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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, October 13, 2025

Former Custody Master's Federal Lawsuit - The Court Strikes Back, Claims She Was Biased For Attorney Accused of Drug Possession

I've written several times now about the federal lawsuit filed by Lisa Tresslar, Northampton County's former child custody master. She initially sued the entire court and county as well, but her lawsuit now is only aimed at Court Administrator Jermaine Greene and President Judge Craig Dally (I'll refer to them henceforth as the NorCo Court).  A previous motion to dismiss was partially granted. Federal Judge John Gallagher ruled that Tresslar failed to allege properly that she was a victim of discrimination.  But he allowed Tresslar's claim of retaliation to stand. She argues that she was effectively terminated for voicing concerns about revisions to child custody guidelines. After exhaustive discovery, NorCo Court has filed a motion for summary judgment based on the undisputed facts of record. It claims that the revised custody guidelines were adopted "to alleviate several concerns of reported conflicts of interest [and] favoritism based on complaints NorCo Court had received about Tresslar's bias toward certain attorneys. These include Attorney Stan Margle, who has now been charged twice with bringing cocaine and drug paraphernalia to court and then forgetting it there.  

Tresslar has filed a competing motion for summary judgment, but I'm unable to tell you about it because she requested that it be sealed. I've outlined her arguments in the past. I believe she may have sought to seal her motion to keep individual cases from being publicized. But up until now, I've never really heard  NorCo Court's side of the story. It's a doozy. 

According to NorCo Court's motion, its concern about bias turned out to be accurate. Through discovery, it learned of "ex parte communications between Tresslar and Margle in which she worked actively to undermine the opposing party, provided legal counsel and acted in a manner "completely contrary to her role as neutral Court employee." It calls its revised custody guidelines a reasonable attempt to limit the appearance of impropriety that arose from her dealings with her friends. Had it known then what it knows now, the actions taken would have been far harsher. 

NorCo Court contends it has "an affirmative duty to address any appearance of impropriety when it arises." That was the reason for revised custody guidelines. Discovery revealed that she made several statements to Margle that are clearly beyond the pale. 

Here's an example from one of her texts to Margle:

"Seriously, the day you cross-examined Dr. B----, and the day you cross-examined U-----, I got weak in the knees. I, like, wanted to have your baby. ... When other lawyers complain I have a special relationship with you because you were once my lawyer, I always scoff at them, but privately I'm thinking, 'If you only knew ... ."

While I believe a judicial officer can certainly compliment good lawyering, Tresslar appears to have gone a bit beyond mere puffery. The record reveals she shared confidential information with Margle and disparaged an attorney who was squaring off against him. "He is none too bright. You will be splendid tomorrow. I wish I could be there to see it. Please delete these text messages!" Discovery also revealed that she gave him advice on how to present cases and who to call as witnesses. Margle himself said he had "help from a little birdie who sometimes work[ed] in the Courthouse." 

Other custody masters were concerned. Brian Panella, now a judge, said that attorneys complained to him of being "stonewalled" with an "endless cycle of co-parenting counseling." This apprehension was shared by another former custody master (now retired) who called Tresslar's insistence on co-parent counseling a "roadblock" that "added months, and costs, to any given custody matter." Panella was concerned that this was effectively denying due process. He made these concerns known to NorCo Court. 

He In previous filings, Tresslar has maintained that Judges Jennifer Sletvold and Paula Roscioli refused to look at counseling reports because they wanted to be able to claim ignorance if a parent abused a child after an order was entered. They both deny this, saying they find these expert reports helpful. They simply decided it would be improper to read these reports before a trial because it might make them biased. 

Friday, October 10, 2025

The Tara Zrinski Story

Earlier this week, I shared the Tom Giovanni Story with you. He and Tara Zrinski are the two candidates seeking your vote for NorCo Exec on November 4. Both have appeared, in 12-minute segments, on  Tony Iannelli's Business Matters program. They've also responded to five questions posed by The Morning Call. I've decided to take a different approach and try to understand what makes them tick. They both have strikingly different personalities. Tom is quiet and unassuming, perhaps too quiet at times. Tara is loud and assertive, perhaps too loud at times. As different as their personalities might be, they both want to make things better for people. 

Tara is from Bethlehem and graduated from Freedom High School before attending Drew College and Moravian's Theological Seminary. She has a gay brother about 10 years older than her. He taught in Bethlehem's schools, and at a time when being gay was far from popular. She was alienated by her classmates, who would assume she must be gay, too, or must have AIDs. 

This never stopped her. She played in numerous sports, from soccer to field hockey to softball. And like many student athletes who must learn to manage their time, she got into the habit of being very disciplined in her personal approach. Even today, she often gets by with only a few hours of sleep. She starts the day walking her dog, works out, goes through her emails and is "out the door." 

She played soccer at Drew University as well, where she majored in Philosophy. And to those of you who think this is a useless major, you ought to read Plato's Republic. In addition to being a student athlete, she worked at a nearby cafe and was actually taking graduate classes in her senior year. 

She had an unhappy marriage. I chose against discussing that topic with her in any detail though she was willing to do so. 

Her attitude was influenced by time spent abroad, both as a student and after graduating. In Costa Rica, she witnessed the impact that deforestation had, not just on the environment, but on people who lived there. In Germany, she experienced what it's like to receive free medical car after she injured her hand, even though she was not a citizen. In Hungary, she actually spent a month at a train station after per backpack and passport were stolen. There she met numerous refugees escaping the genocide in war torn Bosnia.  She met people from Poland and East Germany who were returning to their countries after the wall had been torn down. She considers that month "just an amazing education for me. And the resilience of people, what they've been through, what somebody will do to survive, you know?" That experience is what led her to want people to have better lives, "to thrive."

"I want them to have opportunities, and I want them to have dignity and justice and equity, and all those all those lofty things that we talk about in politics, but it seems like they never happen. At Moravian Theological Seminary, she considered becoming an ordained minister and got degrees both in Theology and Pastoral Counseling but was non-denominational and by then she was a single mother of three children whose first priority was putting food on the table. This included trips to the local food banks. 

Her interest in local government began with her participation as a local coordinator for Food and Water Watch, where she was opposed to the PennEast Pipeline. She recalled having a meeting set up with a township supervisor, who refused to speak to her but was willing to speak with a male who accompanied her. He actually told her he was unwilling to speak to her because she is female. "This is insane," she said. "And I thought more women have to get into politics."

And so she shifted gears from activism to politics with a whirlwind approach to campaigning that is hard to match. 

She condemns the partisan and adversarial approach she's seen in county government by both sides. She said she can talk to John Brown, John Goffredo and Tom Giovanni, the County Council Republicans. The only problem she has is when she sees personal attacks. "I don't think that's helpful, because now you're not talking about the issues anymore. You're sidestepping the issues and making personal attacks. I want to address what it is that is going on in the room, and I don't want my integrity or judgment questioned because we're all supposed to be there to make solutions"

She said this toxicity just makes people angrier. "People are dissatisfied with the way government is going, and they're dissatisfied with this dysfunction that doesn't allow anything to happen. Trump does get things done. Whether you believe that he is effective or whether he is doing what you want him to do, he's doing stuff every day."

She said that by listening to voters, she knows we have to recognize that "both Republicans and Democrats come here so that we could find what's best for everybody." 

Like Tom Giovanni, she listens. Like Tom Giovanni, she wants people to have better lives. So on a personal level, I think both would be fine as Executive. 

Thursday, October 09, 2025

NorCo County Festival to Continue?

As a result of the gridlock over the state budget, Northampton County has "postponed" its annual luncheon for centenarians, has paused payments to human services vendors and has notified the union representing human services caseworkers that furloughs are on the horizon. What about the county's fall festival, planned for this Saturday at Louise Moore Park?  Last week, when Executive Lamont McClure announced his proposed 2026 budget, he indicated that the fall festival would likely continue. 

"It isn't costing us anything," said McClure. He added that the event has sponsors and that vendors have already paid to reserve spots. 

NorCo Seeks Pollworkers For Nov. 4 Election

As election day approaches, Northampton County is seeking poll workers. It's a long but important day that includes checking in voters, operating the voting machines and delivering results to Easton's courthouse. The pay is $175-200, the most a county can pay by state statute.If you are a registered voter and interested in becoming a poll workers in your community, email the Northampton County Elections Office at election@norcopa.gov or call 610-829-6260.

Wednesday, October 08, 2025

What Would We Do Without Landfills?

Landfills located in both Lower Saucon and Plainfield Townships want to expand. The owners dangle financial carrots in the form of host fees, taxes and other financial incentives that make it hard to say No. But many residents wish they would. They are unsightly, smell and no matter how hard landfills try, pollutants always leech into the surrounding groundwater. But what's the alternative? Incineration is said to be worse. Dumping garbage in the ocean destroys our ecosystem. I'd really like to know. Until we can find a reasonable alternative, attempts at expansion will continue, and opposition will be fierce. The battle for Grand Central's expansion is just getting started, but the fight over the expansion of Lower Saucon's landfill is in full swing. Standing in one corner is Easton attorney Gary Asteak, representing the Citizens for Responsible Development. In the opposite corner are Bethlehem Landfill's corporate lawyers, being cheered on by two Trumpion Council members who pride themselves in disrupting meeting after meeting in what has become the most dysfunctional local government in the Lehigh Valley. And that's saying something. 

Asteak has sued to stop the expansion. At one time, the City of Bethlehem owned and operated the Bethlehem landfill. It also owned surrounding tracts. In 1994, it adopted two conservation easements and a woodland easement. The conservation easements preserve 208 acres of landfill property for scenic and conservation purposes and specifically exclude landfills. The woodland easement, which applies to 8 acres, is intended to preserve undisturbed woodland. It was binding on both the City and future owners to preserve the Delaware and Lehigh Canal Heritage corridor as well as "the original character and scenic nature of the land." 

In 2023, Lower Saucon Tp voted to release these easements, but did so without the approval of the Orphans’ Court under the Donated or Dedicated Property Act (DDPA). Because the Township failed to take this step, and admits it never sought approval. Attorney Asteak contends the releases are invalid.

He has filed what is known as a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. Based on his assertions and the Township's admission, he contends the releases must be set aside as a matter of law. 

Good argument, but the question still remains - what would we do without landfills? 

Tuesday, October 07, 2025

The Tom Giovanni Story

Late last month, in 12-minute segments, Northampton County Exec candidates Tara Zrinski and Tom Giovanni had the opportunity to make their case at Tony Iannelli's Business Matters program. Tara, who has far more experience on these shows than Tom, was definitely more poised and less nervous. But does this mean she should be the next Executive? Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Tom for more than a few minutes and learn a lot more about him. I want to share his story with you. Maybe it will make you want to vote for him. Maybe not. But at least you'll know why he's running and what he hopes to accomplish.

Giovanni is known as Northampton County's Quiet Man. He rarely speaks at meetings. Some of you consider this a negative. One of you has actually reviewed the minutes of several meetings to note how little he has spoken in comparison to others, as though this somehow disqualifies him. Quite the contrary. In my 74 years on this planet, I have learned that those who speak the most tend to know the least. They fail to listen. They already think they know everything. The reality is that we have one mouth and two ears for a reason. We need people in government who actually listen. Giovanni does that.

Though he is only a part-time employee of the county as a member of county council, I often see Giovanni at the courthouse when I'm there to search a title or plead insanity. What's he doing? He's listening. He listens to county employees when they have gripes. He's met with corrections officers, deputy sheriffs, 911 workers, Gracedale staffers and even human services caseworkers. He knows that there are far too many steps for most positions. He sees the turnover. He probably hears some things that are just not true, as things do tend to get twisted a lot, but he's listening.

As Executive, he told me his door would always be open to people who want to talk to him. If he heard gripes from employees, he'd arrange a meeting between them and their managers to see if the problem could be worked out as a team. "We're all on the same team," he told me. 

This, unfortunately, is far from the way things are right now. The relationship between the workforce and administration has increasingly become adversarial, with some employees who rightly or wrongly feel they will face retaliation if they speak out. This is a far cry from the way things were under Gene Hartzell, Marty Bechtel or Jerry Seyfried. 

In addition to the adversarial relation between employer and employee, there is also a very unfortunate partisan edge to many things. It was pretty clear in a news release from the county about the "postponed" centenarian luncheon. McClure made that matter worse when he referred to Senate Republicans who refuse to pass a state budget as "deadbeats." But more alarming, at least to me, was what has happened to State Rep. Ann Flood's Senior fests. They usually attract about 300 people from her district. She has asked the county to send someone from the Area Agency on Aging on each occasion, but her correspondence has gone unanswered. The county does respond to other state agencies. She believes she is ignored because she criticized McClure's handling of an election a few years ago, when the voting machines were improperly tested. If that's true, the only persons being hurt are the seniors in her district. 

Giovanni told me he would be neither adversarial nor partisan in his dealings with others. Contrary to one of the rumors being propagated by readers of this blog, he has no intention of asking former Exec John Brown to serve in his administration. He is more interested in governing than in politics and told me his only interest is county government. He has no intention of going anywhere else. 

On Business Matters, Giovanni stumbled when explaining why he's running for executive. But when I heard his story, I know why he's running, and it's for all the right reasons. 

He's a product of Bangor, as many of you know. Many of you know that he's a product of Pius X High School, Lincoln Tech and Northampton Community College, after which he launched a successful career in IT with 15 employees. Most of you probably don't know that, although he had no obligation to do so, he provided medical benefits for his staff. Only few of you know what made him as interested in human services as he actually is.

Tom's father served in the Korean War. When he returned, he "wasn't right. I don't know what he saw, but he wasn't there. He ended up in Allentown State Hospital." His Dad would later be sent to Norristown State Hospital.

This left his mother, on her own, to raise two boys with a house and a mortgage. She struggled.  She worked at three different blouse mills to keep the bills paid and food on the table, but it wasn't enough. One day, "I remember it like yesterday," the "town fathers (and bank) met with his mom in the living room to say they would take over the house and build a parking lot. The family would move from a home to a small apartment next to a news stand. "I was five years old, and my brother was two, and I vowed in my mind I will never let this happen to me." 

Tom grew up poor, had a father whose combat experience mentally crippled him, and knows first-hand what it's like to have nothing.

Given his life experience and his Italian heritage, I asked him why he's a Republican and not a Democrat. "I was a Democrat," he answered. He told me Sundays included trips to his uncle's house, where portraits of FDR and JFK adorned the walls. There were so many that he wondered whether they were relations. "No, no, no, they're Kennedy and FDR and the Democrats. So I grew up like that."

Tom eventually changed parties at the request of (now Judge) Craig Dally, who was then running for State Rep.  

(I remember tormenting Dally myself once over switching parties when he ran for State Rep., and he responded, "I didn't leave the Democratic party. It left me." 

I told Craig he'd lose the election. He won. 

That was the first in a long line of unsuccessful election predictions I've made over the years.)

Giovanni also told me that governing requires compromise. "Nobody wants to compromise," he said, noting Council's complete inability to appoint a person to take over Tara's job on County Council after her election.  

In conclusion, Giovanni brings a nonpartisan and non-adversarial approach to government that includes compromise and a team approach. He'd listen instead of pontificating. He has a deep understanding of the immense importance of human services, which the county is state-mandated to provide. This is regardless of whether it is technically a core county function. 

Tara is a more polished and experienced campaigner who can probably raise more money than Giovanni. She'll probably win. But a Democrat or Independent might want to consider voting for him.  Zrinski has been a very good controller and has matured from her experience as a member of county council. I would not be unhappy to see her elected. But she might be more driven by state and federal issues, as her record attests.  Giovanni is focused solely on county government.  

Monday, October 06, 2025

McClure and State Republicans Trade Blows Over Budget Impasse

In the face of a state budget impasse that has existed since July 1, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure has given the SEIU bargaining unit that represents caseworkers a required 30-day notice of furlough. Before this, McClure postponed an annual luncheon for the county's centenarians, some of whom may no longer be here if and when the county ever gets around to rescheduling it. A supposedly nonpartisan county news release called the delay a "direct result of the Republican-led State Senate’s ongoing refusal to pass a state budget. McClure is directly quoted as saying this: “Republicans in the State Senate have failed the people of Pennsylvania by refusing to pass a budget. ... For three months, their dysfunction has left counties like Northampton footing the bill, costing us millions of dollars just to keep essential services going. And now, their failure means we must cancel a celebration for residents who have given more than a century of service and spirit to their community. This is unacceptable. They must do their job, pass a budget, and stop punishing taxpayers and seniors alike. Once a budget is passed, we will move quickly to reschedule this important event.” State House Republicans Ann Flood, Zach Mako and Milou Mackenzie have responded to this news release with some harsh words of their own, and McClure has fired back at them. 

Flood, Mako and Mackenzie to McClure:

Our offices have been made aware of your administration's efforts to blame Pennsylvania's budget impasse on Senate Republicans. Since you appear to have a misunderstanding of the facts surrounding the impasse, we, as elected officials in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, feel compelled to set the record straight. 

The first and most egregious misleading allegation you continue to make is that we are facing a budget impasse due to Senate Republicans. This claim is a shameful and deliberate obfuscation of the facts for cheap political points. 

Senate Republicans passed a stopgap budget on Aug. 12,2025. The stopgap was intended to release some funding while negotiations on spending increases continued. Less than 24 hours after its passage, House Democrats called a House Appropriations Committee meeting to vote it down. In fact, it was Senate Republicans, supported by House Republicans, who advanced the plan. 

Our offices recently obtained a letter from Susan Wandalowski, director of the Department of Human Services, dated Sept. 19,2025, regarding the current budget impasse' The letter contained multiple inaccuracies and omitted the stopgap budget entirely. 

Further demonstrating a misunderstanding of the state budget process is the claim that the impasse is due to an "equitable funding formula." Pennsylvania's budget is not based on a single formula. It comprises hundreds of line items distributed to agencies, the public, school districts, counties, contractors, and nonprofits through various methods, including block grants, direct payments, and, in some cases, formulas. There is no "funding formula" blocking the budget. 

What is preventing a finalized budget is the unwillingness of House Democrats and the governor to compromise. The governor's proposal spends roughly $5.5 billion more than projected revenues. The problem is not Republican opposition; the math does not add up in the proposals advanced by the governor and House Democrats. While compromise is challenging when initial proposals are unrealistic, we still have a responsibility to try. 

Unfortunately, House Democrats and the governor have rejected reasonable Republican offers that could have resolved the impasse. 

It is also important to note that the Sept. 19 letter contains misleading equivalencies. The county is not in danger of losing 9l1 center funding. As you know, 911 services are funded through the 9l1fee and the funding is distributed to counties entirely separate from the General Fund budget.

We recognize that County Human Services programs are not receiving funding. Solving this requires the governor and House Democrats to face reality and act swiftly, not play political games. In the meantime, our Republican state treasurer, Stacy Garrity, is offering short-term loans to counties needing assistance with payments. We recommend exploring this program. 

When you announced the cancellation of the Centenarian Luncheon, you again blamed Senate Republicans while pledging not to raise taxes on Northampton residents. Passing the governor's budget, however, would deplete reserves and likely lead to tax increases. Just as you are unwilling to raise taxes at the county level, raising taxes at the state level is equally untenable. 

We urge you to stop playing politics with people's lives. Canceling events and sending letters intended to alarm constituents is not good government. We have already seen the deadly consequences of political rhetoric taken too far this month. 

Finally, we encourage you to urge House Democratic leadership and Speaker Joanna McClinton to convene the House promptly to, at a minimum, pass a stopgap budget.

McClure fires back: (His letter to state reps is unfortunately in a format that I am unable to load in a more readable format):



On Thursday, when announcing his budget he called Senate Republicans "deadbeats." In my view, this divisive rhetoric does nothing but guarantee that the impasse will continue. 

Friday, October 03, 2025

From Gracedale's Chapel, McClure Proposes His Final Budget as NorCo Exec With No Tax Hike

Standing behind a podium next to the organ and piano at Gracedale's pristine chapel, where a preacher would ordinarily be delivering a homily, Executive Lamont McClure may have answered the prayers of many county taxpayers yesterday. No tax increase has been proposed in his eighth and final budget as Northampton County Executive.  Before a throng that included his entire cabinet, county council members, the press and curious Gracedale workers, McClure delivered a financial sermon. Fiscal Director Steve Barron acted as altar boy, genuflecting now and then. This crowd also included McClure's successor next year, which will be either Controller Tara Zrinski or Council member Tom Giovanni. 

You can see the budget here

It's a $503.6 million spending backage, about7.3% less than in 2025. As required by the Home Rule Charter, it is a balanced budget. Total spending may not exceed revenue. 

It maintains the same tax rate as this year. If you're a county taxpayer, this means that the current 10.8 mill tax rate will remain the same. A home assessed at $75,000 will receive a tax bill for $810. 

Open Space. - McClure will continue the county's investment in open space and farmland preservation. His administration has spent $23 million on open space during his time in office, and the county has preserved 20,000 acres of actual working farmland. 

Gracedale. - While county government has no obligation to support a nursing home, and few counties are left that do, McClure has always argued - both as Council member and later as Executive - that it is a moral obligation. He stated that Gracedale will "again" operate in 2026 with no contribution from the county's general fund, but Gracedale did require a $9.9 million contribution in 2024 and another $15 million from the county in 2023. The 2023 payment was from federal funding to replace revenue lost during COVID. McClure said that Gracedale has implement an aggressive plan to reduce the county's reliance on the use of agency nursing care. That practice is unsustainable long-term. The proposed budget still includes $20-25 million for agency nursing, but McClure stated that spending for agency nursing care could be down by $1-1.5 million by the end of this year. He predicts spending on agency nursing will drop $3.5 million in 2026.

Infrastructure. - In addition to an emphasis on open space and Gracedale, McClure's spending plan will use bond proceeds to address a badly needed parking deck at the courthouse campus as well as upgrades to 911 service. 

Council Action. - McClure proposes, but County Council disposes. Council will conduct several lengthy budget hearings between now and mid-December before taking action. Under the Home Rule Charter, it can vote to reject the budget. But if it does, McClure's spending plan automatically goes into effect. Council does have the power to amend, but it must leave intact any payments scheduled for debt service and as no authority to modify the Executive's revenue estimates. If it wants to fund something, it has to find the money by making cuts elsewhere. It must take action by December 16. 

That won't be easy. McClure will use $5 million from the general fund to balance the budget, leaving the county with just $1 million in unrestricted funds to start the year. This has been a sticking point with some members of County Council, who are more comfortable with larger fund balances. McClure has long eschewed the $50-60 million fund balances favored by previous executives, claiming that his approach is that of "lean efficient governments that are taxpayer friendly like ours."

The stabilization fund, commonly referred to as the rainy-day fund, will be $8.6 million, slightly above the minimum required by County Council. This has also been a sore spot with some Council members.

Furloughs. - McClure was asked how the county will respond with more furloughs if federal and state funding dries up because of budget stalemates. 

McClure stated that a furlough notice was sent to SEIU because that is required under the county's collective bargaining agreement, but there are no immediate plans to furlough anyone. He added that "it's not the county's responsibility to fund human services. Human services is funded 80-100% by the state government." He said that if the county funded human services on its own, it would cost $30 million.

He stressed that, no matter what happens, the county has plans in place to make sure that the most vulnerable children and seniors are still seen. He then took a shot at SEIU, the union that represents human services caseworkers. He noted that the county had offered 13% in wage hikes, but SEIU threatened to strike. He said the most vulnerable will still be seen even though state senate Republicans are "deadbeats." He repeated this epithet several times, saying "the deadbeats need to pass the budget."

McClure said that the county has asked the state treasurer for as $10 million loan but wants it interest-free "because it's our money."

McClure has called furloughs an "option of last resort," but is also unwilling to invade the rainy-day fund or take out a loan with interest. So isn't the option of last resort actually the option of first resort?

He explained that the county has paused payments to human services providers, and this there is no need to consider furloughs until the end of the year, "which is why I said it is an option of last resort." 

Deadbeat Republicans. - After calling state senate Republicans deadbeats on three separate occasions, McClure was asked whether he considers the Democrats on a federal level deadbeats as well because they have blocked a continuing resolution that would fund the federal government. He said that, if he were in Congress, he would want something in exchange for his vote, like extending the credit of the Affordable Care Act. 

McClure was asked, "When you use terms like deadbeats, aren't you just continuing the divisive rhetoric that has caused problems that we have on a national and state level?" His response? "If you're going to melt because I called you a deadbeat, you're a snowflake."

Thursday, October 02, 2025

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. 

Wednesday, October 01, 2025

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). 

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

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. 

Monday, September 29, 2025

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."

Friday, September 26, 2025

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.  

Thursday, September 25, 2025

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."

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

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. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

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. 

Monday, September 22, 2025

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.

Friday, September 19, 2025

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.  

Thursday, September 18, 2025

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. 

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

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.