McClure to Propose NorCo's 2026 Budget on Thursday at Gracedale

Executive Lamont McClure will propose his final budget for Northampton County on Thursday at 11 am. Since Gracedale has run at a deficit over the past two years, it's rather fitting that McClure's presentation of next year's fiscal plan will be at the nursing home. Even more fitting, it will be in the chapel. 

In his tenure as Executive, McClure has never proposed a tax hike. He actually cut taxes. But this has come at a cost to the employees, who often feel that the budgets have been balanced on their backs.   

Like every incumbent Executive, he is quite unpopular with the workforce. Nobody likes the boss. But he has fought against raising health care rates and restored many of the health benefits that were eliminated by John Brown when he was Executive. 

Once McClure is gone, he will slowly become more popular. 

I strongly doubt that his proposed 2026 budget will include a tax hike. But will he keep the rainy-day fund at the absolute minimum? Will he use funds from the county's fund balance at the end of the year to balance the budget? 

If he does, Council could consider the legality of using OPEB (other post-employment benefit) trust funds to beef up the county's fund balance because the need for those funds is reduced every year as employees have no right to post-employment benefits leave the county. It might be possible to reduce the balance of that trust. 

McClure's Planned Furlough of Human Services Caseworkers Widely Condemned by Dems and Rs Alike

SEIU rallies to oppose furloughs

On Thursday, I broke the story that NorCo Exec Lamont McClure had sent a required 30-day furlough notice to SEIU, the union that represents about 175 caseworkers in the county's human services department. Although McClure called the furlough an "option of last resort," he made clear that he would refuse to borrow money or invade the rainy-day fund. Unless the gridlock over the state budget is overcome, it's pretty clear that is what he intends to do. He has already stopped paying vendors who provide human services to the county in various different programs. SEIU responded to the furlough notice by holding a noon news conference on Friday at the Human Services Building in Bethlehem Tp. I received no notice myself, but found out accidentally, and decided to cycle down and cover it. I was astonished to see that Controller Tara Zrinski, who is running for County Executive with McClure's support, has split sharply with him over this issue. She is adamantly opposed to any type of layoff. So is nearly everyone else. Like me, GOP Exec candidate Tom Giovanni was likely excluded from the union's invitation list. But he agrees with Tara. So does Council President Lori Vargo Heffner. I was unable to contact all nine members of Council or those running for the position, but with the exception of Ken Kraft, everyone I spoke to is opposed to any kind of furlough. (I have included statements from them below).

Ce-Ce Gerlach

Most of the 150 or so people at this rally on a balmy Friday afternoon were caseworkers. But I was surprised to see a few other politicians at this event as well. They included Ce-Ce Gerlach, who is running for State Rep in Allentown. She was placed on ARD after taking a minor to a homeless encampment and dumping him off there. Congressional hopeful Mark Pinsley was also there, trying to score a few points with caseworkers he attempted to alienate last year with spurious claims that they were unnecessarily separating children from their families. Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana showed up after it was over, but she later shot a Facebook Live to summarize what had happened at an event she missed.  She also was placed on ARD for assaulting her adult son.

Kizzie Johnson, SEIU's shop steward, said the very first question that caseworkers had after hearing of the impending layoffs is, "What about our clients?"

Of aging adults, she asked "Who's going to go to their houses and make that they're safe and that they're being protected? We have drug and alcohol clients, we have clients that have mental health disturbances. Who is going to be providing them with the services? We have early intervention. We have babies that we take care of , children from the age of zero to 18, that are in foster care. Who is going to make sure that they are stable? Who's going to make sure that they are safe? Who's going to make sure that when bad things are happening to them, they have somebody to reach out to? If we're all gone, who is going to help?"

The big surprise was Controller Tara Zrinski. I suspected this might be a breaking point between her and McClure. He has not only contributed from his own warchest to her Exec race but has helped her get a great deal of financial support from the trade unions. I expected mild disagreement, but she provided a forceful denunciation of McClure's planned furlough, even to the point of ridiculing his logic. 

Here's what she said:

Tara Zrinski

As Northampton County Controller, I see where every county dollar goes. The current situation is real, our Q3 projections narrowly fulfill our budget obligations and in Q4, our projections are $19,412,000 which we will not meet at all without the state funding for human services. This is a double whammy from the State and Federal Government at this point and I know the blame lies squarely on the Republicans who are obstructing the passage of the budget at both levels of government, but, we cannot sit idly by when there are other options besides.

The burden of political gridlock should not rest on the shoulders of the very people who are the backbone of our community—caseworkers protecting children from abuse, crisis workers responding to mental health emergencies, and staff supporting our aging parents and grandparents. These jobs are not luxuries. They are lifelines for our community members.. We cannot sit idly by when there are other options.

As a hard-working single mom in this community, I believe deeply in the dignity of work, the stability of our families, and the responsibility the government has to protect both. And I know this much: furloughing human services workers is unnecessary, it is wrong and it will end up costing us far more in the end.

We should not punish workers because Harrisburg has failed to pass a budget. The obstruction in the state Senate has real consequences: children left more vulnerable, seniors left isolated, and workers put in impossible situations. But the County Executive is not powerless. There are alternatives that can and should be pursued before we upend people’s lives.

These are not faceless numbers on a spreadsheet. These are the caseworkers who protect children from abuse, the crisis workers who answer mental health emergencies, and the staff who care for our aging parents and grandparents. They are frontline workers who make our community safer and stronger. Cutting their paychecks destabilizes not just their families, but every family in Northampton County.

When we furlough these workers, it’s not just their families who suffer—it’s the families they serve. What happens when a child in crisis has no caseworker to answer the call? What happens when a senior with no family has no one to check in on them? What happens when a neighbor facing a mental health emergency has no crisis worker to intervene? The truth is, lives will be put at risk. Interrupting mandated services doesn’t just create delays or inconvenience—it creates dangerous gaps in protection and care that can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.

We need to create avenues of mutual aid within the community by calling on community partners to fill some of the gaps in human services. We have already delayed funds to service providers but we did not entertain temporary redistribution of County Funds or a Tax Anticipation Note, which would allow us to borrow against anticipated property tax revenue. This TAN would be paid back when the State passes a budget but with approximately $350,000 - $400,000 of accumulated interest. This has been the sticking point for the administration that has no desire to bail the State out because the interest would not be paid back by the State. We cut our nose off to spite our face though. That interest is a small small price to pay for the safety of our community and the security of our workforce that knows we have their backs. Literally, it is an estimated 2 cents for every $1000 of assessed property value in the County.

Well, here are my 2 cents– County Executive McClure has presented this as an inevitability. But there is nothing inevitable about abandoning our workforce. There are alternatives. There are reserves, reallocations, and other strategies available that don’t involve punishing workers or jeopardizing public safety. Leadership means problem-solving—not taking the easy way out by balancing the books on the backs of our workforce. When we destabilize human services, we invite higher long-term costs, greater risks, and more pain for the very residents we are sworn to protect. So today I stand with SEIU 668 workers, and I call on County Executive McClure: stop these furloughs. Protect the people who protect Northampton County. And I call on Harrisburg legislators: end the gridlock. Pass a fair budget now. You are literally arguing over what amounts to 6% of your overall budget– for what? To lower medicaid, to take away SNAP benefits. Where are the adults in the room?

This is about more than a budget line. It is about the social contract we honor when we ask men and women to devote their lives to caring for others. It is about whether we—the county, the state, and this nation—are willing to stand up for our workforce when they need us most. We must stand with them today, I stand with them.—because when they are secure, our whole community is secure.

Tom Giovanni, Zrinski's opponent in the Executive race, is on the same page as she. Here's a statement he provided. 

Giovanni with his better half.

“As a candidate for Northampton County Executive, I believe it is unacceptable that the current administration has chosen to cut essential programs and furlough hardworking employees simply because Harrisburg has failed to pass a state budget. Leadership is about preparation, responsibility, and putting people first. Our county should never be held hostage to gridlock in the state capital.

Instead of hurting workers to make a political point, I recommended that the administration follow Treasurer Stacy Garrity’s example of providing loans to counties to cover short-term budget needs. That would have protected services and employees while avoiding unnecessary disruption.

The stabilization fund had 16 million dollars in 2024. The current administration took about 9.5 million dollars to balance the 2025 County budget. That fund currently has about 7 million dollars, the minimum amount allowed.I would use some money from the Stabilization Account and take the loan from Treasurer Stacy Garrity to keep our people from being furloughed.

As County Executive, I will ensure that Northampton County operates with stability, accountability, and foresight—no matter the dysfunction in Harrisburg.”

He would both use the stabilization (rainy-day) fund and borrow. 

Council President Lori Vargo Heffner is also opposed to the proposed furlough, calling it a betrayal of a pledge that McClure made in August: 

Lori Vargo Heffner

I was shocked to hear that the current administration Is considering furlough as a method of dealing with the current gridlock in Harrisburg. In August, I spoke with Mr. McClure and Mr Barron regarding concerns about our budget if the state would not be settled soon. They both assured me they had no plan to let go of any employees and that services would need to be addressed first. This weeks’ announcement was not only shocking but an appalling betrayal of our valued employees who devote their time and effort and energy to our most vulnerable citizens. 

These employees are not people with six figure salaries. These are people who dedicate themselves to the service of others and then go home and take care of their own families' needs. They depend on their paychecks. Most if not all are union members. The suggestion of furlough is not to be tolerated or even entertained until the council is presented with information that shows that we are at such a point that we cannot afford to pay these salaries. 

There appears to be a great deal of manipulation in our budget. Recent financial discussions by council have shown that money has been moved and manipulated without our consent several times. I’m sure if we go back to this budget we will be able to find money to address both short term and long-term solutions. We need to hear from the administration immediately to determine what areas are concerning or at risk. I asked last week for Miss Wandaloski to present a list in writing of the deficits that we are facing for the human services committee meeting. If we are in such dire straits that we need to furlough employees, then I would expect to see this list sooner so council can begin to plan to begin to address the deficit that is pending. 

Utilization of what’s left in the stabilization fund is a starting point. Additionally, this administration has never been shy about requesting funding or refinancing for our debts or to build new buildings in homage to ourselves. We entertain the idea of a short term loan from a viable source. This does not suggest that I believe we should take advantage of the state treasurer's plan. We have been told innumerable times that we have an excellent bond rating, so we could look into alternative financing to support our employees. I stand by the message that the CCAP Board has put together & council passed in a resolution earlier stating that everyone needs to get back to the table and work to finalize this budget now. I am fed up with the idea that people on both sides of the aisle are using this budget impasse for their own political gain. People’s lives are not toys and this game is becoming dangerous. It’s time to communicate honestly and collaborate to find a reasonable solution.

Council member John Goffredo. NorCo Council's most outspoken conservative, also slammed the furlough. He would use the stabilization fund and borrow as well. He argued that we "have to show some loyalty to the staff." Loquacious Democrat Ron Heckman feels the same way. He would use the stabilization fund and, if necessary, borrow. He noted that "county social services are our fundamental responsibility and condemned the "lack of communication with council" before reaching this decision. 

Council candidate Jason Boulette was at the presser and is opposed to the furlough. He would consider a loan and the stabilization fund. 

Jon Irons, a Lehigh County Commissioner who refuses to pledge allegiance, said his county has avoided this by taking out a loan. 

The only elected official I spoke with who actually agrees with McClure is County Council member Ken Kraft, who only supports unions if they happen to be trade unions.  "I would not use the stabilization fund, I would ask that the republicans get off their hands and stop this nonsense and pass a budget already. I believe that if we have no money to perform these functions then we do not perform them. I will not vote to have the county borrow money and pay interest so these republicans can hold the entire state hostage. And NO I will not vote to use the stabilization fund either."

NorCo Exec Candidates Go One-on-One on Business Matters

Earlier this week, Tony Iannelli's Business Matters hosted a one-on-one conversation between Tony and NorCo  Exec GOP nominee Tom Giovanni, followed by a similar conversation with Democratic standard bearer Tara Zrinski. Each segment lasted about 12 minutes. Iannelli made clear several times that he had offered a debate format, but that Giovanni nixed the idea. In my view, that was perhaps his biggest mistake. On top of that, Giovanni stumbled over words in responding to even the simplest of questions. I credit Tom as the Quiet Man on County Council, and as he pointed out himself, "If you're speaking, you're not listening." As true as that is, a county executive must be someone who, when he does communicate, does so effectively. Tom, for all his qualities, comes up a bit short on that metric. 

The very first question, one of Tony's famous softballs, simply asked Tom why he's running. This was Tom's answer: "The reason I'm running is for - um - people and what I like about - I'm a life long citizen of Northampton County - born and raised here and presently, I'm county commissioner of District Four. So what really concerns me about county government right now is the lack of accountability, integrity and transparency. That to me really bothers me. When I'm county executive, I will bring those virtues back to the people of Northampton County."

Tom did eventually answer the question, and I believe him. I just wish he'd also bring some effective communication as well. He later provided an example of the lack of transparency by noting that Gracedale was running at a deficit and this was never disclosed to County Council until June. 

In January 2024, Executive Lamont McClure told County Council, "In my administration, we have not had a county contribution from the general fund, and the general fund, for people listening on Youtube, is the real estate tax revenue we collect. My administration has not once contributed from the general fund to Gracedale. Gracedale has been self-sustaining since I have been in office."

Independent audits of Gracedale tell a different story. There was a $15 million deficit in 2023 and a $10 million deficit in 2024.

Interestingly, Giovanni had no problem with Tara Zrinski's audit (She is county controller) of $5 million that was set aside for retention bonuses at Gracedale. She determined that less than half of that was actually paid and the rest was poured into Gracedale's operating expenses. 

What does Giovanni want to bring to NorCo? "All that I want is good government. Right now I don't think we have good government. Right now, we have people who are attacking each other, saying different things, and that's not good government."  

What did I say Giovanni should have debated Zrinski? That's because, in a debate format, Tara Zrinski tends to get loud. She is more familiar with a rally atmosphere than the art of persuasion. But one-on-one, she can be very effective, presents well, and is an effective communicator. 

When explaining her audit of $5 million set aside for retention bonuses, she said that it was actually the unions who negotiated away the bonuses in exchange for higher salaries. She added that Executive Lamont McClure told Council this is what had happened. But that statement is slightly disingenuous because the retention bonuses were also intended for nonunion workers and should have remained in effect for them. She did acknowledge that "there could have been more transparency in how that money was moved over."

She praised McClure's tenure as Executive, especially the way he responded to COVID. "But I plan on running my administration a little bit differently." She indicated her cabinet would be different. "I'm not Lamont McClure 2.0."

I believe we have two very good candidates seeking office. What's especially nice is that the loser will be able to remain in office on Council or as Controller. 

Giovanni has often voted with Democrats. He is fairly bipartisan. I believe him when he says his primary focus is good government. Zrinski has long been an ardent environmentalist but has made the slow and sometimes painful transition from activist to elected official. She has done a great job as Controller. I believe both candidates would be more willing to pay people what they are worth. 

But how would they respond to a crisis like the state budget impasse currently facing McClure? Would they borrow money? Use the rainy-day fund? Warn of a furlough in October? Or would they have another solution? I have asked both what they would do and will give you their responses on Monday.  

NorCo Sends Furlough Notices to Human Services Caseworkers, Suspends Payments to Human Services Vendors as Result of State Budget Impasse

Northampton County has issued a 30-day notice to the union representing Human Services workers, advising them that furloughs may be necessary if the state budget impasse continues. Moreover, as of Monday, payments to Human Services vendors have been suspended. The county has also postponed its annual luncheon for centenarians. 

Executive Lamont McClure stressed layoffs are an "option of last resort." 

NorCo's Human Services Department investigates allegations of abuse and neglect aimed at our children and elderly, the most vulnerable members of society. It provides a wide variety of services to individuals who have mental health issues. It provides services, usually through vendors, aimed at the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. It also helps veterans and their dependents. 

The state funds between 80-90% of the salaries of these workers. But since the state budget impasse on June 30, the county has been paying these salaries on its own. McClure estimates that the county has spent $8-12 million so far and estimates that figure might be as high as $20 million by the end of October.  

McClure is reluctant to use the county's rainy-day fund, called a stabilization fund, to pay these wages. He is also reluctant to seek a short-term loan to cover these expenses because that loan would need to be repaid with interest that the state is unwilling to reimburse.  

“Republicans in the State Senate have failed the people of Pennsylvania by refusing to pass a budget,” said McClure. "For three months, their dysfunction has left counties like Northampton footing the bill, costing us millions of dollars just to keep essential services going. ... This is unacceptable. They must do their job, pass a budget, and stop punishing taxpayers and seniors alike."

Trump Pulling Grants For Bike Lanes, Pedestrian Safety

Governing reports that the Trump administration is clawing back previously awarded grants for street safety, pedestrian trail and bike lines on the theory that these grants should have been for cars. At the time I write this, it is unclear to me whether this includes any local grants such as the South Bethlehem greenway extension or bike lanes along W Broad Street. I will find out.

Here's at least a partial list of some of the grants that have been annulled:

- A $1.2 million grant in San Diego County to reduce the road width to accommodate bike lanes has been pulled because it is "hostile" to cars.

- A similar grant in Fairfield, Ala., was pulled for precisely the same reason. 

- Ditto in Boston. 

- An $11.5 million grant for a rail trail in Albuquerque is under review. 

Contrary to the myth urged by Trump's sophists, infrastructure for bike lanes or pedestrian safety have little to do with ideology and have as much support in areas that support Trump. Many of the cyclists I know are Trump supporters. 

I also question the legality of withdrawing a grant that has been approved by Congress, especially if the municipality has detrimentally relied in it. 

I guess if people want to walk, they should do it on one of his golf courses. 

US Has World's Oldest Politicians

A recent opinion piece in Governing notes that over 40% of America's members of Congress are over 60 years old. And for good reason. Most congressional districts are reliably blue or red. What this means is that if you can win a primary in these reliably safe districts, you pretty much are there for life. Age provides experience and institutional voters, but the dominance of senior politicians also alienates younger people. They feel left out and are less likely to donate to a campaign or vote. Only half of eligible voters under 30 exercise their franchise. 

How do we change this? Some believe we should abolish "winner take all" elections in favor of proportional voting, which is the norm in most other countries with younger leaders. But I'd argue that members of the US House and US Senate should be both term-limited and restricted from serving once they reach a certain age. 

NorCo Council's Kumbaya Resolution

As most of you already know, Northampton County Council member Kelly Keegan responded to the recent assassination of right-wing pundit Charlie Kirk by calling him a "monster ... . [H]is wife and kids are better off without him as is the rest of the world. Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children."  Although NorCo Council took no action against Keegan at their Thursday night meeting, they did adopt a completely toothless resolution (you can read it below) , drafted by Tom Giovanni, that in essence calls on all of us to be nice. Isn't that nice? Of course, the resolution was adopted unanimously. A seemingly tearful Kelly Keegan, speaking from her phone and out of sight of the public, made it clear she wanted to second it.  What I want to draw your attention to, however, is Jeff Warren's typical lengthy speech in support of it. 

Warren said he was "very disappointed with [Keegan's] extremely, extremely insensitive comments."

Really? 

Last year, one of Keegan's most virulent critics passed away unexpectedly. survived by a mother and a sister who loved him. His name was Ed Reagan. When he was alive, he was critical of several elected officials, including Keegan and Easton Mayor Sal Panto. He filed a RTK request with the Easton Srea School District, where Keegan works as a school nurse. At the time of his request, Keegan's husband was also a school director. 

What Reagan learned is that Keegan posted 112 social media posts and 23 emails about political issues, including marijuana and alcohol, while she was on the clock. He contended that this violated school district policy. I have no idea if there is such a policy, but if there is, she has continued to violate it. She declined to address his allegations.  

When Reagan passed away, Keegan posted this on Facebook: 

She actually celebrated his death. And one of those who "liked" her complete lack of empathy was none other than Council member Jeff Warren.

During his homily, Warren took President Trump to task for failing to "exercise calm," "to be reserved," "to try to bring some discourse together." He's right. Trump is divisive. But Warren could have done that, too, when he saw the extremely cruel remarks that Keegan posted about Ed Reagan's death. Instead, he "liked" what she said. 

The Kumbaya Resolution

WHEREAS, political violence, intimidation, and threats against public officials and private citizens are destructive to a functioning democracy and public discourse; and

WHEREAS, the United States has a long tradition of resolving political differences through civil debate, dialogue, and peaceful processes; and

WHEREAS, political intimidation and violence have a chilling effect on democratic engagement and threaten the ability of citizens to participate freely in the electoral and political process; and

WHEREAS, public officials, community leaders, and all citizens bear a responsibility to model acceptable public behavior against acts of violence, regardless of ideology or political affiliation; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies and the judicial system must investigate and prosecute all incidents of political violence to ensure accountability and rebuild public trust; and

WHEREAS, strengthening civic education and encouraging civil debate are crucial steps toward building resilient communities and reducing polarization;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Northampton County Council unequivocally condemns all acts of political violence, intimidation, and harassment, no matter their target or justification

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Northampton County Council reaffirms our commitment to upholding democratic values, including freedom of speech, assembly, and expression, as the rightful means for resolving political differences.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Northampton County Council calls upon our members and all citizens to publicly reject violent and hateful rhetoric, condemn unlawful behavior, even when committed by those with whom they typically agree, and support peaceful, constructive engagement in all political activities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Northampton County Council commits to promoting civic engagement and civil discourse as the foundations of a healthy democracy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Northampton County Council urges all elected officials to lead by example, tone down inflammatory rhetoric, and dedicate resources to protect free and fair elections and public officials.

NorCo Council Takes No Action Over Keegan Remarks

Last week, in response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan, who is also a nurse at the Easton Area School District, posted this remark on her Facebook page: "He was a monster and his wife and kids are better off without him as is the rest of the world. Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children." The backlash was swift, Many people have called for her resignation from County Council and ouster as a nurse. According to Lehigh Valley Live, she may have been placed on administrative leave by the district superintendent. At last night's meeting of County Council, 15 members of the public weighed in on what Keegan said. Keegan herself was participating by phone instead of being physically present, possibly out of concerns for her own personal security. A deputy Sheriff stood in the well, keeping an eye on the public. After all the talking was done, Council took no action against Keegan. No censure. No stripping of committee assignments. Not even a request for her to step down. They did adopt yet another one of their toothless resolutions, this time condemning political violence in the strongest possible terms. But that was it. 

Of the 15 people who spoke, 3 of them actually supported Keegan. Gail Preunenger, a former Democratic member of the elections commission and regular donor to Tara Zrinski, called on council to "stop the erosion of freedom of speech" and allow Keegan to continue. An Easton High School student said that "everyone who wants Keegan to resign is biased." 

The remaining speakers all wanted some kind of disciplinary action, although most of them acknowledged that Council has no authority to oust a member. That can only be done by the General Assembly's impeachment process, conviction of an infamous crime or at the ballot box. 

Of the dozen speakers who were asking for some sort of discipline, I was most stuck by Christina Martinez. Actually, it was her 9 year old son whose words tell me we have a problem. When she told him she was coming to county council to urge action against Keegan, he expressed concern. "What if they shoot you?" he asked his mother. 

A 9-year-old child should not have to worry that his mother is putting his life in danger when she petitions her government for the redress of grievances. The fact that he would think this is a sorry indictment of just how far we've fallen in our democratic form of government. Martinez said we are entitled to leaders who "lift us up." We've seen the opposite, and that is pretty much true of Keegan. But it's also true of Donald Trump.  

After everyone had finished, Council President Lori Vargo Heffner read a statement: 

I have received several messages from constituents this week with concerns about a social media post. I want to acknowledge reading all of them and thank our citizens for participating in county government with their correspondence. I want to address some of those concerns. I have consulted with our solicitor, and we have reviewed the Home Rule Charter, Administrative Code and our council code of conduct. While the county has a clear social media policy for employees, it does not apply to Council, as we are elected officials and not supervised by the Administration. We are a body comprised of 9 members who serve at the pleasure of those who elected us to fill these positions. We take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are expected to collaborate, debate, discuss issues and oversee the county budget and create legislation. We are expected to follow our code of civility, to have these discussions with respect for everyone’s opinion. While some of us are subdued in our approach and others more vociferous, we all have a right to have our opinions heard in this room. What any of us think, feel, or believe outside of this room in the privacy of our own lives is not governed by this code. We as a body have limited authority to call for the removal of a commissioner, and according to the Charter, these conditions are not met by private actions on social media. 

 As President of Council, I was elected to ensure that this body runs smoothly, and I have made it my mission to ensure that each of us gets time and deference to express our views in meetings. I take the separation of powers seriously and defend this body’s right to independently make decisions. I serve all the citizens of the county and choose to do so with decorum and dignity, not dysregulation. I was elected to serve in this role and recognize that this means to represent all of you, respective of party, privilege, beliefs. I take the privilege of the public’s right to address us just as seriously and ask for your respect and tolerance of us while doing so. While I may disagree with my colleagues at times either professionally or personally, I will continue to honor the code and work of this body as a whole. I continue to be willing to hear you and to the best of my ability, address your concerns when possible. Thank you for hearing and supporting this Council’s work.

Vargo Heffner had a perfect opportunity to bury Keegan, who has actively undermined her and has done her best to turn other Democrats against her. Instead of seeking a censure, for which there is precedent, she chose to take the high road. And even John Goffredo, County Council's most vocal conservative, agreed with her. He said the people should decide whether they want Keegan to continue, not Council. But he added that if she wanted to resign, he'd be happy to accept it.  

Will NorCo Council Be Whistling Dixie?

This picture was taken 8/17. Windows are now being fixed.

Northampton County Council will introduce legislation tonight that will, if passed, approve a $26-29 million tax break for the developer of the long vacant Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough. It will enable Skyline Investment to float two series of bonds for a proposed 405-unit luxury apartment complex and use the projected increased assessment to pay for the improvements made over a period of 20-25 years. During this time, taxing authorities will continue to receive the taxes on the existing assessment, but they will have to wait a quarter century to see receive the taxes it should receive when improvements are made. 

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

Both Wilson Borough and Wilson Area School District have already agreed to this windfall. but NorCo Council has yet to weigh in. Under state law, the soonest they can do so will be in late October. 

Council member John Goffredo described what is happening as "almost like corporate welfare. We're giving a tax break to some of the most wealthy and most privileged people there are out there," he complained. Wilson Borough Council President John Burke said the development might actually attract other projects to hos borough and might even lead to reduced taxes "down the line." 

Skyline's Brian Bartee said he'd be contributing $1.1 million for low-income housing. His rental rate will be $2.51 per sq ft., which is actually cheaper than three luxury apartment complexes he identified in Easton and Bethlehem. He said the average rent at one of his apartments will be $2,452 per month.  Once construction starts, he projects that he'll be able to build 20 units a month. 

Noting that the project would take Bartee about 20 months (or slightly longer) to complete, Council member John Brown told Bartee that he'd be generating a substantial cash flow (406 units @ $2,452 is about $1 million a month). "Why do you need an additional 17 years of tax break in order to make the project work?  There's something in that math that seems a little odd to me." At that rate, Brown noted he could have everything paid off in 12-15 years. 

Bartee answered that "[w]e need a 20-year term so that we can maximize the proceeds so that we can meet the equity constraint to close." He said a lesser term would make it impossible to close. 

Brown also noted that Bartee's background is "pretty scarce." (I have previously raised a number of red flags about Skyline) "You have a nice website and that's about it," Brown said. Bartee conceded he has no previous experience as a developer, but his partner (David Amirian) does and won developer of the year in 2024. 

A September Bike Ride Along the D&L Trail

It's been a great summer, but it's slowly coming to an end, as all things do. I have no idea how many summers I have left before I come to my own expiration date, so I've been a cycling fool this summer. In August alone, I pedaled over 700 miles. Sometimes I am joined by a friend or my grandson. But most of the time, I like to ride alone. I could give you all sorts of reasons for cycling, but the truth is that I do it because I love it. I thought I'd take you along on this weekend's ride along the D&L Trail from Cementon to the Glen Onoko and back. That trail extends from Bristol, near Philly, to Black Diamond, near Wilkes Barre. 

My starting point this weekend was the Cementon Trailhead (mile 83), located along Route 329. After riding about 7 miles, I always stop at the Kindness Garden. 

I usually bring a painted rock with me and drop it off and pick one up. Some of them are truly works of art. There's also a little library at this garden for people who would like to borrow a book. I'm told this garden is located in front of what once was a birthing hut used by the Leni Lenape. 

About 9 miles into the ride, you hit the Slatington Trailhead. It has a very nice pavilion to take a break, with a great little luncheonette trailer. I usually stop there on my way back to guzzle what remaining water I have left. 

Going north from Slatington, you can see that summer is ending. While the foliage is still green, the leaves are beginning to change color and the smell of Fall is in the air. 

Further north, you can see the Blue Mountain in the east. It has yet to recover from all the strip mining done by greedy coal barons. They paid a pittance to the men (and children) who worked for King Coal and hung Molly Maguires who wanted better lives for their families. 

One I hit Lehighton, I crossed a bridge over the Lehigh River into Weissport, where the trail continues along the part of the trail I like least. Some people enjoy cobblestones. My arthritic bones hate them.  

I was unaware that my ride coincided with both a half-marathon and full marathon being run that day. I stopped at the water tables, mostly unmanned, and helped myself. I hit this race after most of the runners had gone through, but there were still a few stragglers. I made a point of telling them they were going the wrong way.

Nort everything is beautiful. As I got closer to Jim Thorpe, I first smelled and then saw the sewage treatment plant located right by the trail. I stopped for a swim. 

My friend, Attorney Nathan Thurm, plans to build a hotel right next to it and wants a tax break like the government gives everyone else.  When I reminded him that it's next to a sewer treatment plant, he said, "I know that! Don't you think I know that? I find it so funny that you would think I don't know that."

Not far past the sewer treatment plant, you hit Jim Thorpe. As you can see, it is definitely a cycling town. 

You can rent a bike from the shop in front of the courthouse. The shop will take you and the bike you pick 25 miles north to White Haven, and you can ride the 25 miles back down (slightly downhill) into Jum Thorpe. You can rent an e-bike, too. They have become quite popular, and I like to see them. The area north of Jim Thorpe has spotty cell service, and a person on an e-bike can get help if someone experiences a medical emergency on the trail. 

You can also take a train ride from Jim Thorpe up through the Glen Onoko Gorge. Here a locomotive billows its black smoke and clangs its bells as it is prepared for a trip. 

I turned around a little bit past Glen Onoko. I love to watch the river as it snakes its way through the gorge. There is a waterfall there, too, but I did not visit. 

On the return trip, I always stop at Hug in a Mug Cafe in Weissport for the best coffee I've ever had, along with a blueberry bagel. The proprietors always fill my water bottles and even put ice in them. They also sell odd things like rocks and minerals, which I collect. 

There you have it. A trip like that washes the soul. 

Magisterial District Judge Douglas Schlegel Has Passed Away

Magisterial District Judge Douglas Schlegel, whose district included the Wind Gap area, has passed away. He was first elected to the bench in 2011. Prior to that, he was a Bushkill Township and Easton City police officer. I did not know him personally, but no his time on the bench was plagued by numerous illnesses.  In a Lehigh Valley Live report, Schlegel is described as a person who went out of his way to help people, even to the point of plowing driveways for his neighbors. 

President Judge Craig Dally releases this statement on behalf of Northampton County's bench:

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Judge Schlegel. He was a true pillar of the legal community and an unwavering champion of justice. He was an honest and caring judge who approached every case with integrity and a deep respect for the law. He had a huge heart and was full of kindness and compassion. 

On behalf of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, I want to offer our sincere condolences to Judge Schlegel's family, as we recognize the judge’s lasting legacy and the impact he had on countless lives.

Will There Be Political Fallout From Keegan's Remarks?

Late last week, I told you that NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan, who is also employed by Easton Area School District as a nurse, had a troubling reaction to the murder of a far-right influencer named Charlie Kirk. ""He was a monster and his wife and kids are better off without him as is the rest of the world," she said. "Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children." Her remarks have landed her in hot water at the school district, which could take disciplinary action. Her position on NorCo Council, however, is more or less unassailable. The only way an elected official can be removed from office is through impeachment by the General Assembly or conviction of an infamous crime. Yes, there are recall provisions in the Home Rule Charter, but they are unconstitutional. So she should survive the firestorm that she herself ignited. But she's done no favors to Democrats running for office in November. Her remarks just might have made a GOP victory far more likely in NorCo.

In a heartfelt and moving statement, NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski made clear that she has a quality that appears to be missing from Keegan's stained soul - empathy. I also received a statement from NorCo Council candidate Jason Boulette, a Democrat running for one of the five at-large seats, condemned Keegan's remarks, stating that public figures "have a responsibility to not further enflame dangerous situations with angry rhetoric." But the damage has been done. 

Sources close to Keegan tell me she's at a loss to understand why people are so upset with her. She was angry that she was asked to stay away from Forks Community Days. Will she apologize? If she does, will it be sincere or pure expediency?

What I do know is that Republicans are strongly considering a mailer that includes Keegan's "monster" statement, followed by pictures of her with various Democratic candidates.  This will have no impact on hard-core Dems. It will make no difference to the GOP faithful, who would never vote Democratic anyway. But it will sway many moderate and independent voters, and it is they who decide elections. 

Democrats have a fractured County Council ticket already. Because Democrat Lori Vargo Heffner has been willing to be an independent voice and resist some of a Democratic Executive's agenda, she's been blacklisted by most Democratic organizations and unions. The Republicans, in contrast, have a strong team and they are united. 

Keegan's ill-considered comments might just be enough to put them over the top. 

Keegan's Insensitive Remarks Land Her In Hot Water

I closed out last week by reporting insensitive comments made by NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan about the murder of far-right influencer Charlie Kirk. Since then, I've received equally if not more offensive remarks from her before she shut down her Facebook page. I could post them, too, but the point has been made. Some of you have taken me to task for drawing attention to her remarks, but she is both an elected official and a nursing director at Easton Area School District. You should know what she said.

As an elected official, she can be censured by Council, which means nothing. County Council has no authority to do anything else. The only way she can be removed from office is if she is impeached and convicted or is convicted of an infamous crime.  She will remain in office unless she herself resigns. Should she choose to seek re-election two years from now, voters can oust her then. Or re-elect her. 

To be sure, she is political kryptonite at this point to other Democrats running for office. They will likely avoid her. She was a no-show at the Eston Democratic Blue Gala on Friday. She was sent home from Forks Community Days on Saturday. 

Her real problem is her continued employment at Easton Area School District. Superintendent Tracy Piazza has noticed what she said. I never spoke to Ms. Piazza but am told she's been inundated with complaints from parents and staff. As a result, she has sent this "Message to Our School Community Regarding Recent Social Media Post."

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

I am writing to you today to address a deeply concerning social media post made by an individual associated with our school district regarding the recent passing of Charlie Kirk. The statements made were deeply insensitive, without merit, and in conflict with all that we stand for as a district.

As your Superintendent, and on behalf of the Board of Education, I want to be unequivocally clear: this individual’s personal opinions and statements do not, in any way, represent the values, mission, or beliefs of our school district or those of the Board of Education.

Our schools are founded on principles of respect, empathy, and compassion. We believe in fostering an environment where every individual is treated with dignity, even in disagreement. We believe in the inherent value of every individual, and the unwavering importance of family. While we recognize that, as individuals, we all have our own opinions and beliefs, as a district, we also believe that public statements that diminish the value of human life or are indifferent to the importance of family are without basis. The social media post in question stands in stark opposition to everything we teach and stand for as a district.

As the Superintendent, I expect that all employees display respect and compassion, both in their professional roles and lives. Anything less is unacceptable and not representative of the conduct we expect from individuals associated with the Easton Area School District.

The administration and Board of Education are dedicated to ensuring that our actions and communications consistently reflect our fundamental beliefs and uphold the trust placed in us by the community, regardless of one’s political views.

We will not condone or tolerate such behavior. We are actively reviewing the situation and will take appropriate action in accordance with district policies and laws. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our school community remains a safe, respectful, and supportive place for all.

Thank you for your continued partnership in upholding the values that define our school community.

Do I think she should be fired? No. But I do think she owes an apology to the public she serves, both as an elected official and as a public-school nurse. She also owes an apology to her colleagues on county council. She has been County Council's most divisive member, attacking Republicans and even other Democrats who refuse to go along with everything that Executive Lamont McClure would like to accomplish before leaving office. At meetings, she has publicly attacked Council member John Goffredo over his numerous online comments, but she and Goffredo could both learn a thing or two from another Council member, Tom Giovanni. He only speaks when he needs to make a point, not to hear the sound of his own voice. 

How Did NorCo Exec Candidates React to Charlie Kirk's Murder?

Tom Giovanni, GOP candidate for NorCo Exec: "Please join me tonight in praying for Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, and their beautiful children following today's tragedy. Enough is enough with political violence. We must come together."

Tara Zrinski, Democratic candidate for NorCo Exec: "I had not planned on posting anything about Charlie Kirk’s assassination because I just didn’t have the words, but, I have read many posts and watched the reactions from the news, the President, talking heads on podcasts and it is all vile.

I mourn not for Charlie Kirk but for human decency. A man, who I did not know, has died, he had a wife and children and probably friends, although none I would align myself even in polite conversation. The proper, respectful and decent thing to do is to say, “sorry for your loss. I pray for the friends and family of this lost soul that he may rest in peace.” Yet, we have lost all semblance of decency in this polarized and charged political landscape.

I mourn for the hope that people can come together, even when they disagree, for mindful political discourse. I grieve for the future so uncertain for our country and the world. I am bereaved by the loss of kindness in the hearts of people.

I want to drop some Buddhist wisdom here that I have been thinking about. As the Dhammapada states, "An ignorant person takes pleasure and delight in killing living beings". Taking a life, even that of someone who you deem a wicked, or evil, person, creates new negative karma for the killer. It doesn’t remove that victim’s karma, either, and creates more suffering that, for some, will give birth to violence out of their vindication and condemnation of the act for others.

The goal is to break the cycle of violence, not to perpetuate it, even against those who may seem deserving of harm. We cannot break it if we keep perpetuating it. Charlie Kirk, for sure, had an agenda. I did not agree with him but, I do not wish him or his family suffering. I pray for peace. I pray for the end of suffering and the end of violence. I pray his death is the last."

Both Tom and Tara have reacted to this senseless killing with empathy and compassion. What Kelly Keegan said is the exception, not the norm. 

NorCo Council Member Kelly Keegan Celebrates Murder of Far-Right Influencer

Unlike many of you, I studiously avoid most of the talking heads that routinely appear on television. Up until the day of his unfortunate murder, I was completely unfamiliar with far-right influencer Charlie Kirk. From what I've since learned about him, I have little in common with him and disagree strongly with nearly all of his views. But like every one of us, he is entitled to the same respect and dignity that we all owe each other. I disagree strongly with my brother's political views, but he is still my brother. Some of my closest friends are ardent Trump supporters. We can still talk, and we're even able to talk about politics. There is no need to hate someone simply because he is Republican or Democrat. The whole point of a democratic republic is to encourage differences. And the First Amendment protects speech that you or I might find totally repugnant. Unfortunately, there are people who fail to understand this. The worst of these are people who are willing to use violence to suppress views they detest. And there are others who will actually celebrate this political violence. Unfortunately, one of these cheerleaders of political murder sits on Northampton County Council. 

Kelly Keegan is the District member of NorCo Council, representing the Easton area. She is also employed by the Easton Area School District as a nurse. She reacted to the senseless murder of a relatively unknown far-right influencer on Facebook with "IDGAS (I don't give a shit), his life isn't different than anyone else's. Karma." She didn't like his insensitive comments about children and adults who were killed in a mass shooting. 

She did not stop there. She also said, "He was a monster and his wife and kids are better off without him as is the rest of the world. Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children." 

If Kelly Keegan respected human life, she would not have said these things. I think a person like her has no place representing the people of Northampton County or being near the children at Easton Area School District.

UPDATE 9/14/25 AT 11:45 AM: I have received some comments claiming that they are unable to see the newer comments. That is because they are on a new page. If you scroll to the bottom, you can open up the new page. 

UPDATED: Attorney Facing Drug Charges Is Latest Focus of Lawsuit Brought By NorCo's Former Custody Master Against the Judges

Over the weekend, I received a packet sent anonymously to me, including a filing in the federal case that former custody master Lisa Tresslar has filed against Northampton County's court. In that case, Tresslar has argued that she was constructively terminated by the courts because of her vocal opposition to changes in the way custody cases were being handled. Instead of being concerned about the lives of children, her argument was that some judges were instead focused on insulating themselves from information that could raise red flags, giving themselves plausible deniability in the event a child was abused. Discovery has apparently concluded, and before competing motions for summary judgment are filed, the matter has been referred to a federal magistrate to see of the parties can settle. So I was a bit surprised that anyone would want to send me anything related to the case. I was, however, even more surprised about what it reveals. Stan Margle, the very attorney who is facing multiple drug charges, has apparently become a key witness.

What I was sent was a motion filed by defendant Judge Craig Dally and Court Administrator Jermaine Greene. [I will refer to them collectively as defendant judges, since most of what Tresslar complains about involve other judges, not Judge Dally]. Though this defense was never raised before, they now contend they made changes in the way custody cases were being handled because Tresslar, as custody master, was biased in favor of Margle. Instead of acting as a "neutral court employee," she engaged in numerous conversations about pending cases with him without the knowledge or consent of opposing counsel or the court. In one text message, she is quoted as saying she "wanted to have [Attorney Margle's baby]." 

Defendant judges now want to use this apparent bias as an affirmative defense. And someone on their side of this dispute wanted to make sure I was aware of this favoritism. 

After receiving this packet, I went on PACER to see for myself what is going on in this case. True enough, the defendant judges do want to muddy Tresslar up as some sort of harlot cavorting with an attorney who is also a criminal defendant in two separate drug cases involving cocaine or paraphernalia he left behind at the courthouse. But Tresslar has a response to their motion. 

She points out that Margle was her attorney when she had her own custody dispute 16 years ago, and they became friends. She said that President Judge Steve Baratta, who hired her, has testified that her relationship with Margle presented no conflict and she had no duty to disclose it. She nevertheless disclosed her relationship with Margle in every matter in which he was involved.

As far as ex parte conversations go, Tresslar was acting as a mediator and was specifically directed to engage "in ex parte communications with custody litigants and engage in back-and-forth shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to bond with litigants and get them to trust her recommendations."

As if this were not enough, former President Judge Michael J. Koury, Jr. sought and obtained an opinion from the Ethics Committee of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges, stating that Tresslar's ex parte communications with Margle were perfectly permissible as long as Tresslar disclosed that she regularly engaged in ex parte communications with litigants as part of the court's mediation process. Judge Baratta and numerous attorneys have testified ... that Tresslar fully disclosed that she regularly engaged in ex parte communications with litigants, including Margle, as part of the court's mediation process."

It appears to me that Defendant Judges are simply trying to slur Tresslar for doing precisely what she was authorized to do. 

Amazingly, what I also learned from looking at the PACER docket entries is that, in addition to being Tresslar's former attorney, Margle also represented Defendant Judge Jennifer Sletvold. According to Judge Sletvold, Margle represented her in "various matters." She was so concerned about her own relationship with Margle that she actually made sure she had yet another attorney present when Margle was deposed so that he could assert attorney-client privilege if Margle was questioned in detail. 

So Margle, an accused drug defendant, represented both the former custody master and one of the very judges about whom Tresslar has based her lawsuit. 

Since Margle represented one of the judges in "various matters," I wonder whether an outside jurist should be asked to handle his case. Since our judges are so concerned about the appearance of bias, perhaps they should look at themselves.  

UPDATED 10:45 AM: I have learned that, in fact, a full bench recusal is being sought in the Margle prosecution. This is not just because of a potential conflict involving one of the judges, but because several county employees could be involved as witnesses. 

First Time DUI Offenders No Longer Eligible For ARD in NorCo

There's been a recent change in the NorCo DA's office concerning a special program for first offenders called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition. (ARD). Under this program, a first offender for a minor crime can avoid the stigma of a criminal conviction by agreeing to probation for a period of months and any other conditions deemed appropriate. After successful completion of the program, charges are dismissed. This program is administered by the District Attorney, and eligibility is at his discretion. The crime of Driving Under the Influence has typically been among the kind of offense considered appropriate for ARD. It's been a moneymaker for the county, too. The ARD fee for DUI in NorCo has been $2,675. But this is changing. According to an August 26 Memo from DA Steve Baratta to President Judge Craig Dally (you can read the memo below), ARD will no longer be available to DUI defendants. This new policy will start September 15.  

This change was brought to my attention by a reader who chided me for failing to report it. I was unaware of the change. 

Baratta's new policy is a reaction to a recent Pa. Supreme Court ruling that considering ARD as a prior offense for purposes of sentencing enhancement is unconstitutional notwithstanding that the Vehicle Code specifically provides that participation in an ARD program must be considered a prior offense. 

Instead of accepting ARD applications for first time DUI offenders, the DA will allow most defendants to plead guilty to DUI at its lowest level, called general impairment. Defendants who plead guilty will be sentenced to six months of probation and a $350 fine. They can keep their driver's license. They will have the stigma of a criminal conviction, but that can be expunged after seven years. 

The DA notes that, in some ways, this will be less onerous than ARD. It will cost a Defendant far less than ARD and he will still be able to drive. But the plea must be made at the time of arraignment. 

DA Memo on New ARD Policy for DUI by BernieOHare

NorCo Council Tables Routine Budget Amendment, Goffredo Wants Fiscal Boss to Resign

At last week's meeting, NorCo Council voted to table a routine budget amendment ordinance by a 7-2 vote, with Council members Jeff Warren and Kelly Keegan dissenting. Council members claimed they were never provided with enough information even though the administration had previously provided a 46-page explanation of the changes. This budget amendment also went through Council member John Brown's Finance Committee. They had plenty of information from which to make an informed decision. Yet Brown and Council member John Goffredo added they would oppose the amendment as a protest "until the administration gets in line and recognizes the power of this body ... ." They are completely willing to allow county government to grind to a halt unless Executive Lamont McClure cedes his administrative authority and lets them run the county. And when Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron attempted to answer questions that President Lori Vargo Heffner had about the amendments, most of which were answered to her satisfaction, Goffredo said Barron should resign. He also shut Barron down when he attempted to defend himself, telling him to sit down.

Budget Amendments are routinely presented about two or three times a year. They are discussed in a Finance Committee. The administration supplies Council with written explanations of every change. So it is actually dishonest for them to claim this was suddenly sprung on them. 

They complain that the Executive and Fiscal Affairs Director are failing to do their jobs, or more precisely, failing to do it the way they want it done. But are they doing their job? They had all the information they needed. They also had time to ask for further explanation at a committee meeting in advance of the vote. They just failed to do their homework and then tried to blame it on the administration. They'd rather just shut the government down and attempt to make political points in advance of an election. 

Though budget amendments are routine, they fund important human services to protect our children and elderly from abuse and neglect. They fund remediation that help our children from getting lead poisoning in some older homes, especially in the slate belt.   

As powerful as a County Council might be, it has no power to administer. Though Council controls the purse strings, it has no power to decide how the elections office is run. It has no authority to instruct the Executive about how Gracedale should be administered or how many homes should be remediated for lead. That is the province of the Executive branch. 

Goffredo denied politics has anything to do with his willingness to cripple county government. " I don't give two flying whatevers about political season. I'm not running for h ---. This is an inconvenience at this point cuz I feel like we come here, and all we do is sling stuff at the wall. I don't care about anybody's electoral race."

Really?

Goffredo donated $1,000 to Tom Giovanni's Executive campaign. That's pretty amazing for someone who doesn't give two flying whatevers.  And as Council member Jeff Warren reminded him, Goffredo is himself on the ballot. 

Brown and Goffredo like to complain about the administration's failure to communicate, and in some instances, they could be correct. But not here. They had a 46-page explanation and a Finance Committee meeting. They just failed to prepare. 

Goffredo and McClure Spar Over Elections and Gracedale

With a county election coming up in November, relations between NorCo's administration and county council have gone from bad to worse.  At last week's meeting, held September 4, Council member John Goffredo and Exec Lamont McClure sparred over elections offices and Gracedale. Later that evening, Goffredo got into yet another argy bargy, this time with Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron over a routine budget amendment that actually was tabled. Today, I'll tell you about the tiff between Goffredo and McClure today and continue with his assault on Barron on Tuesday. 

The meeting started on a sour note. A corrections officer disclosed an "ongoing issue" between his union and the bargaining unit representing deputy sheriffs over the transport of prisoners to medical appointments and to hospitals. Though corrections officers are 79 people short, they are being forced to take on this task. He complained that deputy sheriffs get whatever they want, from extra vehicles to more staff, while his union gets mandates. He said he's been mandated to serve 16-hour shifts on eight separate occasions in August alone. 

Though sheriffs are required to shoulder some of this burden, he and his fellow officers are stuck with it. He noted complaints to Human Resources have been ignored and suggested that's because the HR Director is married to the Sheriff. 

Interestingly, he noted that when the Sheriffs do these transports, they often send only one deputy, while COs must use two. (If the CO is accurate on this point, this practice is both unsafe and unwise.) 

Disputes between unions over work and contracts can be resolved through the labor relations board. 

After this first dissonant chord, GOP county chair Glenn Geissinger approached the podium. He said he'd be brief. He wasn't. His complaint was about Executive McClure's decision to establish temporary satellite offices in Washington Tp and South Bethlehem for county resident who might wish to vote there instead of making the trip to the courthouse for what most people consider early voting, though it's technically ballot by demand. 

He insisted that County Council, and only County Council, has this authority and cited a provision in the Elections Code (25 P.S. 2645) providing that it is County Commissioners who fund elections and asked Council to "end the abuse of power of this executive." He claimed this abuse of power is part of a pattern in which the executive ignores the wishes of Council, which he did with part of $5 million in retention bonuses for Gracedale's career service workers.

This has become the main issue in this year's county council and executive races, which include "Where's the money, Lamont?" signs disingenuously hinting that the money has been stolen.  

After this, it was eventually McClure's turn in the dock. He attempted to get away with an innocuous presentation about suicide prevention, but Goffredo wanted to know why he failed to get County Council's approval to fund these satellite offices. McClure said there was no need because the funds were already in the budget for the elections division.  (Under the County's Home Rule Charter [Section 705], he would only need Council's approval if he was moving funds from one division to another). 

Goffredo then complained that the decision to establish temporary satellite offices was not approved by County Council, but they are not administrators. 

From elections. Goffredo then went on to Gracedale. He was upset to learn that the county plans to use one agency (Tellavera) to require all agency CNAs at Gracedale with 500 hours of working time to transition to work for that agency. 

McClure told Goffredo that Gracedale administrator Michelle Morton was there and could answer his questions, but Goffredo wanted to hear what was going on from McClure. (In the past, Council has complained that McClure discourages county employees from coming to meetings, but now Goffredo just wanted to hear from McClure). 

Do you think that council should be part of these discussions, personally, as the executive?

In advance of doing them?

Yes.

No.

Really?

No. We just had a factually incorrect lecture from Mr. Geisinger about the separation of powers. It's for the administration, and specifically the administrator of Gracedale to administrate Gracedale. And part of that is how you manage the agency relationship. So what we're trying to do is save millions of dollars.

The spat continued. 

But I would like this to be out in the open. That's why I wanted to ask these questions because a lot is happening at Gracedale, which is the biggest issue. It has been the biggest issue and will always be the biggest.

It's only the biggest issue because we're talking about it because you demagogue it. Because you want to make it political. You want to. He's [Tom Giovanni] running on it. He's running his campaign on it.

So when Gracedale's failing, we're failing.

Gracedale's not failing.

Debatable.

It's not failing.

All right, well, that's where I would like to have different conversations and be brought into these issues, because I think staffing is the biggest thing that we're dealing with. I'm hearing that if you have over 500 hours as a temp worker, you either get on with Telavera or you get lost. Is that true?

So you need to ask her [Michelle Morton] specifically how that works because I am not in the weeds on all of the details of that.

Personally as Council, I wish we'd known about this. I wish we talk about his at the human services meeting, the meeting before this, when this was already in the works, literally two weeks ago.

So here's the thing. I know Miss Wandaowski [Human Services Director] at one of the previous meetings, did preview that a process was going to be put in place that would lead to savings with agency nursing staff. They were here and they did it. ... [W]e're trying to save millions of dollars. I understand why you don't want to, because I ultimately suspect you do not want Gracedale to be county owned.

You keep saying that.

Well, that's my personal belief.

Okay, well, I don't want that to happen.

Good.

What I would like to do is get more county employees. I would like to make it more appetizing to come work at the county, which seems to be an issue, in every department. And I think if we want to save Gracedale, we'd need to get good nurses and good workers to come work for the county. Not, "Hey, let's get a mega temp agency," because they're going to be able to consolidate all these ---. Well, what if they don't? What if they can't? What if they struggle? What if their nurses aren't as good? I don't know anything about them. So, yes, am I annoyed that we're not a part of this process? Yup. We're giving you money, you're saying, well, it's in our budget. You're moving money around all over the place. We don't know what's in our budget. We don't know where the money is.

Well, that's fundamentally false. It's fundamentally false.

If nothing else, it's clear that the animosity between Executive and Council is at an all-time high.  And when Fiscal Affiars Director Steve Barron attempted to defend a routine budget amendment, things got worse. I'll tell you about that on Tuesday. 

NorCo Council and Philadelphia Eagles

Last night, as most of you know, the Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener. Before the game even got underway, defensive standout Jalen Carter was ejected after he inexplicably spit on Dallas QB Dak "Here we go!" Prescott. Then, early in the third quarter, right after Dallas coughed up the ball and the Eagles looked like they were in a position to extend their lead, the game was suspended as a result of lightning in the area.  

I had hoped to be able to watch the game and then watch and write about the NorCo Council meeting. But my report will have to wait until Monday. It looks very much as though the County Council and Executive races are in full swing as Council actually blocked a noncontroversial budget amendment. It also looks as though the animosity between Council and the Executive branch is at fever pitch. I'll tell you about it Monday.  

Go Birds!

Pa. Budget Impasse Continues

Pennsylvania's Constitution requires that a state budget be in place by June 30, but the General Assembly usually ignores this mandate. According to PoliticsPa, only four of the past dozen budgets have been adopted on time. There's no rush because legislators and state employees can still look forward to their paychecks. The spice still flows. But starting soon, the spigots will be turned off at school districts, local governments and with nonprofits. 

Governor Josh Shapiro has trimmed his budget spending from $51.4 to $49.9 billion, but that was a week ago. At this point, the failure is irresponsible. How hard is it to have a budget that funds agencies investigating child abuse or school districts that educate our most valuable resource?   

NorCo Council will tonight consider yet another nonbinding resolution calling on the state to do what it should have done by the end of June. 

Allentown Truth, Molovinsky, Siegel and Eddie "Cares" Aviles

I'm ashamed to say that I completely missed the existence of an Allentown-specific blog until this past weekend, when it was brought to my attention by Attorney Nathan Thurm. The blog? Allentown Truth. The blogger? He's anonymous but calls himself Honest Abe. I have linked to him and want to draw attention to one of his recent stories. 

Let me give you the background.

Recently, LC Exec candidate Josh Siegel blasted both his GOP opponent, Roger MacLean. and LV Congressman Ryan Mackenzie because they recently posed in a group photo that included a fellow named Eddie (Eduardo) Aviles. He was apparently canvassing neighborhoods with them.  It's unclear to me whether MacLean or Mackenzie know anything about him. 

Frankly, from what I've seen of him on his Eddie Cares Aviles Facebook page, he's different. I've seen unhinged Facebook lives from him bashing Promise Neighborhoods, an Allentown nonprofit that feeds off white guilt for funds that have done nothing to improve the lives of anyone, excepting two-time convicted felon Hasshan Batts. I can no longer locate those emotional Lives, but WFMZ-TV69 did cover his mini-war against Batts. He fancies himself a champion of the tired, the poor, the homeless, the unwashed, the huddled masses, the refuse of society. Kinda' like an Allentown Statue of Liberty. But I don't know enough about him to reach any conclusion other than that he's failing. That's no dig at him. It happens with everyone, whether it is some well-funded nonprofit, a local government throwing cash this way and that, or even the well-meaning members of a church. 

But Eddie Cares Aviles has a tendency to let his emotions take over and gets in trouble as a result. Charges include disorderly conduct, fighting, accusations of terroristic threats (always dismissed) and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Siegel cited these in a Facebook post. He also linked to a WFMZ-TV69 news article published back in 2013, when he allegedly punched his girlfriend. Interestingly, this charge no longer appears on the state website for criminal cases, so those charges may have been expunged. 

The day after this group photo, Aviles was arrested again and charged by Allentown's constabulary with terroristic threats, disorderly conduct (fighting) and, of all things, jaywalking. Bail was set at $10,000 (10%), but Eddie was sprung by a professional bondsman. A preliminary hearing is pending. 

This was all red meat to Josh Siegel, who thought nothing of marching with convicted felon Hasshan Batts in Allentown Streets and even doxed Allentown's Mayor for the amusement of thugs who called and threatened to burn down his house. 

According to Siegel, "this isn’t new — Aviles has a violent history, is deeply unstable, and even harassed the Mayor of Allentown into needing security.

Yet MacLean and Mackenzie still chose to walk beside him.

They knew who he was.

They still showed up with him.

Because this is who they are:

✅ The GOP wants control over women’s bodies.

✅ They protect abusers and predators.

✅ And now, they walk door-to-door with a man who has a violent past and a fresh arrest.

Enough is enough.

So sayeth the man who walked the streets of Allentown in the middle of the night with abusers and predators to chants of "Fuck the Police."

Needless to say, both Honest Abe and Michael Molovinsky take a dim view of Siegel's slurs. Molovinsky writes, Eddie now gets into what John Lewis used to call good trouble. Standing up for the homeless won't lose votes with most people.

Of course, a GoFundMe has been started for Edie Cares, calling him "a hero who protects us all." According to the GoFundMe, "While peacefully advocating for housing justice, Eddie was arrested and now faces legal charges — nuisance, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, and jaywalking. Some of the tents and supplies meant for unhoused people were discarded in the process. Eddie cannot carry the resulting legal expenses alone." It has raised $50.