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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zrinski Wants Bus Service in Slate Belt To Continue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where can LANTA get the money?

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

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

Israel Has No Choice

Although I'll agree that Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu is a thug, there's a marked difference between him and Israel itself. If Iran is able to develop nuclear weapons, there is little doubt in my mind that they will be used, and against Israel. While Tehran insists it only wishes to develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes, it is enriching uranium far beyond the level needed for civilian use. Moreover, the UN nuclear watchdog concluded last week that the Persian Power is ignoring its nuclear safeguard obligations. 

With the backing of 19 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency has determined that

“Iran’s many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.”

Instead of vowing to comply, Iran instead said it would start a new "secure site" and speed up its uranium enrichment program, which is what is needed for nukes. 

So Israel has no choice.

Israel has attacked military targets, but the underground sites might be invulnerable to bunker buster bombs. If that is so, it might be necessary to use troops as Irael did in Syria.  

Why We Need Public Libraries

In the 21st century, are libraries a thing of the past? Even on Northampton County Council, Kelly Keegan has stated nobody reads anymore. I personally think libraries are more important than ever, primarily because they have adapted to changing times. They now have extensive digital collections; are accessible by rich and poor alike; usually provide internet access to persons unable to afford this service; and encourage intellectual development. If it were not for the public library, there's no way a person like me would be able to afford to books I enjoy reading.

Northampton Area Public Library's Exec. Director, Veronica L, provided NorCo Council on June 5 with a run down of exactly what a public library does in 2025. She called it the "first point of access for information, self-enrichment, leisure, and social connections." It serves about 44,000 people spread out over 96 sq miles. 

The library operates with a "fun bunch" staff of 12 people. The latest financials reveal that a total of $280,171 is paid in salaries. "Our goal is approachability. ... Please, bother us." 

Its resources include extensive physical and digital collections, including a historical and growing Spanish collection; board games; 500 online continuing education courses; and WiFi hotspots. The library will make homebound and senior center visits as well. It also includes NewsBank, a news content aggregator that contains thousands of news articles from all over the world. It is updated daily.

The library had over 60,000 visits in 2024 and circulated nearly 100,000 items (62,033 were physical, i.e. books). The library also made 525 visits Over 11.600 area residents have a library card.  

The library is 52% funded by the Northampton Area School District, and area municipalities also contribute. The library will be fine free in July. "Just get the books back to us."

Why US Senator Removed From Kristi Noem Presser

I don't care for people who shoot dogs, so naturally, I dislike Kristi Noem. From my own personal experience, I know ICE is populate by cowboys who act without thinking. Nevertheless, the removal of US Senator Alex Padilla from a Noem presser yesterday appears to have been justified. 

I say this based on the account of a CBS cameraman who was there. He said that Noem was still delivering her opening remarks when he saw "an individual emerging from the press corps, taking steps toward the Secretary. ... trying to ask a question, saying, I have a question. And immediately, security is on him because as he is saying these questions, as he is speaking, he is taking steps approaching the secretary at the podium. So security grabs him, moves him out, and I gotta' tell you, I didn't recognize him at first either." It was only as he was being dragged out that he identified himself as a US Senator. 

Now what happened outside when they cuffed him is another story. 

Padilla never explained why he chose to interrupt Noem while she was making her opening remarks or why he approached the podium as he did so. 

Is Pa. Finally Going to Increase Minimum Wage? Don't Hold Your Breath

Spotlight reports that the Democratic Pa. House has passed a bill that would increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour over a period of time. From there is will move to the Republican Pa. Senate, where I expect it to wither on the vine. 

This has happened before, when a then Democratic Pa. Senate adopted a minimum wage increase that died in the Republican Pa House. 

Pa.'s minimum wage is $7.25, which also happens to be the federal minimum wage. 

Has Crosswell Crossed Us?

On Tuesday, I told you that a former federal prosecutor, Ryan Croswell, is seeking the Democratic nomination to the Pa. 07 Congressional seat currently held by Republican Ryan Mackenzie. At a time when everyone and his mother is running from the Democratic party; this lifelong Republican joined it in late December. His campaign committee (Croswell for Congress) lists an Allentown PO Box, although its unclear whether Croswell himself actually has moved into the district. His campaign treasurer, Jeremie McCubbin, lists an address in Tempe Az. McCubbin is actually a compliance consultant with Common Cents Solutions, a Democratic campaign finance compliance firm. 

Croswell resigned as a federal prosecutor in February after refusing to participate in the dismissal or public corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. He portrays his campaign as a principled stand, in his own words, for "the rule of law" and to "defend our country." He pours it on some more with this: "[Trump] wanted me to break the code and ignore the law, and that’s something I would never do." 

He sounds very noble, doesn't he? But is he really?

The truth is that Croswell registered a congressional campaign committee website back on December 15, 2024, several months before Trump or Mackenzie had ever taken office. So at the time that Crosswell wrote his very principled resignation, he had already decided he was running for Congress somewhere. PunchbowlNews (subscription required) reports he's already raised $200,000. 

I doubt any of that money comes from the Lehigh Valley. 

While he now claims to be Trump's fiercest foe. "I may not have the power that Trump has forcibly seized for himself," he says of a Democratically elected President, "but that won't stop me from fighting against him again - with Honor, Courage," etc. 

And by the way, can you spare him a few bucks? Apparently, he needs to fight with Honor, Courage and Money, too. 

I agree with Easton Mayor Sal Panto. Crosswell is a fraud. He's also being played.

I see Susan Wild's fingerprints all over this. In her own first race, she recruited Roger Ruggles to run against John Morganelli for Congress, knowing that would dilute John's vote total in Northampton County. Now she's recruited a former prosecutor who thinks very highly of himself to run, but what she isn't telling him is that she hopes that with two men and one woman in a Democratic primary, the woman will win. 

UMBT Supervisor Apologizes For Flipping Off Public During Public Township Meeting

I previously told you that appropriately named Vice Chair David Friedman gave the middle finger ... twice ... during a recent meeting of Upper Mount Bethel Tp's (UMBT) Board of Supervisors. He did this to the members of the public that he's supposed to represent. It's what I'd expect from someone ruled unethical by both the State Ethics Board and Commonwealth Court. It's what you can count on from someone who promised to resign if a court ruled he was unethical but then went back on his own word and refused to do so.  

He has demonstrated that his own words mean very little to him. But at Monday night's meeting of UMBT's Board, he did apologize. "I owe everyone an apology for my gesture at the last meeting. It was uncalled for, uncouth, unprofessional and everything else that everybody has said about it so far." He then tried to minimize it as "an act of frustration," but that's false. He was actually gloating after winning on a motion. He promised he will decline to participate in any future meetings of prospective River Pointe tenants. 

Like Amazon. His Eminence, the Right Rev. Ron Angle  lives in Township. (Yes he is a Bishop. I know this because I sent away for his certification a few years ago in exchange for $20). He told the Board that Amazon had set aside $20 billion for a data center in Pa., and Governor Shapiro even designated an envoy to help the world's largest online retailer find data center sites. It has settled on Luzerne and Bucks Counties, and expects to create 1,250 high-paying jobs. "We lost Amazon because of a couple of people in this township that got greedy." 

During public comment, resident Robert Teel observed that both Bermingham and Fredman had campaign signs that promised "better leadership" when they ran for office. "I think you missed it. Better leadership doesn't mean saying FU to the crowd."

Supervisor Jonathan Erler condemned Friedman's antics. "In the year and a half since I've taken this seat, he has not only been found guilty of ethics violations, but also repeatedly misled our residents, promises given three separate times to resign if found guilty. Since then, he has verbally accused at least two residents of considerable violations without providing evidence. Mr. Friedman has threatened me personally in the company of this board with filing ethics charges against me for merely performing a core function of a township supervisor. And again, he just might have violated the ethics code and his oath of office with his motion to resolve a lawsuit that he himself is a defendant in."

Erler then referred to letters from elected or appointed township officials and Supervisor John Bermingham's praise for Friedman. Bermingham then defended himself, saying that Friedman's display of the middle finger was peaceful. Erler them moved to censure Friedman. This motion carried 3-1, but I don't know who voted No. 

Solicitor Ron Karasek will prepare a formal resolution of censure for the next meeting. That's a good thing, As he reminded the Board, a last-minute agenda item like this might very well run afoul of the Sunshine Act.

By the way, what is the legal effect of a formal censure?

Nothing. 

Lifelong Republican and Former Fed Prosecutor to Run For Congress (Pa. 7), But as a Democrat

A month ago, I told you that a lifelong Republican who worked as a federal prosecutor under Donald Trump 1.0 and 2.0 was considering a run for the Pa.7. congressional seat currently held by Ryan Mackenzie. 

Ryan Croswell is one of a bevy of DOJ lawyers who have resigned rather than do Donald Trump's bidding. His resignation accompanied a decision to drop a public corruption case against NYC's Mayor. He took what seems like a very principled stand, and I would ordinarily be happy to see someone like him run for Congress in Pa.7. It would be great to see a Republican with moral courage take on a Trump acolyte. Except for two things. First, Croswell has never lived in the Lehigh Valley, although he may have visited Allentown. Second, Croswell switched parties to Democrat just six months ago. 

Crosswell spent 4 years working for the Trump administration and voted as a Republican during the first four years Trump was in office. He continued voting as a Republican in the election Trump lost in 2020 and voted as a Republican in the election Trump won in 2024.

This possible Democratic candidate has a Republican voting history that stretches back to 2011, when he registered to in North Carolina. He registered as a Republican in Louisiana in 2014 and voted as such in the 2016 election. He continued voting as a Republican in the 2020 Presidential, 2022 midterm and in 2024. 

Mysteriously, on December 27 of last year, this long-time Republican suddenly switched parties to Democrat. He also moved to Allentown from wherever he was. 

Why?

I'm certainly suspicious about this sudden change of heart from a Marine veteran. It could very well be sincere. It could be a recognition that he thinks the easiest way to prevail in Pa. 7 is as a Democrat. But he could also be a stalking horse for Mackenzie with the goal of making sure that the remaining Democratic candidates - Lamont McClure and Carol Obando-Derstine - spend so much money that little will be left for the general.  

FEC records do not list him as a candidate, but he has announced his intentions to several news outlets. 

In a fundraising text he has already sent, Croswell paints himself as someone willing to stand up against Trump. 

I joined the Marine Corps after 9/11, and I learned the code of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

I kept that code during my time as a federal prosecutor under Presidents Obama, Biden, and Trump — until the day Donald Trump decided to weaponize the Department of Justice by asking the prosecutors in my section to drop a case against his political ally.

He wanted me to break the code and ignore the law, and that’s something I would never do.

𝗦𝗼 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗻𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 — 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻, 𝗜 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸.

I testified publicly in a congressional hearing about the threat Donald Trump’s agenda poses to our justice system, the integrity of the federal government, and our democracy itself.

I may not have the power Trump has forcibly seized for himself, but that won’t stop me from fighting back against him again — with Honor, Courage, and a Commitment to the real people and families of Pennsylvania’s 7th.

In a news release, Congressional candidate Lamont McClure notes that “Ryan Crosswell is a lifelong Republican who has never lived in the Lehigh Valley. Even worse, Crosswell spent four years working for the Trump Department of Justice as they attacked civil rights, voting rights, and women’s rights — and only resigned to run for Congress. ... Ryan Crosswell isn’t running for Congress to help Pennsylvania families. He’s running to help himself.”

Congressional candidate Carol Obando-Derstine called Crosswell "a D.C.-backed Republican parachuting into this district."

Easton Mayor Sal Panto called Croswell a "fraud

Gracedale Administrative Mess Highlights Need For David Holland on NorCo Council

As I told you on Friday, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure was harshly rebuked by NorCo Council during its Thursday night meeting. The obloquy was prompted by a Controller's report that less than half of $5 million expressly authorized by Council for retention bonuses had actually been spent for that purpose. The rest of the money was just dumped into Gracedale's general fund (not to be confused with the county's general fund) and was used to pay the home's operating expenses during 2024. McClure believes the money was used to pay overtime to agency nurses (these are not employed by the county) as well as overtime to career service employees. Because there was no line item for the retention bonuses, however, it is impossible to determine precisely how the money was spent. McClure insisted that this all happened without his knowledge, but he is the captain of the ship and he is ultimately responsible. Three Council members told the Exec they don't believe him. It would really help County Council to have someone who actually understands the nursing home culture, and more specifically, what the hell is going on at Gracedale. Fortunately, County Council candidate Dave Holland is such a person.

Holland, a nursing professor, is a former administrator at Gracedale. During his tenure, the home passed its annual state inspection without a single citation. He was part of a third-party team replaced for an in-house administrator. 

If we're interested in fixing what is wrong at one of the few remaining county-owned nursing homes, we need Holland on County Council. 

LVEDC's Don Cunningham on LV's Economy - Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) CEO Don Cunningham has always been a glass half full kind of guy. That attitude served him as Bethlehem's Mayor, when overnight, Bethlehem Steel pulled the plug and shut down. In one fell swoop, the City lost 20% of its tax base, to say nothing of residents who were out of a job. Cunningham, very much a local version of FDR, always inspired optimism when it was needed most. It paid off, too. Today, Bethlehem might actually be in a better position economically than it ever was.

Where are we economically? - The Lehigh Valley has grown from a GDP of $27.4 billion in 2003 to $55.7 billion in 2023. This actually tops Alaska, Wyoming and Vermont. Believe it or not, $9 billion is from manufacturing. The second biggest sector ($8.7 billion) comes from finance, real estate and insurance. Health care and education account for $8.4 billion, followed by professional services ($6.9 billion), wholesale trade ($3.8 billion) and retail trade ($3.8 billion).

Last year, instead of a brain drain, NorCo actually led the state in the growth of jobs for adults under 40. This is in stark contrast to the rest of the northeast. 

Median household income is $81,709, above the state's $76,081. "These are the numbers that are most relevant to us," observed Cunningham. The poverty rate is 10.5%, which is lower than the state rate of 11.8%.

Are there any recent NorCo projects?  Yes. They include (1) Have Hydraulik in Bethlehem Tp, a (manufacturer which moved to Bethlehem Tp from China; (2) FLSmidth Cement, a cement equipment manufacturer which moved its Illinois and Arizona operations to Allen Tp, creating up to 60 new jobs; (3) Gfm Manufacturing (Pharmatec), which opened its first US facility at the former IQE building in Bethlehem, creating up to 100 new jobs; (4) D. Gillette Industrial, a defense contractor that opened up in Forks Tp and created 17 jobs; (5) Bazzini, America's oldest nut company, has expanded into NorCo; (6) COHERENT, an existing semiconductor manufacturer in Forks Tp, is expanding operations, which will create up to 320 new jobs; (7) Infinera, a semiconductor manufacturer in Upper Macungie and Bethlehem, is creating a new advanced test and packaging facility

What is the strategic plan? Cunningham said that, for the first time since he's been at LVEDC, there are actually "more people who want to be in the market than we have products and places and buildings for them." 

He recognized the opposition to large footprint warehouses, but noted "that's also what houses the manufacturing economy." He suggested there needs to be a balance. Warehousing, however, is not among the types of economy that LVEDC is targeting. 

In response to a question from Council member John Brown, Cunningham said that a big challenge for the Lehigh Valley is its fragmented governance. NorCo and Lehigh have a combined 59 local governments, not including the county governments themselves. 

Its biggest strength is proximity to market, with about 1/3 of the nation's population within a 6-hour drive of the Lehigh Valley. Also, the plethora of colleges and technical schools has reduced a brain drin into a brain gain for new talent. 

McClure Blasted By NorCo Council Members Over Unpaid Retention Bonuses They Authorized

Yesterday, I published NorCo Controller Tara Zrinski's audit of $5 million in federal pandemic funds approved by County Council in 2022 for retention bonuses at Gracedale over a period of five years.  Her review was the result of a request from Council after several members received complaints from career service (nonunion) employees that they had been told there would be no more bonuses. Those employees were right. Zrinski's financial inspection revealed that less than half ($2.36 million) had been paid to staff. The rest of the money was commingled with other funds and used for Gracedale expenses. 

Last night, Executive Lamont McClure tried to explain what happened. He called everything political. He blamed Gracedale workers for excessive overtime, which amounted to $8 million in 2022 and 2023. He threw former administrator Jennifer Stewart under the bus for allowing it. He blamed media coverage of Gracedale and Council oversight for poor morale.  He talked about having fired people. He talked about shortfalls in an annual intergovernmental grant. He said Gracedale is owed $5.5 million from Medicaid residents, who take 325 days to receive approval. He even tried to claim, somewhat disingenuously, that he had told Council that retention bonuses were exhausted during a Human Services Committee last year, although that was only with respect to a county union that received higher pay. At no time did he actually acknowledge that his administration had defied a Council appropriation of $5 million for retention bonuses. He claimed he was unaware of what was happening at Gracedale until last year, but he's the Executive. Frankly, this was his mistake, and he should have apologized. 

Council member John Goffredo immediately asked, "Is it not your responsibility to make sure the money is spent the way the resolution [approving $5 million in Gracedale retention bonuses] stated?"

McClure: "It is our responsibility to do our level best to do that, but they [Gracedale] spent that money down, unbeknownst to me. My permission was never sought, nor was I told they were spending that money down, and I assumed incorrectly that the money had had separate line items."

He admitted, as Council members John Brown and Goffredo had asserted in previous meetings, that Gracedale was "wasting money" in 2024, and that when he learned of it, "we immediately went into action." 

Goffredo was suspicious of McClure's explanation. "There's not too many things that go on in this building that get by you." He also wondered what McClure intends to do about career service workers who were "cheated" out of retention bonuses. "We didn't cheat them out of anything," responded McClure. "That money was spent on overtime." 

Although Goffredo was tough on McClure, Brown was even rougher. In his usual monotone, he called McClure's explanation a "nice fairy tale". "If you tell me that you didn't know what was going on and that the Director of Finance didn't know what was going on, then that really points to incompetence. ... I don't believe a thing you just said. I believe it's a cover-up."

At this point, McClure said Brown was "desperate" to sell the nursing home. "You ran it nearly into the ground when you were county executive." McClure said Gracedale is now a four-star home with a census over 500 and its financial position is improving. He also accused Brown of seeking the audit for political reasons. "We've been working on this for a year. It wasn't just since your politically motivated audit." 

Goffredo then asked McClure why he only is sharing these problems at Gracedale now. "Why would you do this all in secrecy? ... You've never done a very good job of including us, Democrats and Republicans alike, aside from the three that you funded and gave campaign contributions to sit on this Council."

McClure explained that there were two reasons. First, a lot of what was going on involved personnel matters, which are confidential. He acknowledged that he could have asked for an executive session to discuss the matter. Second, he blamed the "constant picking at Gracedale" makes it more difficult to recruit and retain and lowers morale. 

This "constant picking" is called oversight and is a Council obligation. It is nonexistent at private homes, but that's just one of many prices paid for a public nursing facility. 

Goffredo then got rougher than Brown and said that a "cult of personality" surrounds McClure, and if you don't go his way, "you get shocked."

McClure: "Who got shocked because they didn't follow McClure's way? Name a name."

Goffredo: "Dertinger got shocked when he had the election issue. ... Who got shocked at Gracedale recently? Do you want to answer that question or do we have to go into executive session?" 

Council member Kelly Keegan defended McClure, stated that she had listened three times to McClure's statement, made nearly a year ago at a Council committee, that retention bonuses were finished. At that time, a union contract was being discussed, and it is my understanding that McClure was referring to that bargaining unit and perhaps one other. His statement was by no means "clear," as Keegan asserted. She apparently was unaware that career service is not part of any bargaining unit, and Goffredo noted they were "screwed." 

Keegan also accused Brown and Goffredo of seeking the audit before the primary in order to make either Zrinski, McClure or both look bad. "You were throwing anything up against the wall to see what would stick."  

Council member Jeff Warren said that he wanted to see an audit, but that the 20-day time frame sought by Brown was politically motivated, 

Council President Lori Vargo Heffner wrapped things up. She said the audit was motivated by employees reaching out to say they did not receive retention bonuses that Council had approved. Vargo Heffner also explained that she and Zrinski had agreed on a date for her appearance before Council to discuss her audit, so it was inappropriate to slam the Controller, as Goffredo and Brown did. 

She then noted Council voted to approve those retention bonuses. "Moving that money without coming back to Council, not being transparent with Council over all these years, and just shifting federal money without discussing it, I'm very concerned about the status of this county. ... I don't believe you. ... This is a body that needs to do its job and it needs to be respected."

"You should stop using your gavel to undermine Gracedale," snarked McClure.  

He misses the point. It is his administration's actions that has undermined the home. In the end, this is about an Executive branch in all levels of government, from local to national levels, that has simply grown too powerful. Northampton County Council must be a check on Executive overreach.  

I do believe McClure's explanation, but he handled himself poorly. He screwed up and needs to acknowledge that he screwed up. But his last remark to Vargo Heffner reveals he's willing to blame everyone else but should really be looking at where he went wrong. 

NorCo Controller Audit: About Half of $5 Million in Retention Bonuses Paid To Employees

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

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

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

McClure had told Council that the administration would pay all employees at Gracedale an annual $2,500 bonus over a period of four years to bring in 54-60 additional nursing staff and enable the nursing home to provide the required nursing care needed at the facility.

"If you're a CNA [certified nurse's aid] within the sound of my voice, it would be a really good time to come to Gracedale," he said at the time, and repeated it several times. 

That was then. 

Early this year, on January 16, career service workers at Gracedale received an email from nursing home administrators informing them these bonuses were "temporary," were being stopped and that "the remainder has been used for caring for our residents." 

So what happened? 

At the time, I believed I had a partial answer. I speculated that retention bonuses set aside for some bargaining units may have been negotiated away in exchange for higher salaries. At that time, in response to a direct question from Council member Tom Giovanni, McClure said that the bonuses had ended, but that was only with respect to one of several bargaining units. I had no explanation for career service workers. We now know because Controller Tara Zrinski has finished her audit of this money. You can see her news release as well as the actual audit below. 

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

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

McClure told LV News that county council resolutions are generally mere suggestions, but he knows that it is Council, and not the Exec, that controls the purse strings. When bonuses ended for bargaining units, he could have been more clear. And he has provided no explanation for his decision to defy their will and prematurely terminate them for career service, who are nonunion.

He prides himself on transparency, but the way he handled this is a poor example.

Zrinski News Release

(Easton, PA) - The Northampton County Controller’s Office has released the results of its independent internal audit examining the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for retention bonuses paid to employees at Gracedale, the county-owned nursing facility, as authorized by County Council Resolution #70-2022. The audit covered the period from 2022 through April 13, 2025, and focused on ensuring that the distribution of these funds complied with the resolution and relevant labor agreements.

 The audit found that a total of $2,360,891.18 in retention bonuses was paid out to all eligible union and Career Service employees at Gracedale during the review period. Specifically, $2,204,441.08 was disbursed from 2022 through 2024, and an additional $156,450.10 was paid in 2025.

 

“The audit found that, although $5 million was designated for retention bonuses in the County Council Resolution, only a portion of that money was paid out specifically to retention bonuses. The remainder of the ARPA funds, while allocated to Gracedale, could not be specifically tracked once transferred to Gracedale in 2023 and were commingled with other funds. The Controller’s Office could not determine the exact Gracedale expenses paid with those ARPA funds after they were combined with other Gracedale resources,” said Tara Zrinski, Northampton County Controller. “Because the management responsible for that decision is no longer in that position, we cannot determine why the money was not tracked in a more transparent manner.”

 

A sample of 40 employees was tested to verify the accuracy of retention bonus payments, and it was determined that each employee received the correct number and amount of retention bonus payments ($2,500 annually). Any variations were due to the timing of employment anniversaries or employment status changes. For example, some employees received part of their bonus in one year and the remainder in the next, depending on when they reached their employment anniversary. There was one instance where an employee received a $5,000 payment in 2024, which was a catch-up for a missed prior-year payment, not an overpayment.

 

The audit also confirmed that no retention bonuses were paid to per diem employees, the Gracedale Administrator, Director of Nursing, or Assistant Director of Nursing, in accordance with the County Council’s resolution. The payment of retention bonuses was governed by union contracts for the AFSCME and Steelworkers unions, which were amended to include or sunset retention bonus provisions. While there was no formal written policy for Career Service employees, the audit found that they received bonuses consistent with union terms.

 

“Our review confirmed that retention bonuses that were paid out were paid accurately and all eligible employee groups received payments according to the established rules, with only minor issues related to timing and administrative delays, which were quickly corrected. We also found that no ineligible personnel—such as per diem staff or senior administrators—received bonuses. Additionally, the County properly amended union contracts to reflect changes in the retention bonus program and affected career service employees were notified of the program’s end in a timely manner,” said Zrinski.

 

The retention bonus program ended at different times for different employee groups, depending on contract negotiations. Steelworkers’ bonuses ended on December 31, 2023, while AFSCME Residual Union employees remain eligible through December 31, 2025. AFSCME Gracedale Union employees hired in 2024 or earlier are eligible for 2025 payments. Career Service employees were notified in early 2025 that retention bonuses to them would cease due to the exhaustion of ARPA funds.

 

In summary, the audit determined that all ARPA funds designated for retention bonuses through the Council Resolution were transferred to the Gracedale fund by the end of 2023. These funds were not tracked separately from other county contributions once transferred and were fully expended on Gracedale operations. As a result, the Controller’s Office could not determine the exact Gracedale expenses paid with the ARPA funds after they were commingled with other resources.

 

“Without tracking of the balance of the $5,000,000 allocated to Gracedale retention bonuses by the County Council’s resolution, there is no way to specifically determine what that money was used for at Gracedale beside what was indicated by the previous management—operational expenses and the care of residents,” said Zrinski.

 

One final note, the audit found that for federal reporting purposes, the County was only required to report that ARPA funds were used to replace lost revenue, not required to track specific expenditures; thus, the decision not to track the retention bonus funds separately from other Gracedale resources was consistent with federal reporting requirements.

Final Report Gracedale $5 Million Retention Bonus by BernieOHare on Scribd

NorCo Election Results Are Now Official

Northampton County's election results are now official. Results were certified yesterday by the Elections Commission. 

Registrar Chris Commini said 40,558 votes were cast, including 21,916 election day votes and 86 provisional ballots counted of 106 cast. Though turnout overall is just 17.9%, Commini noted that this was an election in which only Democrats and Republicans could vote, and that the turnout among those voters was 22%. 

How did it break down by party? 15,489 Republicans and 25,099 Democrats voted. 

The Mail-in Ballot (MIB) return rate was 75%.

Following the canvass (official count) results were audited and the county passed without issue. 

There will be a casting of lots at 10 am Friday for ballot position in races involving several candidates. 

Commini explained that consistent with what state law allows, MIBs are precanvassed starting at 7 am election day. Throughout the day, more MIBs come in from the post office and drop boxes. If an envelope fails to scan, it is hand-scanned. This happened to one Bethlehem voter whose vote was counted. 

Lehigh University has expressed a willingness to host a ballot-by-demand office several days a week prior to the election, and the county administration sought input from the elections commission. Member Margie DeRenzis moved to pursue that opportunity. "I think it makes it more likely that students will vote," she argued. "We want everyone's voices heard." Chair Sharon Gavin-Levy said that the Fowler Center should be asked to host it because parking is better. Currently, the only place to vote on demand is at the elections office in Easton.

"Why are we coddling college students?" asked member Julia Geissinger. 

Eventually, Republican members argued for an additional ballot by demand location in the northern tier as well as south side Bethlehem.

A vote on requesting the county to pursue opportunities for on-demand voting in south Bethlehem and the northern tier passed by a 3-2 vote. It passed in a party-line vote. Democrats Sharon Gavin-Levy, Margie DeRenzis and Daniel Lopresti voted yes. Republicans Julia Geissinger and Scott Hough voted No. 

DHS List of 500 "Sanctuary" Jurisdictions Goes Poof!

Late Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security posted a listing of about 500 local governments that it deems "sanctuary" jurisdictions. But if you click on that link now, you'll see "Page Not Found." It has gone poof! The public listing was removed sometime Sunday, but there's been no assurances from Team Trump whether the designation itself still remains. Although Homeland Sec'y Kristi Noem admitted to Fox News that there's been pushback, she nevertheless maintains that "[t]hey [i.e. sanctuary jurisdictions] are giving sanctuary to criminals." The significance of this label is that President Donald Trump has made clear in at least two executive orders that these governments will be denied federal funding. 

Blogger Michael Molovinsky, whose view on this topic is much different than mine, argues that while Lehigh and NorCo should be more cooperative, even if they are not interfering with this roundup. He points out that "[t]he fly in their ointment is that the Trump administration controls the funding that bleeding hearts depend upon."

Actually, that fly is in the ointment of the citizens who live in both counties, not their elected officials. Local law enforcement depends on DOJ grants and nearly every human service, from child protective services to senior care, rely heavily on federal funding that passes through each county. A disruption of this funding threatens public safety far more than an insistence on a warrant. 

While I am unable to write with certainty about Lehigh's policy, I can tell you what Executive Lamont McClure told NorCo Council several months ago. The county notifies ICE whenever it is holding an undocumented immigrant. This is above and beyond what the law requires. Most of the time, ICE has no interest. If it does, NorCo will hold a Defendant for an additional 48 hours beyond the release date if a detainer is filed. But the county insists on a warrant or court order before releasing someone to ICE. This seems pretty cooperative to me. 

I'd really like to hear what both counties have done that are "deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities." Some readers have pointed to Boulder Colorado or have decried an admittedly lax policy under former President Joe Biden. But if that is a justification for designating Lehigh Valley's counties as sanctuaries for cartels and other violent immigrants, then the designation should apply to every jurisdiction in the country.

Fortunately, the Center for Immigration Studies still has a map, broken down by county and city, of the jurisdictions labeled as sanctuaries. Neither LehiCo nor NorCo honors an immigration detainer on an incarcerated defendant unless accompanied by a warrant or court order.

This is because this is what the law demands. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes Pennsylvania, has ruled that immigration detainers are mere requests. It also has concluded that nothing in federal law gives ICE the authority to "command local or state officials to detain suspected aliens subject to removal."

That would violate states' rights, a clarion call of conservatives, under the Tenth Amendment. All power not expressly conferred on the federal government remains with the states. Lehigh County, which honored such a detainer in 2010 instead of insisting on a warrant, was found liable. It cost the county $95,000, and it was forced as part of a settlement to insist on a warrant or court order for future detainers.

NorCo does cooperate with ICE, despite what Rep. Ryan Mackenzie said at a recent Homeland Security hearing. Not only will it honor an ICE detainer and hold a defendant up to 48 hours after his release is scheduled, but it will notify ICE by email exactly when and where the release will take place. ICE can then obtain a warrant if it wants, or it can wait right outside the jail, on county property, to detain the defendant immediately after his release. Contrary to what Mackenzie asserted, the defendant is released on county property, and in the presence of ICE agents. 

I have obtained two videos of these releases. I am posting one of them. I chose to post the entire video so I can't be accused of snipping out parts, but you will see a Defendant being detained, on county property, at the end of this video. Contrary to what Mackenzie falsely asserted, nobody "escape[s] into our local community, [where] they would be free to reign terror all across our beautiful Lehigh Valley."

Mackenzie should remember that his job is representing the entire Lehigh Valley, including seniors, children and everyday working people who benefit from grants that help our local police and human services agencies. Instead, he has chosen to play politics. 

Local Republican Immigration Lawyer Condemns "Sanctuary" County Designation of Lehigh, NorCo

On Friday, I told you that President Donald Trump's Department of Homeland Security has designated both Lehigh and NorCo among 500 or so "sanctuary" jurisdictions. This label means that both counties will be denied any grants administered by the US Dep't of Justice. That's just the start. Two of Trump's edicts make clear he intends to withhold all federal funding from these local governments. 

What astonishes me most about this designation is that it follows US Rep. Ryan Mackenzie's factually and legally challenged complaints in a Congressional hearing about undocumented immigrants who appear before NorCo's courts. His politically motivated diatribe is designed to damage NorCo Exec Lamont McClure, who at this moment appears to be the leading contender for the Democratic nomination in next year's Congressional race. But he does a disservice to Lehigh Valley residents who will be harmed far more by a cut in federal funding than they would ever be by some poor bastard who is tryng to provide for his family without the right "papers."

My Friday post resulted in numerous anonymous comments, many of which were completely unrelated to the topic. I declined to publish a few for that reason. But I will post a remark made by highly regarded immigration lawyer Ray Lahoud. His webpage includes a very useful summary of the changes Trump has already made. He notes they are "significantly altering U.S. immigration policy by enhancing border security, redefining citizenship criteria, and implementing drastic changes to asylum processes." Some of these changes, especially enhanced border security and the expedited removal of criminals, are undoubtedly popular. But some of his other changes, like the denial of birthright citizenship or refugee status, are far more questionable. Moreover, ICE, the agency that enforces Trump's agenda, is clearly overzealous. They act more like jack-booted thugs rounding up Jews in 1930s Germany than federal agents.   

Lahoud is incidentally a Republican. Here's what he has to say, on his Facebook page, about the designation of the Lehigh Valley's two counties as "sanctuary" counties:

Fact: Northampton and Lehigh Counties are complying with federal law. 

Fact: This list is absurd. 

Fact: U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie is responsible for adding NorCo and Lehigh Counties to this “list.” 

Fact: Mackenzie does not understand the law on detainers/administrative warrants. 

Fact: The Counties will lose necessary federal funding because of this “list.” 

Fact: Ryan Mackenzie’s misinformation on the issue will be the sole reason for the loss of millions in federal funding for his constituents. 

Fact: Ryan Mackenzie’s misinformation on this issue clearly establishes that he does not care about his constituents.

Northampton County has also issued this news release:

"Northampton County reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the constitutional principles that govern our Nation. We recognize and respect the Federal Government’s essential role in enforcing immigration laws. That is precisely why Northampton County fully cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.), in strict accordance with both the Pennsylvania Constitution and the United States Constitution.

"We believe that undocumented individuals who commit crimes should be deported. That is why we go well beyond what most jurisdictions do: Northampton County honors I.C.E. immigration detainers for up to 48 hours. This is a significant and proactive measure, underscoring our commitment to both public safety and lawful cooperation.

"However, the law is clear, local governments are not required to enforce federal immigration laws. Despite this, Northampton County remains transparent and cooperative. We inform I.C.E. of the date and time of release for any undocumented person under our custody, and are willing to coordinate releases at I.C.E.’s convenience.

"Importantly, when an individual has been ordered released by a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County, our policy, consistent with constitutional due process, requires I.C.E. to obtain a judicial order before remanding that individual into federal custody. I.C.E. is fully aware of this legal requirement, yet routinely refuses to seek the constitutionally mandated court order. The refusal to follow due process lies not with Northampton County, but with I.C.E.

"The recent inclusion of Northampton County on a politically motivated list criticizing local jurisdictions is a blatant distortion of fact and a transparent act of partisan grandstanding. It is a smear rooted not in law or logic, but in naked MAGA politics."

"Northampton County will continue to uphold our responsibilities under the law, honoring our Constitution, protecting our community, and rejecting attempts to politicize public safety.  Video footage of release and arrests are available upon request."

Northampton County Council and Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners should call on US Rep. Mackenzie to use the same influence he had in seeing that the counties he represents are targeted for denial of federal funding to ensure that the ridiculous designation of these two counties as sanctuaries is withdrawn.

In the meantime, DOJ grants to local law enforcement will stop. So if anyone has jeopardized the public safety of Lehigh Valley residents, it is Ryan Mackenzie and Donald Trump. not someone who has overstayed his visa.