I Won't Be Able to Kick Steve Barron Around Anymore

 

This meme was actually created by a member of Steve's staff. 

Over the past few weeks, I've had to bite my tongue when several readers suggested that Steve Barron would be running Northampton County should Tara Zrinski be elected as Executive. What they did not know is that Barron had already given notice of his intended resignation, which will take effect tomorrow at the end of the day. I kept quiet about it because some malicious people would almost certainly attempt to sabotage his new job. He is leaving county employment for a higher-paying job with considerably less stress, and I wish him the best. 

According to the meme, Barron has been providing content to bloggers on slow news days since 2007 and is a proud supporter of citizen journalism. That's right on the mark. 

I suspect that in tghe years to come, I may be able to start kicking Steve around again. He's the public official that County Council loves to hate, but he also is one of the few people in government who actually reads the Home Rule Charter and Administrative Code. True, he doesn't always follow it, but he tries. 

He'll be back. 

Panto Proposes 2026 Budget For Easton - No Property Tax Hike

For the 19th year in a row, Easton Mayor Sal Panto has proposed a budget for next year that includes no increase in property taxes. But there will be fee increases.

Trash collection will go up $2 per month on residential. Parking meter charges in "prime" areas will go up to $3 an hour and $2.75 an hour elsewhere. The parking garage will cost $2.50 per hour. 

Parking permits will go up with a charge of $175 per year for downtown residents with one car, $225 for a second car and $275 for three or more cars.  

City Council will conduct at least four budget hearings to review Panto's spending plan. 

According to Lehigh Valley News, Panto plans to borrow to keep the pension fund in the green while awaiting an actual state budget. 

Gridlock on State and National Level

Pennsylvania has the distinction of being the only state in the union without a budget. While state legislators still collect their salaries, counties and school districts are beginning to feel the crunch. As if that were not bad enough, the federal government has shut down as of midnight today. 

Republicans blame Democrats. Democrats blame Republicans. While it's certain that both parties are to blame, this finger-pointing does nothing to answer the question how or whether vital human services should continue, and for how long. 

As I've already told you, NorCo Exec Lamont McClure will furlough human services workers as an "option of last resort." This is really an option of first resort because he refuses to borrow or spend down the rainy-day fund.  Given the large number of elected officials who disagree with him, he will hopefully relent. 

Lehigh County will borrow. 

According to Capital Star, Westmoreland County has also announced furloughs. Northampton and Chester have stopped paying vendors. Other counties have dipped into savings, but that is unsustainable long-term. 

Given this gridlock, it is little wonder that 8 of 10 Americans believe the US is in a political crisis. According to a poll by Quinnipiac U, 53% of Americans believe democracy is no longer working (74% among Dems, but only 22% among Republicans).