The annual luncheon for centenarians was recently cancelled as a result of the state budget gridlock, but the annual county festival was held on Saturday despite the rain.
During the festival, County Executive Lamont G. McClure presented awards to outstanding individuals and organizations whose service, leadership, and dedication strengthen our communities. This is undertandable because he represents the Executive branch. But what bothers me is that McClure was joined by County Controller Tara Zrinski and County Council member Jeff Warren. Neither Zrinski nor Warren have anything to do with administration and play no role in deciding who gets awarded anything. But Zrinski is running for Exec and Warren is running for the state house. Their involvement is pure politics. The gods must agree because they made sure everyone got drenched.
lamont can give all the awards away he wants to, it will do him no good. He's already blown any slight chance he had for any future political office.
ReplyDeleteTara posted the County flyer on her political Facebook page. County created the flyer, Tara used it on her political page. I have to assume that is against election law, not that anything will happen to her.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that republishing a county flyer on Facebook is an election law violation. I do not think Warren or Zrinski should have been involved at all in the presentation of awards. That is pure politics.
DeleteBernie, although me and my household will still vote for Tara I must agree that the optics aren’t great. Not that there’s anything immoral, unethical or illegal about it I feel she got the privilege to get her face out there and that’s maybe not fair unless Tom was also invited and declined but doubt that’s the case.
DeleteMayor Fiorella LaGuardia of Bath was featured prominently at the awards presentation and she may be the most prominent Republican in Northampton County.
ReplyDeleteTom Giovanni participated in years past. Not sure why he boycotted this year. Very disrespectful to the veterans who were honored.
ReplyDeleteDo we know if he was invited?
DeleteNo invitation is necessary. ALL are invited. But that is not the point. The point is that two candidates who had nothing to do with award selection participated in the awards. That is pure politics.
DeleteI agree. Highly political. Too many awards given to Republicans.
ReplyDeleteThese people are disgraceful! I’m so glad it rained on their parade lol.
ReplyDeleteWarren was there because he nominated and presented someone with a community volunteer award.
ReplyDeleteThe County Festival was so wonderful. What a joyous time. I was especially moved by the honoring of all of the Veterans.
ReplyDeleteI was moved by the honoring of the centenarians…………oh wait.
DeleteTina Smith is a true gem. She invented the County Festival and it has started to grow. But, for Tina the importance of the event are the awards - especially the recognition for small businesses which are so near and dear to Tina’s heart.
ReplyDeleteTina is absolutely a gem! One of the hardest working, humbled and honest figures anyone could meet. That stands true within her work and outside the office. I’ve been lucky to witness first hand her go above and beyond her job duties to those in need. No matter who wins this year that is one exempt position that shall not change!
DeleteWith that said I don’t deal too often with other appointed officials some may also be good but having dealt with other county DCED offices I can say that Tina is not replaceable and the county nor its residents can afford to lose her.
I have been told there’s a small bakery just opening in Mt Bethel that has contacted Tina and McClure for advice and help and have not received even a response. Once again the Slate Belt is overlooked.
DeleteWhat advice were they seeking? Do either of them know much about sourdough cultures or the deft use of fondant? Or maybe crullers?
DeleteThe point is they received no response even if was there was no aid for them they should at least be contacted that’s only respectful and courteous
DeleteAnything Republican and McClure and clowns won’t do a damn thing. McClure does crap for all the good work Ann Flood does. Never sends anyone from county when asked. Now he wants to run for Congress. Hahaha. People don’t forget. Still, the classic line of the year is Lori telling Lamont to Shut up!!!! 😂😂😂
DeleteTara and Jeff involved in a “political” stunt - who would have guessed?
ReplyDeleteNow it is a stunt, is that why Tom G skipped the invitation to also be there to make it look like a political stunt? I imagine LVH told him not to go because she was busy with CCAP stuff
Deletekeegan wasn't there spreading her special brand of joy?
ReplyDeleteShe’s been told to lay low.
DeleteShe’s banned to boogie land. Worse thing on earth.
DeleteAs in the past, all County Council Commissioners were invited to participate. Tom Giovanni participated in presenting awards one year.
ReplyDeleteOf course Zrinski was there with McClure- kept her in-line and on topic!
ReplyDeleteI’m with Bernie on this one. I just think it’s bad optics to have the festival at all, while not having the centenarians luncheon. Even worse that it basically turned into a Zrinski campaign event.
ReplyDeleteof course it was, that was the purpose all along!
DeleteAlso agree with BO man…another political photo op …
DeleteThe problem with America. Everyone wants an award.
ReplyDeleteHey Bernie why not cover the embarrassment of lahoud law group? And barattas poor son? It’s new worthy at this point
ReplyDeleteIs this supposed to be a surprise to you ?? Nothing in the Centenarian luncheon for Lamont so let’s cancel it. He can beat his chest at the festival !!
ReplyDelete