Given what I read and later read in comments, Northampton County Exec Tara Zrinski needs to stop chewing gum during exec reports because some view it as disrespectful.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Zrinski Needs to Stop Chewing Gum During NorCo Exec Reports
On Monday night, the Dallas Cowboys handed the Philadelphia Eagles their 5th loss in a row during a game in which a usually solid defense appeared to have no desire or intensity. In the post-game presser, head coach Nick Siriani was chewing gum as he gave the usual bullshit nonanswers to questions. His gum chewing made no difference to me, but it was a big deal on WIP's Tuesday morning autopsy by Joe Giglio and Hugh Douglas. The general sentiment was that the optics were disrespectful and it appeared as though Siriani looked as though he had checked out and had no regard for what others might think.
51 comments:
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Zrinski needs to chew gum....most of the commenters here might accuse her of being unable to "walk and chew gum," so it's just proactive. A post about Nick Siriani chewing gum, when the Eagles lose 5 in a row is pretty pointless, like that's the problem. But it did present a chance to stretch it into taking a cheap shot at Zrinski. And, the cheap shot was the point, iguess. Rudeness offends you so, and the Trump lovers here. Sure, that's it.
ReplyDeleteActually, it's constructive criticism. Like I said, I am unfazed by someone who chews gum while they speak and thought those who criticize her were being silly until I saw WIP's reaction to Siriani's presser. When I hear Hugh Douglas say that it gives him the impression that Siriani does not care, then I realize it would be in Zrinski's best interest to stop chewing gum when addressing Council. It is far from a cheap shot.
DeleteYou expect her to be professional? That's funny.
ReplyDeleteCongrats NORCO voters.
ReplyDelete51 years old going on 17
ReplyDeleteLOL!!! The gum is the least of her problems she’s a disaster!!
ReplyDeleteNext part of her act will be to yell "kiss my grits" at someone who questions her.
ReplyDeleteSiriani's gum chewing wasn't a problem while the team was winning. Tara doesn't even have that going for her.
ReplyDeleteIf it gets on your nerves and all her hater's nerves then I'll supply her with big wads of gum! You poor folks!! Boo hoo!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it helps her with xerostomia. But you wouldn't have thought of that!
It makes no difference to me whether she chews gum or tobacco at meetings. It does bother some of my readers, and I thought they were over-reacting until I saw the reaction on WIP to Coach Sirianni chewing gum at a post-game presser. It does bother most people. As for dry mouth, chewing gum is no remedy. A clove is.
DeleteLongevity luncheon today at Gracedale. MM and TZ supposed to be there. Longtime staff members gonna be celebrated. Might be awkward for everyone. Yikes
ReplyDeleteTiming is everything..
DeleteAwkward, embarrassing, and a shame to hold it at this time.
Solid years have the lunch in, 1,5,10,15,20,25,30,35, nothing in-between.
DeleteThe employees who have worked hard for years should have their moment
DeleteBut hopefully it won’t be overshadowed in any way by the current problems
That’s minutiae.
DeleteI agree, but that's the least of her problems- emotionally, she never grew up and it shows every time she opens her mouth.
ReplyDeleteShe is cracking under the pressure. She may need to rethink her career choices.
ReplyDeleteShe won't, even though she knows she's incompetent, she's addicted to the adulation.
DeleteLyndon Johnson once famously commented that Gerald Ford could not walk and chew gum at the same time, questioning his intelligence. Fortunately we in Northampton County are blessed with an Executive who has the intelligence, dexterity, and agility to walk, chew gun and deliver a comprehensive report on county operations at the same time. Those are the same qualities which allow her to address head on problems which have plagued county government for years, and do so with creative, far sighted solutions.
ReplyDelete-- Joe Welsh
East Allen Township
Joe, I believe she wants to do the right thing, but she also needs to listen to people like Dave Holland, the DOH and front-line workers who know how this county operates. Up until now, she has only been listening to those who blow smoke up her ass, as you have just done, and those who have put this county in a bad position.
DeleteLet me also point out to you personally that I hear you speak at every county council meeting, even when you are concussed. You have that right. I once did that at every meeting. There are people in Bethlehem and Allentown who speak at every meeting. What I've learned is that the more often you speak at public meetings, the less likely anyone will listen. They start to tune you out as you drone away. If you speak a little less often, what you say might sink in.
Right now you are little more than a cheerleader. All you need are pom poms
Thank you for answering Joe, Bernie. You slowly removed the bandaid as I would not have been as gentle. Good job!
DeleteBernie is correct. I used to tune him out all the time when he frequently spoke at council meetings. Then he upped and sued us...
Deleteyou're living in an alternate world.
Deleteplease stop with your nonsense- nobody is listening.
DeleteWhat are you smoking? But again, you're not too sharp either.
DeleteJoe, stop making a fool of yourself defending this incompetence.
Deleteyou definitely live in an alternative universe.
DeleteI’d much rather listen to Joe versus Tara! Joe is always engaging, intelligent and a gentleman. He’s using his voice and a public platform to bring attention to crucial topics that should concern us all. And he’s doing it because he cares, not because he’s a self serving politician. We all should be so dedicated to our moral convictions. I’m a total Joe fan and would miss his thought provoking input. Go Joe!
DeleteTara should take a lesson in civility from Joe Walsh! She is sooo condescending in her tone when speaking to council. She’s not doing herself any favors.
DeleteKiss her ass more Joe. This shows you are dumber then she is.
DeleteJoe Welsh loves him some Zrinski. I’m sure it’s the kind Plato would approve of - as opposed to the groovy kind. But, watching his slavish devotion every other week got me thinking. Unless she has a big reset Tara’s political career is over. She needs to fire that arrogant fop Mark Aurand and hire Welsh as her Director of Administration. Welsh is her most articulate defender. He can advocate for her policies in a way Aurand cannot, and he understands county government better than Aurand does. Welsh has established relationships throughout various communities of influence throughout the Lehigh Valley, and he’d be a reliable dogsbody for the courts. He’s the perfect pick to get Tara back on track.
ReplyDeleteJoe certainly understands county government better than most. I think Mark Aurand is fine and do not see him as an "arrogant fop," lol.
DeleteJoe makes a fool of himself very time he speaks at a meeting or responds to Bernie.
DeleteNo he does not. Joe is a great person who cares about others. I consider him a friend. He and I have solved all the world's problems many times over during lunches at the courthouse back in the day. My point with him is that he has a right to address County Council, but that the more often you do it, the less likely anyone will listen. The squeaky wheel does not always get more grease,
DeleteZrinski needs to begin to act professionally. Her hipster act may be cool for someone in a coffee shop, but she is the leader of a county. Cut down on the gum and take off some of the dozen rings, too.
ReplyDeleteShe's an embarrassment- we can thank McCluess for this disaster.
DeleteThis is the result when Republicans continuously put up lousy candidates like Brown, Lynch & Giovanni and a Solar Panel Salesperson can win.
DeleteJust to clarify for everyone. In fact, I just had this conversation last week with a close friend. I find where I am at right now very liberating. I am not looking for a job, and I am not looking to run for anything - except maybe an airplane to fly to Ukraine and be a real cheerleader for them in their fight for freedom and democracy. Locally, I'm looking to get stuff done that aids working families in the Valley - like my support for the food service workers at the Lehigh University Sodexo unit, who I am proud to say reached a tentative contract yesterday and will be holding a rally today at 4:30 at Lehigh.
ReplyDeleteSo, like Bernie I get to call balls and strikes as I see them. And what I see in Executive Zrinski is someone who genuinely wants to improve the lives of Northampton County residents; someone who is willing to consider different perspectives and work on innovative solutions. If that honest observation makes me what some will call a "Cheerleader" so be it. I also enjoy engaging in open dialogue with those of differing viewpoints. Just ask Bernie's "evil Republican brother."
-- Joe Welsh
East Allen Township
Joe, you do and have the right to speak for 5 minutes at every meeting. My point, as someone who has made that mistake, is that the more often you do it, the less likely it is that anyone will listen. Perhaps you should consider a blog or you could even contribute here. I would even let my evil Republican brother submit stories, but he's illiterate.
DeleteAre you talking about the current county executive?
DeleteYou seem to believe she has the county’s best interests at heart?
Stop picking on your brother LOL!
DeleteNice try- she's incompetent and only has her political ambitions at heart.
DeleteIf you Joe really think Tara is implementing good practices take a look at who shes kept on. Sue W drove morale into the ground. People used to love coming to work at the county. The executive needs to not be afraid to male changes. Sue wasted alot of opioid money and was in charge of gracedale for all these years and lost that role now but takes no accountability for the dismal failure its become and she manages children youth and families and what a mess it is. Needs staff and training. Hires people on a hunch not on their merits and passed over people with masters degrees and hires inexperienced ones. What happened to the day care is it being used and shared with the rest of the county. Sue is why human services and court are at odds. What a mess. Tara is aware of all of the mistakes +bullying. She tells some she will replace her but doesn't. Maybe shes starting to make changes with ms. Morton wonder where she will improve next we need less emotions and chewing gum at council. We need strong leadership. Someone stoic who will make changes.
DeleteShe gave out 5 new paid holidays without even having a clue what that will cost taxpayers!!! She can’t even answer basic budget questions!!
DeleteShe had no clue!
DeleteWord on the street is that Steve Barron is coming back, and not a minute too soon
ReplyDeleteLet’s go! Bring back the Norco Moneyman!!
DeleteBernie you keep it up you’re going to make her cry again.
ReplyDeleteFlush the toilet please
ReplyDeleteStop being so mean to her- she'll start crying, again!
ReplyDeleteEvery time she opens her mouth, whether shes chewing gum or speaking, I cringe. She just never grew up emotionally, its like she's 51 going on 15.
ReplyDelete