Exec Lamont McClure Delivers Last Report to NorCo Council

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure is stepping down at the end of the year. At last night's meeting of County Council, he delivered a final report that details the county's financial position and employee compensation. 

So what I wanted to do with my final report was frame for you where this administration ends financially, and we just did the budget, so we're not gonna relitigate that. We litigated it, and it concluded.

But I sort of, I do think I need to talk a little bit about what the financial picture, the county, is because there was a lot of talk about that vis a vis, the state's inability to timely pass the budget. So, we anticipate, and these aren't my estimates, these are Brandon Dunstain's [Budget Administrator] estimates.

When the books close in February, we will have 37 to $40 million in cash. So that was a concern that we would be out of cash. The new administration will be able to make payroll and tell the taxes roll in for the new year.

I wanted to also let counsel know and create the record that, as we walk out of here, Northampton County government will have $1.2 billion of borrowing capacity. Let me repeat that, Northampton County will be left by this administration and this council $1.2 billion of borrowing capacity. This comes despite the fact that we built a forensic center, and we've borrowed money to ameliorate a 50-year-old crumbling garage. So the $1.2 billion is more than adequate for future executives and councils to do whatever they need to do in terms of the public works of Northampton County. So I thought that was important to let everybody know.

And while we're talking about borrowing capacity, our bond rating, as I walk out this door, is double A1. Which is the second best bond rating you can have, and I believe, the finest bond rating of any municipality in the Lehigh Valley. So, not only will you be able to borrow $1.2 billion, if you have to, you can borrow it for less money because your bond rating is so solid.

We have also talked about pension, and OPEB  [other post employment benefits]. So today, the pension fund sits at $566,642,484. Almost $600 million. There are people, not yet born, who will work for this county, that could be covered by this almost 600 million dollars. So it's very important for us to understand where we are today, and that is at almost 600 million. The OPEP Fund sits at $59,249,712. The total under management - I added it up - $625,892,196. That's what I am leaving as I walk out. The door.

One other thing that I want to talk about is the county's long-term indebtedness. 20 years ago, our long-term indebtedness was $128,743,766. By the time I took office in 2018, our long-term indebtedness was $110,881,061. We got it down, despite having borrowed, to build the state-of-the-art forensics center by 2024, we got it down to $69,861,859. It's gone up a little bit to $84,381,512, because we borrowed the money to fix the crumbling 50-year-old parking garage, but still below, when I took office and substantially below, where it was 20 years ago.

Now, this financial picture is sometimes connected to a fallacious argument, that fallacy, that this was done on the backs of our employees. And that is not, in fact, the case.

What do we know about employee compensation? One of the things we know about employee compensation is that the ever-increasing cost of healthcare diminishes whatever employees get in their raises, correct? 

So for the last, and I'll provide, I'll provide your staff with this information so that you can all have it in front of you to digest and pass on to the new members of council, but for the last 8 years, our employees' healthcare costs to them have not risen. For eight years, our employees' healthcare costs, to them, have not risen. I don't know of another employer where that happened. If you find one, let me know. It is a unicorn.

Additionally, there's this notion that our employees  - who are valuable to us - haven't received their fair compensation over these last eight years, and I'm including the eighth budget that just passed. And I want to just go over with you, as I promised, what the compounded totals of their raises have been over the last eight years. And we broke it down through each of the bargaining units.

So, to start with the nonunion career service, their compensation has risen 27.87% during my time as county executive, and during this council in the previous council's time governing.

The corrections officers, they have risen 27.78% plus 75 cents an hour in that first contract they got when we arrived.

AFSCME Gracedale, they have risen 27.27%. AFSCME residual unit, 26.61%. Their salaries have increased. And don't feel bad for AFSCME residual, because although it's 2% in 26, in 27 and 28, they get four and a half and four and a half. So they'll be tacking another 9% onto that.

Deputy sheriffs, they are 30.9%. Their compensation is raising over the last eight years.

The Detectives Association, Detectives, have gone up 36.2% over the last eight years.

The Human Services Workers, the folks at DHS, nice folks who come here, their compensation has risen 34.93%. And the steel workers, uh, at Gracedale, it's 33.53%.

So it is just not true that, you know, our excellent financial position is based on not having paid folks, especially in light of the fact that healthcare is not risen in the last eight years. 

That concludes my report.

Thank you.

Sultana Excoriated, Extolled in Final Meeting on Easton City Council

Easton City Council had a busy agenda at last night's meeting, which likely is its last of the year. It adopted a pro-immigrant resolution after numerous drafts and discussions. Most importantly, it adopted a budget for next year that keeps property taxes at the same millage rate. The meeting room was packed, not for those things, but because it was Taiba Sultana's last meeting as the south side's representative. A few of them had some things to say. Jeremy Joseph, band leader of the 50-strong Big Easy Easton Brass Band, excoriated Sultana. He was joined by Patty Hitzel, a south side activist. Sultana was extolled, too. Mark Rosenzweig praised her. And she also spent a good five minutes patting herself on the back as the meeting ended. 

Here's what Joseph had to say:

My name is Jeremy Joseph. Before I begin, I want to share where I come from. My family has been part of Easton for more than a century. My grandmother, Emily Boulos Joseph, was descended from the earliest Lebanese settlers who arrived here in Easton in the early 1900s. Her husband, my grandfather, Jacob, Abraham Joseph, opened Jacob's Fruit and Produce in 1935. My story, my family story is Easton's story. Immigrants, who worked hard, built businesses, raised families, and believed truth and integrity were the only things should pass from one generation to the next. So when I stand here tonight, I don't just speak for myself.

I speak for the people who built this community, entrusted that Easton's leaders would deal honestly with its citizens. And that is why what happened at the Christmas parade matters. At the parade, a freezing event I pour my heart into every year, I was publicly accused in the press and online of threatening and harassing councilwoman Sultana. A police report was filed, and everyone who was there knows the truth. And so do the police, the press, and the public at this point. 

Within a single day, East the Police Department confirmed the reality. No threat, no harassment, no crime, no charges. Their words not mine. Describe it as a disagreement over political stances.

So, yes, I became the latest person in this city to be publicly misrepresented by a council member on her way out the door, and I'll be honest, it stung. It was unfair.

So, yes, this is when I realized something. I'm not special. I'm not unique. I am one of many. Because over the last four years, a long list of people have been accused, targeted, and dragged into unnecessary conflict. The mayor, her fellow members of city council, the East, the Police Department, Representative Bob Freeman, city staff, and countless residents. And now even a community band leader.

So when it happened to me, I wasn't joining a scandal. I was joining the club. A club nobody has to be in. It was created because basic disagreement kept being turned into danger. Criticism, in the conspiracy, in public service, in the public conflict.

But here's the good news. This is the final month of that era. Your term ends in January, and when that gavel drops, Easton closes this chapter for good. 

So let's be clear. We can't change the last four years, but we can certainly control the next four. And I think I'm done. We're done with conflict, division, drama, because this moment, right now, is the moment Easton gets to exhale. 

For four years, this city has been pulled into arguments that had nothing to do with progress. For four years, we reacted to drama instead of building momentum. But tonight, we stop looking backward. A new chapter begins and we write it together. We have three new council members, Frank, Julie, and Susan, and they deserve a clean state slate. They deserve a council that works together. Not one constantly defending itself. 

They deserve a chamber focused on solutions, not social media. And we, the community, deserve the same.

Easton is a special place.People here still show up for one another. And let's say this help out. Easton has never been defined by a one term council person. It has always been defined by the people that show up without ego or headlines. Our teachers, police officers, small business owners, volunteers, organizers, neighbors, artists, and musicians. That is Easton, that's the Easton Worth building. And no matter what anybody says or posts, come January, we will still be here.

So here's what I plan to do to move us forward.By turning frustration into action and doing what I've always done, build something for Easton. I am starting a drum line for kids in the West Ward, no title, no salary, no politics, just service. If you're a drummer and you want to join my mission, I have the drum sets for kids. Bring your own drum and help teach. Our open house is March 15th, 5 to 7 at the East Area Community Center. And every kid who attends gets a free pair of drumsticks.

I promise...

Councilwoman Sultana, at the West Ward Christmas Lightning last week, gave kids bar darts. Bar darts, weapons. I'm gonna' give the kids drumsticks. 

So, I invite everyone in this city to do the same in your own way. Lead without holding office. Serve without seeking credit. Build without needing permission. If you love this city, the city will love you back. Let's all go build the city we deserve.

Thank you.

During his speech, Sultana interrupted Joseph several times. She did the same to Patty Hitzel when she complained about being blocked on both Sultana's personal and official page. 

Mark Rosenzweig defended Sultana. "To attack like this, in a planned way, at this open meeting, a person who's been a public servant, serving the community of the Eastern, as best she can, and adhering to her values, and her ideals in this matter, is nothing but appalling, uh, misogyny. Oh, racism."

If you think Sultana's life in politics is over, think again. She's told several people that she plans to run for State Senator Lisa Boscola's seat when her term expires next year. 

Incoming NorCo Council Member Nadeem Qayyum Has Had Eight Incidents With Easton Police Over Past Two Years

Yesterday, I told you that voters had little to go on when they voted in November's municipal races. As a result, they voted for the party instead of the person. This is basically what happens when newspapers die. I myself am remiss as well. I should have provided you with much more information about the candidates and the races than I did. I do, however, try to cover the people and issues involved in Northampton County government. One of these people is incoming Council member Nadeem Qayyum, whose actual name is Muhammad Nadeem Qayyum. Over the past four years, Easton police have been involved in eight separate incidents concerning him. Easton police have provided four of these eight incident reports. The remaining four have been withheld because they relate to possible criminal matters. I have posted the four incident reports that were released below. I also have some information about one of the withheld incidents.

The name "Muhammad," incidentally, means praiseworthy or commendable. But I question whether this is true when it comes to Muhammad Nadeem Qayyum. 

On 4/17/24, Easton police responded to a complaint from Qayyum and his wife Taiba Sultana. She was at that time running for the state house. They were upset about political signage calling Sultana "crazy, chaotic, criminal." Officer Shaun Wagner told them "it was freedom of speech, there was nothing illegal about it. Muhammed stated that once I speak to the District Attorney, I will think differently."

Officer Wagner declined to call the DA. 

On 8/16/23, Officer Diego Santiago received a walk-in complaint from Nadeem Qayyum concerning his son. Qayyum told Officer Santiago that video games made his son aggressive, so he took them away and cut off Internet. He claimed his son would "set him up" by making "false accusations about him." He also told Officer Santiago that "he did not wish this report to be of public knowledge especially the news media."

On 8/17/23, Easton police responded to a complaint from Qayyum about his two sons, age 19 and 16, who were "fighting" over a criminal case filed against Taiba Sultana. The younger son and Qayyum were allegedly pressuring the older son against pursuing a well-documented criminal case against Taiba Sultana. Qayyum denied he was pressuring the older son. All three denied the fight had become physical. Officer David Costa advised all three that they could file harassment charges against each other and all three agreed to remain separated for the remainder of the evening. 

On 9/22/23, Officer Diego Santiago responded to a complaint about two boys who were fighting at school and continued that fight after getting off the bus. The mother of one of the boys did not intervene because she thinks 11 year-old boys do fight from time to time. One of the boys was Taiba Sultana's son. Although she missed the fight, she apparently crossed the street and began cursing at her neighbor. Sultana told police her neighbor put up some sort of barrier so the boys could fight without intervention. The neighbor denied this. The boys admitted to fighting and neither was injured. They were instructed to make every effort to keep the boys from fighting. No charges were filed. 

On 4/17/24, Easton police responded to a complaint from Qayyum and his wife Taiba Sultana. She was at that time running for the state house. They were upset about political signage calling Sultana "crazy, chaotic, criminal." Officer Shaun Wagner told them "it was freedom of speech, there was nothing illegal about it. Muhammed stated that once I speak to the District Attorney, I will think differently."

Officer Wagner declined to call the DA. 

One of the incident reports, 25-23528, has been withheld. I believe it refers to an incident that took place on Sunday morning. Qayyum hold himself out as a Pakistani lawyer who teaches. This may be true, but he's also a driver for outfits like Uber and Grubhub. On Sunday, he went to Billy's Downtown Diner for a pick-up order but was told by a young man that they were running late. Irate, he began to complain, and some point said something about "lazy white people." This brought the manager out, and he began to argue with her and at one point, spit in her face. Qayyum denied that anything happened. 

Incident Reports From Easton Police Concerning Nadeem Qayyum by BernieOHare

Brace Yourself for NorCo's New County Council

In less than a month, Northampton County Council will be seeing some new faces. County issues played next to no role in the election of five Democrats and rejection of five Republicans. The message sent by voters is that they reject Donald Trump, who just last night visited Mount Pocono to pretend that our economic woes are caused by “filthy, dirty, disgusting” immigrants. This reminds me very much of exactly how Hitler demonized Jews in 1938. He is also telling Ukrainian Presodent Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "get on the ball" and allow a Russian agressor to just take huge swaths of a sovereign nation, including territory still held by Ukraine. This reminds me of Neville Chamberlain's 1938 Munich betrayal of Checkoslovakia, under which the Great Appeaser allowed Hitler to take over that sovereign nation's Sudetanland. I'd agree it's unfair to hold local Republicans responsible for the damage being done by Trump. But our local press is dying and no longer has the ability to update you on local issues the way it once did. This is weakening our democracy and the result is elections that can result in representatives who in no way speak for them. As a result, Lehigh County has one Commissioner who refuses to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance and another who is facing charges of delivering a large amount of marijuana. Northampton County has an incoming Council member from Pakistan named Nadeem Qayyum. He's actually Muhammed Nadeem Qayyum but is apparently afraid to use his real first name out of a concern that it might incite Islamaphobes. He is unable to speak English and thinks Thanksgiving, established as a holiday by President Abraham Lincoln, is "myth and historic settler colonialism." He also is well known to Easton police. I'll give you more detail tomorrow.

Judge Throws Monkey Wrench in Bethlehem Landfill Expansion Plans

According to both the "Citizens for Responsible Development" (CRD) and their attorney, Gary Asteak, NorCo Judge Abe Kassis issued a ruling yesterday that, if it stands, will make a desired expansion of Bethlehem Landfill highly unlikely. According to both Asteak and CRD, Judge Kassis reinstated two conservation easements and a woodland easement that were adopted by the City of Bethlehem in 1994, when it owned the Bethlehem landfill. 

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."  

Judge Kassis concluded that Lower Saucon Tp, under a previous Council, violated the Donated or Dedicated Property Act when it rescinded these easements without first seeking approval from the Orphans Court. If this ruling stands, Bethlehem Landfill will be unable to expand into any areas protected by these easements. 

CRT applauded the ruling as "a crucial affirmation of the public’s rights and the legal protections created decades ago to preserve the character, ecology, and scenic integrity of this landscape.”

Bethlehem Landfill provides waste disposal services for five area counties, including Northampton and Lehigh. It has a 201-acre permit and was approved by DEP for a 40-acre expansion. It was cited last January for failing to control odors. 

There's Trouble in Wilson Boro's Dixieland

As many of you are aware, Northampton County Council voted recently to reject an ordinance that would have enabled a developer to finance the construction of his property with your money. In a narrow 5-4 vote, County Council denied a 20-year real estate tax break amounting to as much as $29 million to an out-of-town developer with no experience wnd who has already received handouts from the state. What's more, the developer wanted your money to provide housing for the wealthy - luxury apartments at the old Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough. But this is by no means over. Two of the Council members who voted No to this tax break - John Goffredo and John Brown - were defeated in November's election. A third No vote came from Council member Ron Heckman, who has opted to retire at the end of this year. The only Council members who voted against this tax break and who will remain on Council next year are Lori Vargo Heffner and Tom Giovanni. Next year's County Council might resurrect tis tax break even though it is highly likely that moeny is going to be tight.

The tax break in question is known as a TIF (tax increment financing). How does it work?

All properties, even the blighted Dixie Plant is assessed as having a certain value, and taxes are based on that assessment.

A developer who does not hold his hand out to the government for every penny he can grab, will see the assessment of the property increase as he develops and puts up apartments. The borough, school district and county will see increased tax revenue immediately, and that will continue for so long as apartments or other improvements are made.

A developer with a TIF is able to float a bond (tax-free, of course) based on the increased assessment anticipated. At the DIXIE, it's $29 million. When apartments are put up, the increased assessment is collected by all three taxing authorities, but it is not kept by them. They must fork the money over the county industrial development authority. This agency will administer the bond, no doubt for a tidy commission. This authority will use this money to pay down the debt on the bond, and for 20 years.

Basically, the government is financing and paying the debt service on a $29 million construction loan. I don't fault Skyline for taking advantage. I do fault the government for using your tax dollars.

One of the many things that troubles me about this tax break is that, once the $29 million bond is sold, Developer Bill Bartee (Skyline Investment) has put himself down for a $4 million "developer's fee." Consultant Claudia Robinson, who specializes in getting tax credits and public subsidies, is slated to pull down even more, $4.25 million. And Bartee's "exclusive" architect, CHASM, will collect a $6.75 million fee.  So, $15 million of the $29 million in increased assessment will be lining the pockets of a developer, a consultant who specializes in public cash grabs and an inflated architectural fee. The Borough, County and School District will just have to wait 20 years. 

Once the developer and his associates are paid, they have every incentive to walk away. 

Without question, Dixie is blighted. But that's mainly because the borough allowed it to get that way over a period of 40 years. During that time, only tepid efforts were made to enforce obvious code violations. A local magisterial district judge who would decide enforcement actions was allowed to store his race cars inside the building, 

At a time when people are struggling to pay rent and when many county employees are actually on food strops, a tax break for luxury apartments is the height of arrogance. It is a reward to borough that failed to enforce code and to an owner who failed to maintain the property. 

That former owner is WilsonPark, who is fronted by Joe Reibman on behalf of a number of estates. On June 24, 2024, WilsonPark conveyed the defunct and dilapidated Dixie Cup factory to Brain Bartee, front man for Skyline Investment Group Easton, for $11 million. But Reibman has received no money. He's instead holding an $11 million mortgage, and that becomes due only when the TIF Bond is floated or after 33 months, whichever comes later.  What's more, his mortgage has been subordinated to a $4 million mortgage used by Bartee to acquire the vacant LA Fitness building. On his webpage, Bartee boasts that he will convert the former LA Fitness into "130 hotel suites with 250 multifamily residences are planned that will feature 1920s-inspired art elegantly paired with modern amenities and exceptional service. Along with the introduction of approximately 163 permanent jobs, The Wilson will feature EV charging stations, a high staff-to-room ratio, and a suite of premium services. Guests will enjoy the personalized attention of a dedicated butler, doorman, concierge, chauffeur, and valet parking, all provided by a team of highly trained professionals committed to the highest standards of hospitality."

That should solve the affordability crisis. 

In the meantime, the real estate broker who arranged the deal between Bartee and Reibman has been stiffed. According to a complaint (see below) filed in Northampton County, the broker put several years into this project and is still owed $183,000. Reibman has ignored requests for payment. He'll be unable to ignore a complaint. 

Garibaldi Complaint For Broker Commission by BernieOHare

Sultana Hands Out Bar Room Darts at Christmas Tree Lighting

As hard as this might be to believe, Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana managed again this past weekend to demonstrate that the "CRAZY, CHAOTIC CRIMINAL" campaign signs that appeared briefly during her race for the state house were entirely warranted. I say this because of her antics on Saturday weekend during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 12th and Northampton in Easton

You may not have seen those "CRAZY, CHAOTIC CRIMINAL" campaign signs because Sultana's children defaced many of them and were in fact nabbed in the act of doing so by a state trooper. She filed a defamation action over those signs, but her case was tossed by President Judge Craig Dally.

Before I tell you about Saturday night, let's review her recent history. She is the Council member who was charged in 2023 with assaulting her own adult son. After being placed on ARD, Sultana claimed that the charges filed against her by Easton police were racially and politically motivated. Easton police responded by releasing the body cam footage on the day of her arrest. to demonstrate that officers acted professionally in response to a 911 call for help. She has been a divisive presence, claiming among other things that she is the only person on Easton City Council who cares about the brown and black community. This should be news to Kenny Brown, who is both black and brown. In a failed bid for the state house, she submitted a false nomination petition that included the forged signature of State Senator Lisa Boscola. (Her photographer husband, Nadeem Qayuum, both circulated and attested to the forged signature. Believe it or not, he is a NorCo Council member elect). Over 250 Eastonians in her district called on her to resign, claiming that "[s]he has brought more division in the City and has continuously been combative with her constituents. ... She seems more interested in making headlines addressing national and international business as a priority."

Just two weekends ago, at a Christmas parade in downtown Easton, she attempted unsuccessfully to have Big Easy Easton Band leader Jeremy Joseph charged with harassment for telling her what he thought of her tenure with the city. Easton police filed no charges because there were no threats or harassment. 

I thought that we all could take a Sultana siesta for the rest of the year. I was wrong. She struck again on Saturday night. That's when Easton West Ward's Community Initiative conducted its second annual tree-lighting ceremony at Paxinsosa Elementary, 12th & Northampton. Santa was there. Food vendors were there.  There were arts and crafts for the kids. No long speeches. Sultana decided to come and bring her own version of Christmas cheer. In utter disregard for people who drive on busy Northampton Street, she double-parked her van on what is probably Easton's busiest road and left it there for two hours until police came and started to run the plate. She took over a table that was intended for people to be able to sit down and eat. But she had free toys. "I loved giving out free toys to the kids as Christmas gifts; their smiles made my night," she recounted on her Facebook page. But event organizers soon began receiving complaints from parents about those "free toys." She was handing out bar room darts. No, Not terf darts. They were honest-to-goodness bar darts. No targets. Just bar darts.  

"You'll shoot your eye out!", parents were telling their kids.  

NorCo Council Adopts 2026 Budget With No Tax Hike

In his final days as a member of NorCo Council, Ron Heckman tried something he had never done before. He proposed a one-mill tax hike. Despite whatever he had been led to believe, his motion died for lack of a second. An amended budget that with a few exceptions is identical to Executive Lamont McClure's proposed spending plan, was adopted by a vote of 7 to 2. The amended budget was supported by Lori Vargo Heffner, Kelly Keegan, Jeff Corpora, Jeff Warren, Tom Giovanni, John Brown and Ron Heckman. Voting No were Ken Kraft and John Goffredo. 

The biggest amendment was for the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. It was budgeted to receive $625,000 in McClure's proposal but wanted an additional $461,000.  Council President Vargo Heffner suggested that the county provide $365,000. This is less than the planning agency wanted but would make NorCo's contribution the same as Lehigh County's contribution. This amendment passed by a vote of 6 to 3, with Kelly Keegan, Ken Kraft and Jeff Warren being the dissenters. 

The discussion that preceded this vote was pretty much along the same lines as during the budget amendment hearing last week. Ken Kraft was strongly opposed, claiming that LVPC already has a huge surplus. 

Outgoing Exec McClure was pleased at the adoption of the budget. "“From the beginning, I promised to end the over-taxation of the people of Northampton County,” he said in a news release. “Eight straight years without a tax increase, and a tax cut that returned $25 million to our residents, shows that we kept that promise.” He added that, since 1961, NorCo has never gone eight years without a tax hike. 

Taiba Sultana Appeals Dismissal of Defamation Action

Over the weekend, Easton City Council member was highly offended by Big Easy Easton Brass Band leader Jeremy Joseph. She wanted to lead his band in the annual Easton Christmas parade, and he told her what he thought of her. She got out in front of the band anyway, but not before going to police to claim she had been harassed. And she also made sure that Lehigh Valley News was made aware of what had happened. She also posted about it on her personal and Council member Facebook page, falsely claiming she had been "threatened." Easton police yawned, stating there were no threats or harassment. She certainly defamed Johnson and placed him in a false light. But he has no intention of suing, saying that her punishment is "that she has to be her."

She has demonstrated once again "that she has to be her." Last month, President Judge Craig Dally rejected a defamation/false light claim she brought against a policitcal action committee that circulated campaign signs in her race for the state house, calling her "CRAZY, CHAOTIC CRIMINAL" According to Judge Dally, "[S]he has not established with clear and convincing evidence that the identified statements are actually false or that they were made with reckless disregard for the truth." In other words, she could very well be what I would call a wackadoodle.

Well, if there was any doubt in your mind about this, it should be gone with this latest news. On Tuesday, she appealed Judge Dally's decison to the Superior Court. She did this on her own, with no legal representation. Good luck with that!

NorCo Council Could Adopt a Tax Hike Tonight

Tonight, Northampton County Council is poised to adopt its budget for 2026. Executive Lamont McClure as proposed a $503.6 million spending plan, slightly less than the year before. As required under the Home Rule Charter, it is a balanced budget. It would require no tax increase. The 10.8 mill tax rate would remain the same, meaning that a home assessed at $75,000 would receive a county tax bill for $810. After a series of budget hearings, County Council has considered some minor changes. Its biggest amendment, an increase in funding for the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, failed to garner five votes. That could happen tonight, but there is funding for it in available grant funds. So this should be an unusually short and sweet budget adoption meeting, right? Wrong. I am hearing rumors that a tax hike is in the works and that the 10.8 millage rate will be going up. There may even be five votes for it.

The reality is that county council is concerned that its rainy-day fund might be too low and that it might need more money to pay higher salaries. It might also need funds for a cash contribution to Gracedale. 

Two weeks ago, Council President Lori Vargo Heffner warned that a tax hike was on the horizon. It was not a question of "if," but "when." Given concerns about the budget that incoming Exec Tara Zrinski has raised, Council might be doing her a favor. I'm sure she'd hate to have to propose a tax hike in her first year as Exec, but an increase now might help her avoid one next year. And next year, the county should use AI for cost-savings measures to streamline operations and boost efficiency, especially at Gracedale. It should consider training caseworkers so they can work from home and still be productive, thus obviating the need for a new government building. Most importantly, a reassessment is beyond overdue. Though politically unpopular, this is the only way to achieve fairness in taxation. If and when a reassessment is completed, municipalities like Easton must adjust their millage rates in a way that is revenue neutral. 

ICE Masks: Is It Time to Outlaw Secret Police?

In Trump's dystopian Amerika, our police have become increasingly militarized, and our military have increasingly become police officers. What's more, we have masked ICE agents who prance around in unmarked tactical gear. It is more like 1930s Germany than 1950s America. They claim the masks are needed to prevent the safety and privacy of agents and their families. I rather think it is actually for the same reason that Nazi thugs liked to don swastika armbands - they think it makes them look cool. It is also harder to sue them for their illegal arrests and excessive use of force.

In Pennsylvania, the "No Secret Police: Unmask ICE" Act was introduced by State Senator Amanda Cappelletti back in July. She believes this practice erodes public trust in law enforcement and makes impersonations far more likely. She has eight co-sponsors, all of whom are Democrats. The bill generally requires law enforcement to wear clothing that identifies them as such, including their name, badge number and specific department. Masks are banned with certain exceptions for undercover work and public health. 

No Republican has agreed to sponsor the bill, so it will likely languish until next year, when I expect that the people are going to elect Democrats who will put leashes and muzzles on these out-of-control federal agents.

Neither LV Dem Senator (Nick Miller, Lisa Boscola) has co-sponsored the bill. They have their fingers in the air, waiting to see which way the wind blows. 

New Jersey is considering a similar bill, and California has actually passed a law that bans the masks

Zrinski Establishes a Transition Team

 Northampton County Executive-Elect Tara Zrinski yesterday announced the formation of a transition committee that she calls the "start of a new era for county government built on transparency, accountability, and inclusive community engagement."

“Elections mark the beginning of change, but real leadership is about thoughtfully and transparently shaping what comes next,” Zrinski said. “Residents expect innovative ideas backed by a careful transition and strong follow‑through on the promises they supported this fall.”

Members include a mix of experienced leaders like former Exec Glenn Reibman as well as participants who have never held a major role in county government. They include Brandon Faust, Nazareth School Board; Anita Erdős Forrester, Professor at Northampton Community College; Margie DeRenzis, retired Supervisor at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20; and Steve Goudsouzian, a well-respected attorney and Solicitor for the Controller’s Office.

She has identified seven targeted areas:

● Healthy Families & Human Services: Public health, social services, and family support.

● Housing for All: Affordable housing, homelessness, and development policy.

● Economic Development & Jobs: Small business support, workforce training, and job access.

● Infrastructure & Capital Projects: Roads, public works, and other capital projects.

● Public Safety & Justice: Policing, emergency services, and criminal justice reform.

● Opportunity for All: Racial, economic, gender, and disability inclusion practices.

● Environmental Planning and Sustainability: Land use, open space preservation, infrastructure, and county operations.

County government is very limited. It exists primarily to run elections, 911, build county bridges and provide the court services that handle the back end of crime as well as civil matters. It provides no policing. It builds no roads. There is no health department. It does provide for human services like child protective services, but this function is largely paid for by the state. It does maintain a nursing home but is one of only about six or seven counties that still have a nursing home.  

Having said that, I have no problem with exploring how a county government can help with many other issues that transcend municipal boundaries. 

I would suggest that Zrinski's biggest problem, and it's one she can fix, is a fractured relationship with both County Council and employees. Hopefully she would include county council members and current employees to help guide a smooth transition and make her aware of what the "boots on the ground" see. 

Taiba Sultana Got Brassy With Wrong Big Easy Easton Brass Band

Yesterday, I told you that soon-to-be former Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana displayed her complete ignorance of the First Amendment ... again. Less than a month ago, she lost a defamation suit over campaign signs calling her "CRAZY, CHAOTIC CRIMINAL."  She could have realized that, in a democratic government, citizens have a right of free speech, especially when it concerns elected officials. She instead attempted on Friday night to con Easton police into filing "harassment" charges against Big Easy Easton Brass Band leader Jeremy Joseph simply because he was critical of her tenure in office. According to Lehigh Valley News, Easton police have decided no charges will be filed because there were no threats or harassment. But this is not the end of it. 

Band leader Jeremy Joseph intends to pack Easton City Council on December 10 to celebrate an incoming Council that gets along and is united. 

Some of you have suggested he sue her. He has no intention of doing so. He said her punishment is "that she has to be her."

Sultana v. Big Easy Easton Brass Band

On Friday night, the Big Easy Easton Brass Band participated in the City's Christmas parade.  I've had the opportunity to view a few YouTube videos of this group, and they make me feel like I'm at a Mardi Gras in New Orleans. They wear outrageous outfits, even stilts and play with such positive energy that you can't help but smile. Unfortunately, the leader of this fun band - Jeremy Joseph - ran into some negative energy that night for refusing to be deferential to City Council member Taiba Sultana. Sultana not only complained to police that she was harassed by Joseph, but she also made sure to prepare and send a news release to Lehigh Valley News about the incident. She also posted about it on her Facebook page, saying this:

Last night while participating Easton’s Christmas Parade, I was harassed and threatened not because of anything I did wrong, but because some people cannot accept that a woman of color,and a fighter for working families has a seat in power.

And I will not accept this intimidation. Not now. Not ever.

The threats I received in person and the disgusting, violent messages sent to me online are not about me as an individual.

They are an attack on every person who believes in a more just, fair, and inclusive Easton.

This is what happens when you challenge old power structures.

This is what happens when you stand up for working people and seniors.

I have filed a police report. Thanks to the random public cameras for recording the evidence. I have documented every threat.

And I will keep showing up louder, stronger, and more determined than ever.

You cannot bully someone who is rooted in community. You cannot intimidate someone who serves with purpose.And you cannot weaken a movement built on justice.

Easton deserves leadership that does not bow to hate, fear, or harassment.

And that is exactly what I intend to deliver.

Bandleader Jeremy Joseph has a completely different take. Here's his response from his Facebook page.

ok Easton, here we go!

Taiba approached me before our parade, acting like we're friends. I let her know what I think of her political tactics - I told her she doesn't support the people she says she does, that we know what she is after years of watching her on city council - that we know what she is from her own children that told the police on camera that she was physically abusing them. She is a fraud. I am absolutely disgusted by her behavior and political positioning. I said all of this to her, then she proceeded to march in front of my band as we paraded down the street, acting like she's leading the parade - I'm the one who said she has "no shame" as she walked in front of the community band I work so hard to keep going.

Now, you are going to file a report that I was harassing you!!!!! You were getting honest feedback from the community Taiba! Deal with it!

You really have no shame! Councilwoman Taiba Sultana Taiba Sultana - you are not welcome at my parades. (She'll remove this tag)

Sultana insisted on marching in front of the band anyway, as though she was leading it, assisted by her photographer husband.

Joseph went to the police station This is what he learned. 

I just got back from the Easton police station. Taiba had no evidence, video or otherwise. She could not explain to the police what I said that was threatening or harassing. She said I created an “unsafe” environment - which the officer asked, “What was unsafe about it? There was a police officer right there and hundreds of people?” She couldn’t answer.

But yet, she goes to the press and accuses me of violent threats? She posts on her social media accusing me of being racist and sexist. She states I approached her, when there were plenty of witnesses that saw the opposite. She approached me.

Does she just get to get away with this?

Sultana apparently intends to run again for the State House or State Senate so she likes to present herself as a victim of racism, sexism who stands up to bullies. 

Except she's the bully. 

This incident has resulted in public reactions from some people I respect.

Easton City Council member Frank Pintabone: "I’m sorry to read this. You are such an asset to our city. You and the band did us proud again last night." 

Easton City Council member Crystal Rose: "Jeremy, I want to thank you for everything you do for this community. Your dedication to the band and to creating inclusive, positive events for our residents is something I’ve always admired and deeply appreciated. The time, energy, and heart you pour into Easton does not go unnoticed.

I’m genuinely disgusted and disappointed by the behavior you described and I’m sorry you were put in that position. No community volunteer, especially someone who has given as much as you have, should ever have to deal with that kind of conduct or political theatrics. Our residents and our events deserve better.

I’m grateful for your continued commitment to Easton. If there’s anything you need from me, I’m here."

NorCo Dem party Vice Chair Sandy O'Brien: "Try your best to shrug this off, as this type of unhinged behavior can really hurt the person it's directed toward. You are respected and applauded for all you do, and I'm certain that you have tremendous support as people read, and probably chuckle about, her latest quest for relevancy."

Gracedale One of Nursing Homes in 25-Mile Radius Rated at "Much Below Average"

NorCo County Council member Kelly Keegan dislikes all the negative attention that Gracedale receives. She has argued it just depresses the people who work there. Medicare disagrees. It maintains a public website that lists every nursing home and rates them based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. Gracedale's latest rating, as I told you last week, is just one star, meaning it is "much below average." 

How does this compare to other homes, including privately-owned facilities?  There are 45 nursing homes within a 25-mile radius of Gracedale. Aside from Gracedale, only two other homes have a one-star rating. They are Sapphire Care and Rehab Center (E Stroudsburg, Pa) and Little Brook Nursing and Convalescent Home (Chalfont, NJ). Of the three homes with this one-star rating, only Gracedale has been flagged for abuse.  "Nursing homes that have been cited for potential issues related to abuse have the following icon next to their name:  "

The abuse designation at Gracedale is no doubt the result of an agency nurse who, believing she was an exorcist, attempted to perform an exorcism on a resident back in June. But there have been a rash of six substantiated complaints against the home since March, including three instances in which residents just left and had to be brought back by police.

Recently, the home was flagged again for abuse, although this time it was an abusive resident who assaulted another resident who was wandering and entered the abusive resident's room. The abused resident was hospitalized with a broken coccyx and a head injury.  

Latest CMS Gracedale Rating - "Much Below Average"

The latest Medicare rating for Gracedale is out and it's pretty bad. It has dropped to just one star - "much below average." It is a precipitous drop from its 4-star rating - "above average" - in February. I have previously told you about a rash of substantiated complaints brought against the home, which no doubt play a role in the latest rating. 

Donald Trump Has Named His Successor

Sen. Mark Kelly (D. Ariz.) is a retired Astronaut and Navy Captain. During his vaunted career in the navy, he flew 39 combat missions during Desert Storm. He and five other members of Congress angered President Trump recently when they told US service members to refuse to follow illegal orders. On his own social media platform, Trump called them all "traitors" and accused them of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVOR, punishable by DEATH!" Trump lemming Pete Hegseth, ever eager to please the boss, wants Kelly recalled to active duty and court-martialed. 

I believe Trump has actually just named his successor. 

Kelly is exactly what this country needs, a centrist who is willing to and has worked with Republicans to get things done. He is certainly a notch above career politicians like Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Rahm Emanuel and Kamala Harris. 

NorCo Council Rejects Budget Amendment That Would Give LVPC Over $1 Million in 2026

Back in October, during a budget hearing for Northampton County Council, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) requested $965,500 for next year. That's a problem. Executive Lamont McClure has only set aside $625,000 for the bi-county venture. At last week's budget amendment meeting, Council members John Brown and Lori Vargo Heffner tried to give LVPC an additional $461,375 by taking the money from Grow NorCo future grants. They failed. Five votes are needed to move something forward for consideration on December 4, when the budget is adopted. Only four Council members supported the increase. Two Council members - John Goffredo and Ron Heckman - might have given a fifth or even a sixth vote, but they were absent

LVPC, which serves both Lehigh and NorCo, plans regional land use, transportation, recreation, economic development, storm water management, and environmental impact studies. It reviews about 300 subdivision plans a year, just in Northampton County. Most importantly, it provides technical assistance to smaller local governments that have no planners. But does this justify what is 50% increase in the county contribution next year? Lehigh County thinks so and has already voted to. give LVPC what it wants. 

NorCo is a different story. 

"Why do we want to give Lehigh Valley Planning Commission all this money?" demanded Council member Ken Kraft.  "You heard them when they were here. They have a huge budget surplus." 

Council member John Brown supported an increase and said it was part of the agreement we have with our sister county. But in the eyes of Kraft and many others going back to former Council President Wayne Grube, we are treated more like the ugly red-headed step-sister.

Kraft went on a tear.  "I didn't tell them to move into a new building. I didn't tell them to incur all this new debt that they did and I don't think our taxpayers should pay for that. And 90% of it was in salaries alone. ... I think they need to figure out how to pay their bills without handouts. I'm a strong No. .... I can't believe we're doing this." ... "It's ludicrous to give this kind of money to them when they said most of it is for salaries. Remember, they are the people who brought you the warehouses all over the county. They told every one of these little municipalities back in Walt Dealtry's days, if you remember, to change their zoning and planning to allow what happened. And then in the future, we're like 'Oh my God, there's warehouses and cars and everything everywhere.' Who gave us that? The LVPC. ... They have a lot of reserves. We should have their reserves."

"For us to be so far off from Lehigh County is concerning to me," responded Council President Lori Vargo Heffner. She also told Kraft that some of the municipalities in his district rely on LVPC for planning.

Council member Jeff Warren, donning his Solomon costume, is willing to cut the baby in half. He is willing to give LVPC some of what it wants, but not all. 

In the end, a motion to sweeten the LVPC handout by $461,375 failed in a 4-3 vote. Council members Vargo Heffner, Brown, Jeff Corpora and Tom Giovanni voted Yes. Kraft, Warren and Kelly Keegan voted No. 

Expect to see another effort to provide this money to LVPC when the full Council meets on December 4. 

Jeff Warren's Proposal for Public Database of Blighted Properties Panned by NorCo Council

By a 6-2 vote, Northampton County Council voted last week to reject a proposal (you can read it here) by Council member Jeff Warren to establish a public database for blighted properties inside the county. He only had support from Council member Kelly Keegan. 

Warren, who is running for State Rep and would probably like to be Council President next year, claimed that blighted properties and absentee landlords are becoming more prevalent, and thinks a county-wide public database, administered by the county, would apparently shame owners into remediating code violations. "We have a ton of properties that are being neglected," said Warren, who added that this is "an aging community."

It certainly is, and I'll be the first to admit I am very blighted. I am listed as such on several public databases.

After reading the resolution in its entirety, which took about five minutes and with the usual rhetorical emphasis at certain points, Warren gave an equally lengthy sermon in response to a question from Council member Ron Heckman, who simply wanted to know how much it would cost. After about five minutes of pontificating, Warren eventually admitted he did not know.

Heckman, who incidentally has great hair but is otherwise also blighted, had his own soliloquy. He pointed out that the county exists for very limited purpose (courts, county bridges, election and administration of human services) and is barely able to do that. "We have an infinite need and finite resources," he said. "I don't want us to get into zoning and code enforcement or anything like that." He derided Warren's proposal as "more empire building than anything else." He said Warren's idea is "far afield" from what "county government is all about." 

Council member Ken Kraft, who once served on Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board, agreed with Heckman. "This is overreaching," he said. "This is not in our purview. ... We don't set zoning codes. We don't set those laws. They've nothing to do with us." He added that when Wilson Borough's Dixie factory "went to Hell" for 40 years, the municipality did nothing to correct it.

Kraft is also blighted. 

Of course, Warren had to respond again. He admitted that the state is considering a statewide database, which has passed the House. This begs the question why the county would need to do it as well.   

By the way, what the hell is blight anyway? Some might think pink flamingos look great while others think they are tacky. Some people like the natural look in their yards while others insist on mowing every 30 seconds. Council member John Brown noted that definition is far from uniform. 

I am concerned that this could be weaponized to shame elderly and low-income property owners who simply lack the resources to maintain properties to the highest standard. As for absentee landlords, do you really think they will care if their blighted property is listed on a public website?  That's why they are absentees. 

So yes, like Kraft and Heckman, I agree this is way beyond why county government exists. But unlike them, I think this is a terribly stupid idea. 

73 Court-Appointed Employees to Get $450,410 Raise

At last week's meeting of Northampton County Council, a pay raise totaling $450,410 was approved for 73 court-appointed employees. Thy include domestic relations conference officers, probation officers, pretrial services officers, law clerks, supervisors and even the court's accountant. The salaries were approved mostly by a 7-1 vote, with Ken Kraft dissenting and John Goffredo being absent. (You can see the numerous positions involved here.)

Earlier that week, President Judge Craig Dally told Council that the majority of these employees were at one time part of a union, but disbanded in 2019. When that happened, these employees should have been moved from union to career service PayScales, but they were never moved over as they should have been. 

Were these employees being punished for decertifying from a union? What I can say is that when they disbanded, the county initially refused to give them a retroactive 2% payraise that was slotted for career service workers that year. Two of Council's former members, both of whom just happened to be union agents, wanted to stiff these workers. And initially, they succeeded. "They made the choice to leave the union and that was their choice," said Kevin Lott at the time. He was among four Council members (including then Council member Tara Zrinski and now Council President Lori Vargo Heffner) who voted to deny these workers a pittance that would cost the county a grand total of $69,000 for 64 court-appointed professionals. 

Though this raise was eventually passed, these former union members were never moved over to the higher career service PayScales. 

"I wasn't aware of this," said Judge Dally. "Had I known, I would have come here sooner." 

Judge Dally was under the impression that these raises were going to be part of the 2026 budget, but was that never happened, either. 

This could be a misunderstanding. It could also be an administration intent on punishing employees for having left the union.  

Interestingly, the one Council member who balked at this migration was Ken Kraft, himself a former union agent. He was more than willing to let these employees stew in the wages of an expired union contract that was at least 6 years old. 

These raises are effective now, not next year. Judge Dally told Council he had the money in his budget to cover it. 

Proposal to Double NorCo's Rainy Day Fund Fails By a 4-4 Vote

At last night's meeting, Northampton County Council nixed a proposal to double its rainy-day fund from 5% to 10% of general fund expenditures. The measure, which required five votes to become county law, was supported by Council members John Brown, Jeff Corpora, Tom Giovanni and Lori Vargop Heffner. It was opposed by Council members Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan, Jeff Warren and Ron Heckman. Council member John Goffredo, who could have tipped the balance one way or the other, was absent.

Before the vote, incoming Executive Tara Zrinski told Council that she already has serious reservations about the budget proposed for next year. (I outlined them here). She also opposes doubling the rainy-day fund. "Let's call this what it is," she said. "It is an unfunded mandate that fails to meet our statutory and moral obligations while burdening future administrations and misleading the public on fiscal stabilization." She called the 10% figure an "arbitrary hurdle that is out of step with the intent of GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) That intent, she asserted, is "clarity and transparency, not artificial inflation of reserves for optics over substance." 

She is particularly irked that Council would even consider this ordinance in the face of a proposed budget that already "slashes essential services" like two prison rehabilitation programs. She noted that a 10% rainy-day fund would require her administration to pony up approximately an additional $8 million. She added her displeasure at the failure to fund the pension fund for retirees. "This is not good government. It is an act of willful neglect."

Council member Ron Heckman said he agreed with many of the points made by Zrinski as well as Council member Ken Kraft's warning the previous day that doubling the rainy-day fund would make a tax hike necessary. He agreed that "10% is a bit of a reach," and proposed increasing it to a more manageable 7%. His suggestion failed. Only Council members Vargo Heffner, Giovanni and Corpora agreed with him. The remaining members present (Kraft, Keegan, Corpora and Brown) voted No. 

John Brown argued that the rainy-day fund needs to be doubled as a matter of fiscal responsibility. "I believe we'd be having a very different conversation today if the state budget had not passed," he observed. Just two weeks before, he noted that 170 county employees were in danger of being furloughed. He did agree that NorCo finances are in dire straits, and predicted that in mid-January, the county will have to take $10-15 million from the general fund for Gracedale to cover a deficit. 

Heckman, like Kraft the day before, said there would need to be a tax hike to find the money. Keegan pointedly asked Brown if he'd support a tax hike to double the rainy-day fund. He said No, but provided no suggestions about where the county could find the money. 

Vargo Heffner proposed changing the effective date of the new rainy-day fund until 2028, but that measure died for lack of a second.  

She then warned, "We're going to have to raise taxes anyway. It's coming. Just plan on it." 

So ends the attempt to beef up the county's rainy-day fund.