Zrinski: NorCo Budget Shortchanges Retirees and Gracedale - State Budget Shortchanges Seniors

I told you that NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski was a big hit at the recent retirees' luncheon. She talked about it during her report to County Council at last night's meeting. What's more, she spoke about how recent county budgets have shortchanged both retirees and Gracedale, She added that the state budget is having an increasingly adverse impact on seniors. 

Here's the bad news for retirees: "Retirees are very concerned that a contribution was not budgeted, in part of 2025, falling behind by $4 million in all of 2026, neglecting a payment of $11.6 million. Each year, in October, we receive a recommendation from our actuaries called the actuarily determined contribution. Or ADC. Now, that doesn't mean we're $16 million at a deficit. If we make the ADC this year, we believe we'll be back on track. We are currently at a 90% funded rate. Thank you to the fine investment by PFM that they have made on behalf of our county and our retirees. But we know that the sum that we are going to have to contribute is several million dollars, and that was not in the 2026 budget. Thus, when we say the 2026 budget is working as it was designed, we are saying it was designed to not fund the pension in 2026. That trend cannot and will not continue."

The actuarily determined contribution for the pension fund in 2025 was $12.8 million, but the Lamont McClure administration only kicked in $8.2 million. In 2026, the actuarily determined contribution was $11.6 million, but McClure's budget opted to pay nothing. 

The county also maintains a retiree healthcare fund to cover the medical expenses of retirees entitled to them. In 2025, the actuarily determined contribution for this fund was $2.6 million. McClure shortchanged it by a million. In 2026, the actuarily determined contribution for retiree healthcare was $2.2 million. McClure paid nothing.

Here's the bad news about Gracedale, which already received a $7 million county contribution this year to fill in last year's deficit: "[T]here will be some county contribution to Gradceale. That will most likely be several million dollars that was also not budgeted in the 2026 budget."

Say what? When former Exec Lamont McClure proposed the 2026 budget from Gracedale's chapel, he stated that Gracedale would need no county contribution. The Administrator, Michelle Morton, told County Council her budget was balanced. Both of these statements are apparently untrue. 

Finally, there's bad news for seniors. Zrinski has previously said the Area Agency of Aging was getting shortchanged $400,000 this year, which has resulted in the closure of two senior centers. But last night, she warned of more cuts. "[T]he state has informed us that in our 2027 budget allocation, the area agency on aging should be, the allocation should be estimated at the 2018 2019 levels." She would like to continue offering the same services to seniors as they currently receive. "I would like to offer more services, or at least the ones that we're currently offering to seniors at the level that our seniors need to maintain their health, their quality of life, and well being."

Zrinski went on to say that a 1991 County Council resolution prevents the county from paying more for  for human services beyond the match it receives from the state, and she suggested that be repealed. 

There's no need if it is only a resolution. A County Council binds neither the Executive nor future Councils. That would require an ordinance. 

I will have lots more about County Council and its committees next week. 

Boulette Responds to Criticism of Human Relations Ordinance

I recently told you that Northampton County is looking for applicants to the newly created Human Relations Commission. I consider that in and of itself a good sign. It's a sign of transparency. As an old fart who lives with other seniors as well as the disabled, I'd apply except that it would compromise my independence as a bottom-feeding blogger. This detailed and well-written ordinance was authored by Council member Jason Boulette.  It's obvious he put a lot of work into it.  My sole concern was whether we were creating another bureaucracy that would just eat up tax dollars while being otherwise meaningless. But during the public hearing before this ordinance was unanimously adopted, that concern was put to rest by Liz Bradberry of Lehigh County's Human Relations Commission. They've spent $136 over two years. 

Some of you had other concerns. Boulette took the time to respond to concerns and criticisms in my story about this, and I want to share what he said:

Some replies to a few of the comments here.

"This is nothing but the latest scheme to undermine our judicial system."

This doesn't really qualify as a "latest scheme." The local commission is authorized under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act of 1955, which created the state's Human Relations Commission and specifically empowered lower level governments to create their own. Aside from being on the books for 71 years, this law has been repeatedly updated and affirmed by the state legislature and the governors on a bipartisan basis.

"Isn’t a courtroom with an impartial judge or jury the proper place to resolve such claims?"

The Human Relations Commission doesn't foreclose anyone's rights to an impartial judge or jury. If someone feels aggrieved by the actions or inactions of the Commission, the Court of Common Pleas is still available as a recourse.

"Instead, they are setting up a commission of seven people with an agenda do determine guilt or innocence."

It's not really about guilt or innocence. In the other counties that have implemented commissions in recent years, they've yet to actually level penalties against anyone -- each case has been able to be resolved through mediation. And I'm hopeful that's the outcome we'll get here in Northampton County.

"Since this will be a quasi-judicial bodyI’ll presume it will be banned by law from recording and being televised, so if you want watch this disaster, you’ll have to travel to the courthouse at watch it person. Another way to limit people from really knowing whats going on."

The meetings are required to conform to the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. The ordinance authorizes virtual meetings, and the Commission will be encouraged to meet virtually (with open access to the general public) precisely because it's easier for people to attend. It is not, in fact, banned by law from being recorded or televised. On the contrary, it is required to maintain minutes of meetings and recordings of any hearing.

"I like Jason's approach to his office-thoughtful and considered. But this seems like a solution in search of a problem"

I appreciate the kind words. I don't expect the caseload for the Commission to be massive, but I do think this ordinance is needed. Further, the past two years have seen similar ordinances passed in Lehigh, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. So I don't see any reason for Northampton not to join their ranks in prohibiting discrimination.

"Who will perform investigations for the Commission? Do they need volunteers for that function too?"

The members of the Commission can serve as investigators with limited (and discretionary) assistance from county personnel.

"You are absolutely right, this is just Jason trying to make a name for himself for his next office run."

I have a full time job I'm happy with and I'm not looking any further ahead than the office I was elected to.

Will You Vote for Brooks in the General?

I told you yesterday that I have no intention of voting for Bob Brooks in the Congressional election this year. I will also decline to vote for incumbent Ryan Mackenzie. This happened two years ago. When I learned that Congress member Susan Wild was parking in handicapped spots, she lost my vote. I opted to vote for Lew Shupe instead. But I am far less partisan than some Democrats. I refuse to vote for a person just because he's a member of my tribe. Wha about more partisan Democrats who actually worked Congressional races and helped run campaigns? 

Rich Wilkins is such a person. This is what he says on his Apocalypse Vibes blog:

"The guy is a racist, let’s face it, you can’t find a famous black guy he likes (hello Barack Obama and Colin Kaepernick). I want no part in electing this guy. If that costs us the House, maybe the Democratic Party should be better. I’ve said for a long time that I’m not a “vote blue no matter who” type. Well, that’s going to be put to the test here. I broke down and voted for Fetterman at the 11th hour in 2022. I’ve regretted it ever since."

UPDATED: Brooks Wins Pa. 07 Congressional Race

Over the past few weeks, you could feel the momentum moving towards Bob Brooks in the four-way race for the Democratic nomination to the Pa. 07's Congressional District. While the dust is still settling as I write this, it's clear that he is going to be the Democratic nominee against incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie. 

Brooks, who branded himself as an Everyman, easily defeated three other contenders. He had help. Lots of money. Lots of endorsements, including the Governor and the DCCC. Stories about his MAGA social posts and his refusal to pay a judgment obtained by his mother-in-law for the home in which he lives, did manage to make numerous mainstream news outlets. They weren't enough to overcome the momentum. 

At the same time, former NorCo Exec Lamont McClure was unable to gather the funds he needed to be competitive. He lent his campaign $200,000, but that was far from enough. He could usually rely on lots of money from the trade unions, but some of that money went to Brooks, who is President of the Pa. Firefighters' Association. His decision to force Administrator Charles Dertinger to resign over a botched election, hurt him. Dertinger could usually be counted on to raise money for McClure, but I doubt there there was much desire to help in this race. McClure burned a lot of bridges as Executive and was extremely unpopular with county employees. That alone probably cost him about 5,000 votes, to say nothing of 1,600 retirees.  Just recently, he called a County Council member's boss in an attempt to encourage her to vote for a tax break to a developer who wanted to build luxury apartments. Though he adamantly denies pressuring this Council member through her boss, he exhibited very poor judgment. 

McClure actually came in 4th in Lehigh and Monroe County

Had this race gone on a bit longer (thankfully it did not), I believe Crosseell would have won. He had a terrific ground game and came across as both knowledgeable and sincere to voters suspicious of a former Republican who moved here to run. 

Carol Obando-Derstine, the sole woman in the race, should have garnered 17% of the vote simply because she's a woman, and she did. There are some Democrats who are very much into identity politics. According to WFMZ-TV69, she finished with 17% of the vote. In Lehigh County, thanks mostly to Victor Martinez and his Spanish-speaking radio station, she finished with 21.85% of the vote. She even finished second in Monroe County, though the number of voters there was small. 

Brooks will go on to face Ryan Mackenzie in November. While I certainly have no intention of voting for Mackenzie, I will NOT be voting for Brooks. 

In another closely watched primary for State Rep in Allentown's 22d Legislative District, Ce-Ce Gerlach easily defeated Ana Tiburcio. All the King's horses and all the King's men, from Mike Schlossberg to Peter Schweyer, were unable to overcome Gerlach's campaign hustle. 

Northampton County, as usual, had problems. This time, some voters who had received mail-in ballots were incorrectly listed as eligible to vote in e-pollbooks. Perhaps NorCo needs to focus less on pop-up elections and satellite offices and more on ensuring that it can actually do what it is statutorily required to do. 

UPDATED 11:00 AM: Incumbent Ryan Mackenzie had this reaction to Brooks' nomination to Pa. 07:

Allentown, PA — The Mackenzie for Congress campaign issued the following statement in response to Democrats nominating Bob Brooks in PA-07.

“Tonight, after spending millions of dollars in dark money on his behalf, the Democratic establishment got their hand-picked candidate: con-man and fraudster Bob Brooks. These groups steamrolled local Democrats and hijacked the democratic process in order to nominate a corrupt political insider, a wealthy lobbyist with a vast stock portfolio, and someone who has a record of stealing from his own family. The establishment Democrat machine has done this for one reason: they know that Bob Brooks will follow orders from his political bosses, just like he did as a union boss. The people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos will reject this dumpster fire of a candidate," said Mackenzie for Congress spokesman Arnaud Armstrong. 

“As a result of Brooks’ history of scams and schemes that we heard about throughout the primary, the Mackenzie for Congress campaign is also announcing the launch of the Bob Brooks Hotline. Residents of the community who have been ripped off or targeted by conman and fraudster Bob Brooks - or have other information about his checkered past - can report their experiences by calling (484) 272-4215.”

Check the Facts:

• Bob Brooks takes orders from Shapiro on union endorsements
• Registered lobbyist
• “Working-class” millionaire and stock trader
• Democrat machine runs interference for Brooks
• National Democrats steamroll local activists
• Scamming his in-laws

NorCo Seeks Applicants for Newly Formed Human Relations Comm'n

In March, Northampton County Council unanimously adopted a Human Relations Ordinance intended to resolve claims of discrimination in a timely manner pursuant to the county's police powers. The 34-page document is the handiwork of Council member Jason Boulette. 

The purpose of the ordinance is to "declare [the county's intent] to promote the rights and opportunities of all persons to participate in the social, cultural, recreational, and economic life of the County and to assure equal opportunity for all persons concerning employment, housing, education, health care, and use of public accommodations without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical marital status, familial status, GED rather than high school diploma, or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, height, weight, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status."

The Commission envisaged by this ordinance consists of seven members appointed by the Executive, which County Council can confirm or reject. Members will reflect the diversity of protected classes. If the commission finds that a complaint of discrimination is substantiated, it can fine the offender up to $600.

Yesterday, Northampton County Deputy Administrator Jessica Berger issued a call for volunteers who are NorCo residents "with an interest in public service, community engagement, civil rights, human relations, education, advocacy, mediation, or related fields are encouraged to apply for consideration."

If you'd like to be a "Commissioner," send your resume and home address to Berger at JBerger@norcopa.gov. Your application is due May 27. 

UPDATED: Any Problems at Polling Places? Last Minute Pitches?

Voting begins at 7 am. How was your experience? Long waiting lines? Turnout? My guess is that this should be an uneventful race for elections workers. Unlike municipal races, there are far fewer elections. I intend to visit a few polling places by bike. If you see me, please don't run me over. 

Feel free to make last-minute pitches. 

UPDATED 4:15 PM: According to Matt Flower, who is electioneering and not working for the elections office, some voters who received mail-in ballots (MIBs) are being shown as eligible to vote in the e-pollbooks. Around noon, the elections office sent a text (I have a copy) to elections workers advising that the e-pollbooks (the electronic book used to check in voters) are being updated and delivered to precincts. In the meantime, elections workers are advised to cross-reference the e-pollbook with a list of voters who applied for MIBs.  If the voter is listed as having applied for a MIB, but the e-pollbook shows that he is eligible to vote, the voter must be issued a provisional ballot. 

Is Lehigh County Controller's Proposed "Wealth" Tax Even Legal?

Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley, who's always running for something, always needs to have a cause du jour. In 2024, when he just happened to be running for state auditor general, he was the Pied Piper of dozens of families complaining about the overdiagnosis of medical child abuse. That's why Lehigh County no longer has a child advocacy center. Now he wants the county to impose a "progressive revenue option that he calls a wealth tax. 

His proposal, which you can read for yourself here, claims it is "consistent with the Pennsylvania Constitution." He's proposing a 0.4$ tax on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, brokerage investment accounts, partnership owner interests, passive business equity and pretty much everything that's not nailed down or hidden under the mattress. He proposes to exempt primary residences, checking accounts, 401ks, household savings used for normal expenses, small businesses and family-owned farms. 

Before this even gets out of the gate, I believe this will fail because it is likely illegal.

In 1831, an intangible "wealth" tax was imposed in Pennsylvania, under which the state collected tax on ontangible property and turned it over to the counties. But the Pennsylvania Supreme Court invalidated this tax to the extent that it ran afoul of the Commerce Clause. By 1988, no counties were levying this controversial tax. The state legislature has since repealed the intangible personal porperty tax and expressly prohibits counties from imposing it. Ryan Mackenzie, then a State Rep. was one of the sponsors of that legislation. 

So, like everything else that Pinsley proposes, it is much ado about nothing. 

Zrinski a Hit a NorCo Retiree Luncheon

 

Tara Zrinski attended her first retiree as NorCo Exec this week.  From what I'm told, they really liked what she had to say. She believes it is important to keep the pensions funded in accordance with recommendations of the actuary. She also thinks it's ridiculous to snub retirees out of a COLA at a time when inflation is out of control. 

You can see her above with former NorCo Execs Gerald E "Jerry" Seyfried and Glenn Reibman. Former Exec Lamont McClure was not invited because he's running for Congress 

Zrinski's upbeat personality has probably been her best asset so far. I have heard more than one county employee say that she's been a breath of fresh air. I've never heard an Executive say until last week that she thinks the jail has a problem keeping corrections officers because the pay is too low. 

Next week, I'll discuss her "continuum of care" approach at Gracedale. On the surface, it sounds foolish, especially because the two positions she wants are "exempt" and come and go with the Executive. But she told retirees that she has other plans at Gracedale as well. I need to do some research and will let you know about that on Monday. 

Who Do You Favor for the Democratic Nomination in Pa. 07?

Of the persons running for the Democratic nomination in the Pa. 07 Congressional race, which candidate do you like best and who do you think will win? I've spent the past several months taking shots at pretty much everyone. I've slammed Brooks the most, arguing that his unpaid judgment to family, his MAGA social posts and his willful refusal to list his debt in his Congressional disclosure, makes him simply too shady. I've labeled Ryan Crosswell a recent Republican who only moved here to run. Lamont McClure, the most experienced of the bunch, has also burned a lot of bridges during his 8 years as County Exec, and most recently by calling a Council member's boss in an obvious attempt to pressure her into voting to hand out a tax break for luxury apartments. Finally, Carol Obando-Derstine, the hand-picked choice of former Congressional member Susan Wild, is running on identity politics. 

More objective rundowns of these candidates are in Armchair Lehigh Valley (Obando-Derstine, McClure, Crosswell and Brooks).McClure and Crosswell are both quite knowledgeable about specific issues. Brooks and Obando-Derstine are borderline. Despite his recent defection from the GOP, Crosswell has struck me as the sincerest of the candidates. I believe he tries hardest to be honest. Though I don't know him, Brooks strikes me as the most likable.  McClure is the most experienced and importantly understands national issues as they impact the Lehigh Valley. Obando-Derstine may be a little uninformed but is intelligent and would bring the perspective of both a woman and a Latina. 

I voted last week and my vote was for McClure. But had I waited, as perhaps I should have, I would probably have voted for Crosswell. What McClure did in calling Hellertown's Borough Manager about a TIF in an attempt to pressure a new Council member really soured me. In my view, all candidates can beat Mackenzie now, but the situation will be different in November. I believe Crosswell, as a former Republican and a combat veteran, is a Democrat who would get Republican votes.

Now it's your turn. Who are you voting for and why?  

LVNews Features McClure Call Concerning Dixie TIF

I told you last week that NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski supported a tax break for 409 luxury apartments at Wilson Borough's vacant Dixie Cup factory. Despite her support, the tax break failed. One of the No votes came from Council member Theresa Fadem, who stated from the dais that part of the reason for her No vote was because she felt pressured by a telephone call that former NorCo Exec Lamont McClure made to Fadem's boss. He was very reluctant to speak about it with me but was a little more forthcoming in a story published by Lehigh Valley News yesterday. Before I get into that, I want to tell you how Zrinski reacted. 

During the meeting, and after the TIF had failed, Zrinski was passing out papers to Council members concerning two new positions she was seeking (and later got) at Gracedale. When she approached Fadem, she reported apologized to Fadem. According to another Council member, who was in earshot, Zrinski said she was sorry about what had happened to Fadem and was unaware that McClure had called her boss. Zrinski obviously recognizes that, whatever the intention, the telephone call was highly inappropriate and was designed to pressure Fadem. 

Now let's look at what McClure said to Lehigh Valley News. 

He claims he decided to call Hellertown, which has nothing to do with any TIF and is miles away from Wilson Borough because Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft would "understand the municipal perspective." 

I could see his nose grow an inch or two when he offered this lame excuse. Whether Hartranft would or would not understand has no bearing at all on what Wilson Borough, located 10 miles away, was seeking. It is clear to me that McClure called Hartranft in an attempt to pressure Fadem. 

McClure denies knowing that Fadem is employed by Hellertown. That's nonsense as well. McClure knew the background of every candidate who ran for county council last year. You can add another inch to that nose. 

Then McClure went on to say that Fadem is a "very close ally" of Council member Lori Vargo Heffner, whom he despises because she only went along with about 90% of what he wanted when he was Exec. 

Wait a second. McClure out of one side of his mouth claims that Fadem is a "very close ally" of Vargo Heffner, but out of the other side of his mouth has no idea where she works.

Add another inch to his increasingly prominent proboscis. 

Finally, he claims that Vargo Heffner has endorsed Ryan Crosswell, one of his rivals in the Pa. 07 Congressional race. 

Add another inch. 

Vargo Heffner has endorsed no one. She is President of the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women, which makes no endorsements in contested Democratic primaries. She told me that she thinks it would be improper for her to endorse anyone, not even the sole woman in that race, Carol Obando-Derstine. 

It is very clear to me that McClure's call to Hellertown's Borough Manager was designed to pressure Fadem, and this is consistent with his past behavior. 

I also want to draw attention to the last sentence of the Lehigh Valley News story, which notes in passing that all three taxing bodies must approve a TIF before it can move forward. That is untue. Two of the taxing bodies can still moving ahead, which is exactly what happened with the Hamilton Crossings project in 2014. The County said No, but the township and school district moved forward without county participation. 

NorCo Elections FAQ Regarding May 19 Primary

 

[Northampton County, PA] – The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Primary Election on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Q: What will be on the ballot? A: The Elections Office recommends all voters review the ballot before voting. You can view the Primary Election sample ballots for the May 19 election here: www.NorthamptonVotes.com Q: Who can vote in the Primary Election? A: Registered Democrat and registered Republican voters in Northampton County can participate in the Primary Election.   Q: How can I check to see if I’m registered to vote? A: You can check your registration status at www.vote.pa.gov.   Q: Where do I vote in person? A: To check your polling location, use our "Find Your Polling Place" tool at NorthamptonVotes.com. If you arrive at an incorrect polling location, each precinct will have QR Codes available to help you find the correct polling place.   Q: Can I vote by paper ballot? A: Voting by paper ballot is already available in Northampton County. If you choose to vote by a paper ballot, you may: Utilize Ballot-on-Demand in the Election Office at the Government Center (669 Washington Street Easton, PA 18042). Ballot-on-Demand will be available in the Elections Office: The LAST day for Ballot-on-Demand will be Tuesday, May 12 (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) Request a paper mail-in ballot. You can return mail-in ballots by mail directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center, or at one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County. The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 12, at 5:00 p.m.   Q: Can I vote by mail? A: Yes. Act 77, which was passed in 2019, allows for no-excuse mail-in voting. Applications for mail-in or civilian absentee ballots are available in the Elections Office or at Mail-in and Absentee Ballot (pa.gov). The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m.   Q: Why did I get an email saying my application for a mail-in ballot has been declined? A: There are various reasons this may have happened (i.e., duplicate application, lack of verifiable ID, etc.). If you are concerned about any of these issues or have any questions, please contact the Elections Office at 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov, for someone to assist you.   Q: When will mail-in ballots be sent? A: The Elections Office began sending mail-in ballots during the last week of April. You can check the status of your ballot online at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov).  You should review your mail-in ballot to make sure that it is for the proper precinct and party.   Q: I’m worried about getting my mail-in ballot back to the Elections Office on time. A: In order for your ballot to be counted, all ballots must be returned to the Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible. Mail-in ballots can be returned: By mail, no postage stamp is required. If you plan to mail your ballot, we suggest putting it in the mail early. If there is only one week prior to the election, we recommend you return your completed ballot to a drop box or the Election’s Office to make sure it is received in time to be counted. Directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center: 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042. At one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County (see next question). The County’s secure drop boxes were installed on April 28.   Q: Where are secure ballot drop-off boxes located in Northampton County?   A: Accessing any of the below drop-off boxes does not require going through security at any location.   • Washington Township Municipal Building (Interior Hallway): 1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013 Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Election Day: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. • East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby): 5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. • NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby): 511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015 Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m., Friday 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Election Day: 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. • Northampton County Courthouse (Rotunda): 669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Election Day: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. • Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule): 2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. • Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule): 100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064 Hours: 24 Hours/7 Days a week Election Day: Until 8:00 p.m. • Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby): 10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Election Day: 7:00 a.m .- 8:00 p.m.   Q: How can I ensure the ballot drop-off boxes are “secure”? A: Ballot drop-off boxes provide a safe and convenient way for you to return your mail-in ballots. Each drop-off box is a secure, locked structure that is permanently anchored in place. Northampton County drop-off boxes have been evaluated to specifically ensure they are indoors, ADA compliant, either chained or anchored in place, and under 24-hour camera/surveillance, and allow County Sheriff’s Deputies to collect the contents of the box on a daily basis. All Northampton County drop-off boxes are operated only by election officials and County Sheriff’s Deputies.   Q: What can I do to ensure my mail-in ballot is accepted? A: The Elections Office reminds you to carefully follow the instructions included with your ballot. Remember to sign and date the outside of the return envelope.  “Naked” ballots—those not enclosed in the inner secrecy envelope—will not be counted. Mail-in ballots will be accepted if: The ballot is enclosed in the yellow secrecy envelope and sealed. There are NO identifying marks or symbols on the secrecy envelope. The return envelope is signed and dated on the back in the appropriate YELLOW boxes. The ballot is returned to a Drop Box (review the open hours above) or the Elections Office NO LATER THAN 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. USPS postmarks DO NOT count if received after this deadline.   If your returned mail-in ballot has any defects which are discernable without opening the return envelope (for example you failed to sign or date the outside of the return envelope), the Elections Office may contact you and give you the opportunity to come into the Elections Office and “cure” (fix) the defect. If you come into the office for this purpose, you will be asked for your ID (does not have to be a photo ID).  Q: What kind of stamp should I use to mail my ballot back? A: Northampton County pays for postage on the return envelopes. You do not need to add a stamp.   Q: How do I know if my application has been accepted or my ballot has been received? A: Voters who sign up online at www.vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters can track the status of their ballot at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov)   Q: Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office? A: No. Pennsylvania state law states that voters must only drop off their own ballot. If you come into the office, you may be asked for your ID (does not have to be a photo ID). If a person is physically unable to drop off their own ballot, someone else may drop off their ballot for them and will be asked to complete and sign a “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of this form can be downloaded here Authorize Designated Agent Form (pa.gov).   Q: I requested a mail-in ballot, but now I want to vote in person at the polls. A: If you requested a mail-in ballot but now wish to vote on a machine, you must bring your mail-in ballot and the return envelope with you to your polling location. The Judge of Elections will spoil your ballot and ask you to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing you to vote on the ExpressVote XL machine. Only then will you be permitted to vote on the machine. If you do not bring your mail-in ballot and return envelope to the polls, you can only vote by provisional ballot. The Elections Board will verify that you did not vote by mail before the provisional ballot can be counted.   Q: What time are the polls open for the Municipal General Election on May 19? A: Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. If you’re in line by 8:00 p.m., stay in line, you will be allowed to cast your vote.   Q: Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested? A: Our voting machines have undergone extensive logic and accuracy testing.   Q: Have any polling locations changed for this election? A: Yes. Northampton County Election Division is implementing the redistricting plan recently approved by the Court of Common Pleas in preparation for the Primary Election. Some voters will have new polling locations and/or district names for this election. All voters are encouraged to check their polling place in advance and can do so by using the “Find Your Polling Place” tool at: www.NorthamptonVotes.com. The below existing polling locations have been changed as follows:   Bethlehem 4 & 5– from St. John Windish Church to Bethlehem Visitor’s Center at Steel Stacks, 711 East 1st Street, Bethlehem Bethlehem 9 East– from Salvation Army to Liberty High School, 1115 Linden Street/ E. Fairview Street, Bethlehem Bethlehem 14-3– from St. Ann School to BASD Education Center, 1516 Sycamore Street, Bethlehem Bethlehem 15-2– from BASD Education Center to Lincoln Elementary, 1260 Gresham Street, Bethlehem Easton 2– from First Presbyterian Church to Easton City Hall, 123 S. 3rd Street, Easton Freemansburg– from Freemansburg Municipal Bldg, 606 Monroe Street to Freemansburg Elementary, 501 Monroe Street, Easton Q: Who should voters contact if they have problems or questions before or on Election Day? A: The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov.

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UPDATED: Thresa Fadem Displayed a Profile in Courage in Voting No to the Dixie TIF

Last week, Theresa Fadem was one of the six NorCo Council members who voted against a tax break for the conversion of Wilson Borough's vacant Dixie factory into 409 luxury apartments.  She's one of four newbies - all Democrats - elected in November. Before voting No, she shed some light on the incredible pressures that all elected officials endure when facing a controversial issue. In a democratic form of government, that should be expected. But there's a difference between lobbying or argument and coercion or intimidation. Fadem made very clear that she at least felt that she was being intimidated into voting for the tax break. Here's what she said. 

I'm glad we're discussing this up here because this is a discussion of a very great scale, and it should take place here on the dais, in full view of the public. All right, our constituents deserve open, honest, dialogue, not private persuasion. Which leads me to feel compelled to address of recent action that I find deeply concerning. The former county executive contacted my current employer in what appears to be an attempt to influence my position on this matter. It's clearly a breach of professional boundaries. My responsibilities as an elected official are independent of my employment. And any attempt to leverage my workplace in an attempt to sway my vote is inappropriate and unacceptable. I was on the fence before, but I'll tell you right now, it's solid now.

Theresa Fadem is employed as Hellertown's zoning and code enforcement officer. Her boss is Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft. The former county executive is Lamont McClure, who was unsuccessful in his attempt to shepherd a tax break through County Council in November. 

Based on what Fadem stated at the meeting, former Executive McClure (now a Congressional candidate) called Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft in an attempt to have Hartranft pressure Fadem to vote for the tax break. It's also clear that Hartranft in turn did talk about it with Fadem. She may have intended only to share her opinion and insight as a borough manager that a tax break would be good for another struggling borough. But she forgot that she is Fadem's boss, and anything a boss would say to a subordinate employee would place that person under intense pressure. This is clearly what McClure intended. 

If he was only interested in private persuasion, McClure could have called Fadem directly. Instead, he chose to put the squeeze on through Fadem's boss. This is clear intimidation. Another word for it is bullying. 

I asked McClure if what Fadem said is true, adding "that would be highly inappropriate if true." McClure first stated that he had no response. He later added, "I deny that I asked anyone to leverage her employment to get her to vote for the project - which is what [Fadem] implied by saying she was 'pressured.'"

Then why did he call the Borough Manager at all? Why wouldn't he just call Fadem directly? 

In addition to calling McClure, I called Borough Manager Hartranft. Her voice mail stated she returns every call, but she declined to return my call. She might claim this is a personnel matter, but I disagree. Any attempt to persuade her to vote for or against the TIF it is outside the scope of Fadem's employment with Hellertown. Whether knowing or unknowingly, she did exactly what McClure wanted. Fadem clearly felt threatened. 

In fact, I have since learned that Hartranft even sent Fadem a text about the McClure conversation during the course of the meeting. 

Finally, I spoke with Fadem. She understandably declined to add anything to what she said at the Council meeting. She's scared. 

And she's right to be scared. In the past, I have seen other Council members like Lorei Vargo Heffner and Ron Heckman attacked personally when they refuse to go along with 100% of what McClure wanted as Exec And it has already started with Fadem with some anonymous comments. 

The person this damages most is not Fadem, but current County Executive Tara Zrinski. She has worked hard at building bridges with Council, not just the Meadows Bridge.  When a Council member is bullied over a vote, that just destroys everything. McClure is no longer county executive. Zrinski is rendered ineffective when he continues to use tactics that have failed in the past.  He is now an assistant solicitor and has no business arguing for or against a policy. If anyone should be worried about job security, it should be him. 

UPDATED 10:38 AM: After this post published, Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft called me. Shje acknowledged that she was, in fact, called by McClure. She indicated that McClure called her to discuss the TIF and the developer's willingness to provide $2 million for affordable housing. She said that immediately after the call, she told Fadem about his call because she wanted to be transparent. She herself had no opinion concerning the TIF. She acknowledged that Fadem's employment was in no way threatened and there was no intent to intimidate or coerce her. 

I believe Hartranft. But I also believe that Fadem, who is in a subordinate position to Hartranft, felt threatened. The call went exactly as McClure intended. 

Zrinski Has Good News (Gracedale) and Bad News (Jail)

At Thursday night's NorCo Council meeting, Executive Tara Zrinski provided yet another detailed report about what is happening in the county. Some readers dislike her presentations, but they're pretty much the same people who would attack her if she said nothing at all. "You've got five minutes," Council President Ken Kraft semi-joked before she started, but I appreciate the transparency. She had good things to say about Gracedale, but is very concerned about the plight of corrections officers at the jail. 

Gracedale. - Zrinski reported that the county nursing home underwent its annual inspection and only three deficiencies were found. She told Council that the lead surveyor noted progress over the past year but cautioned that the "official" report is still pending. She indicated the home was preparing for National Nursing Home Week (May 10-16) with a food truck festival to which everyone would be welcome. Zrinski stated nurses will be treated to lunch this week.

Aside from one deficiency at the beginning of the year, state Department of Health officials have found no violations in six visits responding to complaints this year.*Unfortunately, some employees have offered starkly different views of the facility. They agree that the survey was good but are unhappy. They state that on Nurse Day, agencies came and gave their people gifts while regular employees got nothing.  They cite three elopements since February, none of which were reported because the resident was found on the grounds. They also note that a hunting knife with spikes was found in a resident's room.

Jail. - Zrinski acknowledged that there are 62 vacant correction officer positions. She was at the jail last week and spoke with officers who are being routinely mandated to work 16-hour shifts. While that might be good for their paycheck, anyone who is forced to work a lot of overtime is bound to be a little less attentive, and that can be very dangerous at a jail. 

Why so many vacancies? "I can't help but think that's because the starting pay is $42,160 a year, which is about $20 an hour," she said. "This department is not alone, though. Stagnant pay and inter departmental compression issues exist in multiple departments and should be an issue that we remedy in next year's budget."

Closed Senior Centers. - Two of the county's 11 senior centers have been closed as a result of a $400,000 state budget shortfall. "For the seniors impacted by our senior center consolidation, I would welcome you to redirect your anger towards, uh, to your state and federal legislators. It is the state funding that is cut, and it is HR1 that has cut the funding at the highest level. We are consolidating because we recognize that the senior centers provide a valuable part in our community and the lives of seniors within our community. We have nine. We had 11. So, we do with what we have, and if we can get more funding next year, we will try to reopen whatever we can."

EMS/911. - Michael Leonard has been appointed permanent Director. 

Fiscal Affairs Director. - Zrinski had a candidate hooked, but he got away.  She was forced to reopen interviews and hopes to have someone soon. (Her pick for this position would have to be confirmed by County Council. )

Meadows Road Bridge in Lower Saucon. - She told Council the bridge would be open on Friday, and it was. It had been closed since 2018. 

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*) Unfortunately, some employees offer starkly different views of the facility. They agree that the survey was good but are still unhappy. They state that on Nurse Day, agencies came and gave their people gifts while regular employees got nothing.  They cite three elopements since February, none of which were reported because the resident was found on the grounds. They also note that a hunting knife with spikes was found in a resident's room. They claim they have been instructed against posting to this blog. 

Dixie Cup TIF Fails in NorCo for Second Time

Last night Northampton County Council rejected a massive tax break, known as a TIF, to kickstart the conversion of Wilson Borough's vacant Dixie Cup factory into 405 luxury apartments. This proposal was defeated in November in a close, 5-4 vote. But in January, four new members joined County Council, and the thinking was that they might be more receptive to this incentive. They weren't. By a 6 to 3 vote, the measure failed. Voting against this tax break were Lori Vargao Heffner, Dave Holland, Theresa Fadem, Nadeem Qayyum, Jason Boulette and Tom Giovanni. Voting YES were Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan and Jeff Warren. They had also voted for it in November. 

I explained Tax Increment Financing (TIF) yesterday, but as a result of an error made last night by NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski, I feel compelled to do so again. She had stated, erroneously, that "the county continues to collect incrementally increasing taxes for the next 20 years." This is false. Instead, property taxes are frozen at their current level. Any increase in property taxes, resulting from new development is diverted to subsidize that development. Local public taxing bodies are denied the new revenue they would normally get from new development. Aside from Allentown's NIZ or an outright grant, a TIF is the most generous tax break a municipal government can provide. 

Sensing which way the wind was blowing and knowing that the public has woken up to what is going on, an effort was made to delay the matter. Zrinski, in her comments, said that she expected the ordinance would be withdrawn or tabled. And sure enough, a motion to table was made by Jeff Warren and seconded by Kelly Keegan, supposedly at the request of the industrial development authority. The obvious reason is to delay and slip it back onto the agenda when everyone goes back to sleep. 

The motion to table, which is undebatable, failed. Ken Kraft and Jason Boulette joined Keegan and Warren in seeking a delay. But Vargo Heffner, Holland, Fadem, Qayyum and Giovanni wanted a vote that night. Even after the motion to table failed, Kraft attempted one last time to push off the vote, but  Fadem and Vargo-Heffner insisted on a vote. 

During the courtesy of the floor, there were several speakers.  I will summarize a speaker from each side. 

Wilson Borough resident Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen urged a No vote for the following reasons: 

Vote no, because the county, the borough, and the school district need the $26 million over the next 20 years.

Vote no because the developer has already been awarded over $1.3 million in state and county funds.

Vote no because the remediation of the site is not a blessing. It is a basic responsibility of any property owner, one that has been neglected by Wilson Park LTD, the previous owner, for over 40 years.

Vote no because Wilson Borough hired a consultant to evaluate the TIF, and that consultant's report has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Vote no because the borough is on the record saying they'll go ahead with the tip, whether you approve it or not.

Vote no, because it is an outrage to provide a tax benefit for luxury housing in a school district with the third fastest increase in the poverty rate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Vote no because there will be no affordable housing units on site.

Vote no because the county should not be the business of building housing, or, if you prefer, vote no because the county should be in the business of building housing. But $2 million isn't enough to replace the units that would otherwise go into a redeveloped Dixie.

Vote no, because tax revenue should go towards supporting the most vulnerable among our neighbors.

Vote no because the developer, because a developer who can't make this project pencil out, maybe shouldn't have spent $11 million on a site that was assessed at less than $3 million.

Vote no because the Democratic Socialists of America oppose it.

Vote no, because the Northampton County GOP opposes it.

Vote no, because any Democrat who cares about affordability would never support giving $26 million to a luxury housing development.

Vote no, because economic development and community development are intrinsically connected.

And anyone who tells you otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about.

And finally, vote no because the development of the Dixie Cup site is an inevitability..

Countering Moritz-Chapelliquen, NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski argued that 

First, the Dixie Cup project is a brown field development. That means it is more expensive because of the environmental remediation. And that damage happened decades ago. In this case, underground tanks, asbestos, radon, and contaminated soil were removed at the cost to the developer of $35 million. The TIF only offers a fraction of recovery for him.

Once again, I am compelled to correct yet another misstatement. According to the TIF ordinance itself, Exhibit I, the remediation cost is $8 million, not $35 million. Moreover, he would be getting $5.7 million back directly from the TIF. In addition, he has already been awarded $1 million in outright grants for remediation.  Instead of listening to a developer, Zrinski should be reading the ordinance. 

Zrinski also made an argument for being kind to the rich: 

I don't want to gloss over the iniquities within our society. I think we all realize they are real, but that does not mean that any alliance at all to someone with wealth is a betrayal of the working-class families or the poor. This is a false narrative that pits the rich against the poor, driving a wedge between the two further. There is no diametric opposition that is mutually exclusive.

There are a few people in our community who are using the Dixie Cup Project for self-serving purposes, and twisting comments made in this very room. When it comes to housing, we have to say yes to affordable housing. But not to the exclusion of other projects that would not ever come to fruition but through government assistance.

During the meeting, Council members Theresa Fadem and Dave Holland both indicated that they had received "unsettling" pressure to vote for the TIF. I am looking into these allegations, which I consider serious. 

I'll have more about this meeting and the committee hearings next week.