, IBEW: Plumbers; and Laborers Local 1174. She also received $1,000 from Donald Kaas (commercial lawyer).  

Please feel free to review the links to these reports and make any observations you think relevant about these contributors or their interest. This is what I call participatory journalism. 

Wednesday, February 05, 2025

NorCo GOP To Unveil Slate of County Office Candidates on Thursday

This Thursday, Northampton County Republicans will unveil a slate of candidates for both the open County Executive seat as well as five at-large County Council races. They will do so from the county courthouse rotunda at 2:30 pm. 

As I previously told you, Tom "the Quiet Man" Giovanni is seeking the Republican nod for Exec. He currently represents the northern tier of the county (Region 4) on NorCo Council, which is easily its most conservative district. He is in his second term, and when he ran for re-election, Democrats offered no opposition. 

In addition to Giovanni, John Brown and John Goffredo are two at-large Council members seeking re-election. Brown is a former county executive and currently works as Macungie's borough manager. Brown has missed quite a few council and committee meetings. 

Goffredo is easily County Council's most outspoken and conservative member. Although I disagree with him on nearly everything, I like the energy and passion he brings to Council. 

The other three Republicans running at-large are Sam Elias, Bethlehem police officer; Juan Martinez, owner of the Don Juan restaurants in this area; and Daniel Campo, a cargo airline pilot and Venezuelan immigrant. 

Giovanni will square off in the general election against either Tara Zrinski or Amy Cozze, both of whom are seeking the Democratic nomination. The field of Democratic County Council candidates is still unsettled, but I hope to be able to report on that soon. 

Former State Rep. Justin Simmons to Run For Lehigh County Exec

Former State Rep. Justin Simmons announced yesterday that he is seeking the Republican nomination for Lehigh County Exec. He probably will have company. Former Allentown City Council member Roger MacLean is reportedly also seeking the GOP nod. 

The winner of that race will take on State Rep. Joshua Siegel, who has previously announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination. 

“I have a proven pro-taxpayer record of fighting for common-sense ideas and needed government reforms that I will bring to Lehigh County’s government.” Simmons explains.  “I’m a common-sense person.  I think County Government can do more with less.  This I can promise you…As your County Executive, I will never sign a budget that increases taxes, I will always support our law enforcement, and I will keep local zoning decisions where they belong…. with locally elected municipal officials.” 

After spending 5 years in the private sector and successfully overcoming health issues that his previous opponents used as political fodder against him because he missed some time to seek treatment for his health, Simmons is now determined more than ever to give Lehigh County residents a new pro-taxpayer voice they deserve.  

Ron Beitler Seeking Re-Election as LC Comm'r

From Ron Beitler's campaign: Lehigh County Commissioner Ron W. Beitler has announced his candidacy for re-election. Beitler represents District 2, which includes Lower & Upper Macungie, Upper & Lower Milford Townships, as well as the Boroughs of Alburtis & Macungie.

Beitler is completing his first term on the County Board of Commissioners after previously serving 2 terms as a Lower Macungie Commissioner, including time as Board President. He also currently serves as Chair of the County Farmland Preservation Board.

Over 12 years of public service, Beitler has prioritized farmland and open space preservation, noting that Lehigh County recently surpassed the milestone of 28,000 acres of preserved farmland across more than 400 farms. "Over the past three years, we've achieved historic success in preserving farmland and open space, and I remain committed to leading this effort for the future," Beitler said. Lehigh County now ranks among the top five counties in Pennsylvania for both the total number of farms and the acreage of preserved farmland.

Beitler applies lessons from successfully building and running multiple businesses to his approach in government. 'Financial solvency is the foundation of long-term prosperity,' Beitler said. 'I’ve built businesses with that principle in mind, and I bring the same approach to decisions in government.'

Additionally, Beitler remains committed to reducing the burden of government on the economy including small businesses that drive the local economy. "I know the challenges entrepreneurs face. Too often, government becomes a barrier rather than a partner in helping businesses grow and thrive" Beitler said.

During his tenure in Lower Macungie, Beitler led an innovative effort to implement a homestead exemption, significantly reducing or eliminating residential property taxes for most homeowners in the township. Today he highlights that Lehigh County has not raised taxes during his time on the board. 'In a time of economic uncertainty, rising costs of living, and surging home prices, keeping government spending in check remains a top priority,' Beitler said." Beitler also co-sponsored a successful countywide tax rebate for volunteer firefighters.

Additional priorities for a 2nd term include re-focusing Lehigh County Government on core, everyday quality of life and kitchen-table issues such as infrastructure, housing costs, parks and public safety including police, firefighters and EMS.

Beitler, 46, is a 4th generation Lehigh County resident, girl dad and small business owner. "If District 2 residents give me the opportunity to continue serving, I'll continue to work to ensure Lehigh County remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and government is efficient, responsive, and accountable to the people.”

Tuesday, February 04, 2025

A Lesson in Humility

I thought I'd take a break from my usual political stories to share a lesson in humility. As anyone who reads this blog knows, I can be arrogant and condescending. It's understandable in some people who are gifted with extraordinary abilities, but I am not one of those people. I was recently reminded of my own shortcomings by someone who lives in my building.

I live among a large number of people who are either old farts like me or have some sort of disability. Most of them are quite nice, certainly nicer than me. I thought perhaps one or more of them might be interested in playing chess with me, so I began walking down the hallway with board in hand, searching for an easy mark.

Most demurred, saying they only play checkers. But there was one guy, I'll call him K, who was eager to play me.

K, who is at least 6'5", looks very much like a NFL running back. Perhaps that's because he played that position with the Frankford Chargers in Philly. One day, in downtown Philly, he was jumped from behind by a bunch of thugs who took whatever small amount of money he had on him. Because he's so big, the only way they were going to get him down was by hitting him on the head. Hard. K went down and was left for dead. He was hospitalized and though he had a miraculous recovery, he suffered serious brain damage. He's unable to drive as a result. I also noticed that, when he would play simple games like Bingo, he constantly got mixed up.  

I thought I'd humor K by playing a game of chess with him. 

He clobbered me. 

Not once, not twice, but five times so far. Turns out that he loves chess and played it all the time in Philly. While he may have suffered a serious brain injury, it has had no impact on his ability to checkmate me in 10 moves. 

When I'm down a piece or two, I usually resign. But he tells me to keep playing. 

"As long as you have pieces, you can still win."

"Remember, you can turn a lowly pawn into a queen." 

Thanks to K, I'm becoming a better chess player. But I'm still arrogant. 

Monday, February 03, 2025

Are Trump's Tariff Threats a Bluff?

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

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

Friday, January 31, 2025

Zrinski Makes It Official - She Will Run For NorCo Exec


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

The people have a choice.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Armchair LV Reports Monroe County Prosecutor to Seek NorCo Judgeship

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

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

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Grace Crampsie Smith to Primary Mayor Willie Reynolds in Bethlehem

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

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

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

Are they Marxist, too?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 


Need I say more?

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

LVNewsBrief: WLVR's Future In Doubt

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

Monday, January 27, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lehigh Valley Loses Legal Giant, I Lose a Great Friend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He loved music, from Mozart to Bob Dylan. 

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

He did not wring his hands nor weep,

Nor did he peek or pine,

But he drank the air as though it held

Some healthful anodyne;

With open mouth he drank the sun

As though it had been wine!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Needless to say, Cozze was unhappy. 

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

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

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

From Tara Zrinski CampaignNorthampton County Controller Tara Zrinski to Announce Candidacy at United Steelworkers Hall

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

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

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

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

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

Democratic Supporters and Community Organizations


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

Media Opportunities:

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

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


About Tara Zrinski

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

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

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

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

Friday, January 24, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Executive Lamont McClure provided no report to Council.   

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

Tina Cantelmi Seeks Seat On Bethlehem City Council

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

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

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

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

Additionally, the candidate supports the following platforms.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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