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

Tara Zrinski

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

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

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

Amy Cozze

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

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 She rescinded her resignation only after Council member Lori Vargo Heffner stepped in and promised she would get Cozze that raise. 

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

Needless to say, Cozze was unhappy. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Democratic Supporters and Community Organizations

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

Media Opportunities:

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

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

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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.