Northampton County Executive has nominated Deborah Watlington, a CPA, as the county's new Director of Fiscal Affairs. She was introduced at yesterday's Personnel Committee and is set for confirmation by County Council this evening. If confirmed, the county will finally have a Director of Fiscal Affairs for the first time since October of last year.
Watlington, who as a degree in accounting and an MBA from Lehigh U, has been employed by Lehigh for the past 16 years. She's worked in accounting for 30 years. She is currently Senior Financial Analyst in the Provost Office.
She is one of 10 applicants for the job. "I believe she will be an asset to the county throughout my tenure," said Zrinski.
Qayyum, who earlier had reservations about the Human Relations Comm'n appointments and the salaries for Continuum of Care directors, had written questions about whether Watlington had direct government financial experience, but conceded she had good qualifications.
He also complained about the proposed salary of $125,108. Zrinski responded that this salary is actually lower than what she was getting at Lehigh. His numerous objections are hard to report because he consistently fails to use his mike.
Finally, Council member Kelly Keegan interjected that "it seems like we're badgering a woman we're lucky to get."
For once, I agree with her.
6 comments:
This appointment should not have taken so long. Tara was elected 7 months ago and the 2027 budget process begins shortly.
The job is not easy, time will tell.
Q is such an embarrassment to one's senses. But then, norco voters are the real embarrassment as they elected him
KK accusing anyone of badgering is priceless.
had written questions about whether Watlington had direct government financial experience
This type of thinking is absurd. Making "government" experience a prerequisite for a skilled job especially someone who is a CPA is yet another example of low IQ approach to governance. God Bless this woman for applying for a job where she takes a pay cut. Many of the "electeds" are super unaccomplished and have never legitimately earned a salary that is driven by market demand. This is the type of mentality that drives good people away from government and you are left with those who only want a government job (because it's damn near impossible to get fired for being a do nothing).
The real question is why is this person “downgrading” to this job? In addition to higher salary, she must have phenomenal benefits at Lehigh.
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