Familiar Faces in Tara Zrinski's Cabinet

With the exception of Administration, Corrections and Fiscal Affairs, NorCo Executive Tara Zrinski's cabinet will consist of holdovers from Lamont McClure's office. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, some might say. Others might argue her selections cast the county into the fiery furnaces of hell. Take your pick. 

Zrinski made her announcement from the courthouse rotunda on Friday, where the acoustics and lighting are terrible. Amid the cacophony, she emphasizes a commitment to collaboration, integrity, transparency, and accountability, stressing that the assembled leadership team is prepared to meet the challenges of county government and govern with the people, not over them. She pledged that her administration will work closely with employees, community partners, and residents to strengthen the county, expand opportunity, and ensure every voice matters.

Although this might seem minor, her decision to open up public comments on the county's Facebook page reflects an earnest desire to be inclusive. Here's how a county news release describes the appointments: 

Director of Administration - Mark Aurand brings more than three decades of legal, nonprofit, and public-sector leadership to his role as Director of Administration, most recently serving as Deputy Controller for Northampton County, where he supervised staff, managed audits, and ensured compliance with state reporting requirements. A seasoned attorney and former founder of a community-driven law practice, Aurand has extensive experience guiding nonprofits, small businesses, and public entities through complex financial, operational, and governance matters.

Director of Court Services – Ken Brown, a dedicated public servant with a strong background in community development and leadership, having earned his degree from East Stroudsburg University and served as Director of Programs for the Easton Boys & Girls Club, Executive Director of Shiloh Manor Inc. for over 25 years, and Northampton County’s Director of Court Services for the past eight years. A martial arts enthusiast and seasoned basketball official, he holds black belts in judo, jiu-jitsu, and karate, and has taught self-defense for many years.

Public Defender – Nuria Diluzio has been the Chief of the Public Defender’s Office since 2018. She oversees 15 attorneys who represent indigent clients from the area. Ms. Diluzio is a graduate of the Temple University Beasley School of Law and has been practicing criminal defense in Northampton County for over 20 years.

Director of Public Works – Michael Emili joined Northampton County as the Director of Public Works in 2018 after serving as a Project Engineer for the City of Bethlehem and a construction inspector within the private sector. He is a licensed professional engineer and holds a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

Director of Corrections – DeAnn L. Lawrence joins Northampton County as our Director of Corrections with over 25 years of legal and law enforcement experience in rehabilitative services and public safety operations. In this role, DeAnn will oversee strategic initiatives focused on facility security, staff development, modernizing inmate programming, and fostering community partnerships for successful re-entry.

Coroner – Zachary Lysek was originally appointed to the position of Northampton County Coroner in 1992, after having served as a Deputy Coroner under Mr. Joseph Reichel for several years. Zachary has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from DeSales University. He is a lifelong resident of Northampton County and has been honored to serve its residents with integrity and dedication for over 34 years.

Solicitor – Melissa M. Rudas is a cum laude graduate of the Dickinson School of Law and Duke University alumna who has served as Northampton County Solicitor since 2018, bringing more than three decades of legal experience in public service and private practice. Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar, Middle Eastern District of Pennsylvania Federal Court, and the United States Supreme Court, she has been recognized as one of Lehigh Valley’s 20 Exceptional Women and named a Top Lawyer of 2025 by the Morning Call.

Director of Community and Economic Development – Tina Smith has served as Director of Community and Economic Development since 2018, cultivating strong partnerships across the region and helping to launch the Northampton County Festival and the award-winning Digital Navigator Coalition. Before joining the County, she spent ten years as President of the Nazareth Bath Area Chamber of Commerce and remains deeply involved in the Lehigh Valley community.

Director of Human Services – Susan Wandalowski graduated with her master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked in child welfare and human services for over 25 years. As the Director of Human Services, Sue and her team have utilized data-driven approaches to identify and build new systems to better serve our county residents.

Director of Human Resources – Mary Lou Zieger has been the Director of Human Resources since September 2021. She began her career with the County as the Deputy Director of Human Services/HR at Gracedale in January of 2018. She has a Bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University and more than twenty years of experience in human resources, benefits, and payroll.

Sheriff – Christopher Zieger brings more than 33 years of law enforcement experience to his role, having served as Sheriff since June 2025, following nearly a year as Acting Sheriff and more than two decades in leadership positions within the department. Over the course of his career, he has led critical initiatives including the Crisis Negotiating Team, planned high-profile trials, helped achieve agency accreditation, and completed advanced training through the U.S. Marshal’s Service, FBI, and the Pennsylvania Deputy Sheriff’s Academy.

The way I read the Home Rule Charter, the only appointments that need a nihil obstat from County Council is the appointment of DeeAnn Lawrence in Corrections and Mark Aurand in Administration. 

She will need County Council approval for two newly created positions. The first is Director of Communications. This position historically has been an assistant administrator and has in recent months focused more on promoting the Executive instead of the county itself. I believe that County Council should have a role in communications, and it should not be used as a muzzle to keep department heads from speaking to council members or the press. The second position is a Program Specialist, who will lead trauma-informed, equity-centered reentry and employment readiness programs to reduce recidivism and build pathways to stability and success. 

She has yet to fill the Director of Fiscal Affairs position held by Steve Barron, known as the NorCo Money Man. Steve must be very hard to replace.

Scott Janney Seeking GOP Nod for LV's State Senate Seat Held By Boscola

I've already told you that State Senator Lisa Boscola is seeking re-election in Pa.'s 18th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Northampton and Lehigh Counties. On Friday, I speculated that Taiba Sultana, a former Easton City Council member would primary her. At the time, to told you that no GOP candidate had announced, but I was wrong. Scott Janney announced his candidacy on WAEB-AM 790 on November 7, the day after a blue wave swept a large number of Democrats into municipal office. He also followed up with an announcement later that evening at the local tea party.

I had spoken to Janney prior to November's election, and he told me he planned to announce his candidacy. I never received anything and thus concluded he was having second thoughts. I saw nothing in any of the local news sources, either. 

When he appeared on WAEB on November 7, radio host Bobby Gunther Walsh drilled home a point that, when John Merhottein ran for Boscola's seat four years ago, nobody knew him. He failed to make himself known by appearing on programs like his or using news sources or social media to get his message out there. 

I disagree with that assessment. Merhottein did make the rounds and did use social media but had no money to spend against a very popular and formidable foe. Well, I think Janney has made a bigger mistake. Other than a right-wing radio show and tea party, I've seen nothing from more mainstream outlets like local new organizations or blogs. 

Boscola's State Senate district includes a lot of voters who would rather die before listening to WAEB or going to a tea party meeting. It also includes more centrist voters who are looking for a change from Boscola. But how can they be persuaded to vote for him if they don't even know he's in the hunt?   

According to his webpage, Janney raises money for a 12-state region of the Salvation Army, perhaps one of the best and altruistic charities in existence. He touts a great deal of success as a fundraiser and told radio host Walsh that he would use those skills to raise money in his own race. But Janney was also involved in the local county races and even spoke at several county council meetings. The fundraising of those candidates was anemic, to put it mildly. It's one thing to raise money for a worthwhile charity, but quite another to raise money for a party that supports the invasion of Greenland, Venezuela, Canada, Iran, Mexico and Cuba while refusing to do a damn thing to help millions of people who need help paying for healthcare. 

Janney outlines his positions here. I suspect he's going to have problems. I don't like Boscola myself, but I dislike his stances on issues more. 

Taiba Sultana to Primary Lisa Boscola?

Sultana door-to-door

In a recent story on his Apocalypse Now blog, Rich Wilkins suggests that former Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana is planning to primary popular State Senator Lisa Boscola this year. Last year, she was pummeled when she primaried popular Bob Freeman for the State House. Since the definition of cRaZy is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result, and since we all know that Taiba is a wackadoodle, I am expecting an announcement from her soon.

As Wilkins reports Sultana savaged Boscola recently because she supports enforcement of our immigration laws, just like former President Barack Obama. Contrary to what some of you believe, there are many Democrats who believe that illegals or undocumenteds (take your pick) should be deported if they have committed serious crimes. I happen to be one of them. But like most Democrats and many Republicans, I don't think ICE should be shooting American citizens in the face in the course of performing their duties. I don't think they should use chokeholds or carotid restraints. And they should be focusing on grabbing real criminals, not some poor dishwasher in the back of a restaurant. 

I've noticed a few posts from Sultana is recent days in which she lobs a grenade or two at Boscola. I've also noticed that, on Facebook, she's now "Taiba Sultana for Working Families," even though she herself does not work.

On Instagram, she's @taiba_sultana26. This is another hint that she's running. She also has set up an ActBlue account for donations. Yet another hint. 

She'll lose, of course. I have been highly critical of Boscola, who has held office forever. But she's highly popular precisely because her office provides excellent constituent service and she has become one of the State Senate's most powerful members. Sultana, on the other hand, failed to get re-elected in her own South Side Easton district. Running against Boscola in a Democratic primary is a fool's errand. But by now, we all know that's what Sultana is. 

Maybe Sultana can get her husband to circulate another nomination petition signed by Boscola, something he actually did when Sultana was running for the state house. 

Could a Republican run against her? Sure. Before last year's election, a local Republican told me he would be announcing right after election night. Well, when five Democrats were sept into county council office, he probably changed his mind. 

Grace Crampsie Smith Says Goodbye to Bethlehem City Council

When Grace Crampsie Smith decided to run in the Bethlehem Mayoral primary against Willie Reynolds, she chose against simultaneously running for her City Council seat. That alone sets her apart from the usual politico. It is very common to see State Reps. run for re-election to that seat while trying to get elected to the state senate or a state row office. It is also common to see local politicians run for two-year and four-year terms simultaneously. Cramsie Smith had a little more respect for the people who put her in office. On her way out the door in her final meeting as a Bethlehem City Council member, she delivered a statement on the importance of separate but equal branches of government.  

As my term comes to an end, I just want to give my thoughts, as well as my wishes, for my city's council and administration moving forward.And again, you know, I want to give some quotes just on what I think is really important about government at every level, the local and state and federal level.

And, you know, again, not everything is relevant to everyone on council and administration, but some things that I say are, first of all, healthy disdain of one man rule was the basis of our Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of our great country. And the essence of good government is to be an independent thinker and voice, and the work to ensure all levels of government are recognized, powerful and strive for high quality of life for all of our residents.

If one level of government suffocates another level, the cause of the people and our Constitution suffers.

It's unfortunate that while there has been certainly good times and recent months and years, I felt the need to defend myself against attacks on my professional experience and my personal character by certain council members as well as certain administrative individuals, just because I really was trying to do what I thought was best for the community. And that's unfortunate, and I really feel that's not the way government should work.

My hope is that moving forward, all of city council will be objective in thought and action, tolerant of the beliefs opposite of their own and recognize and exercise their power as an equal, separate, and significant level of government within our city.

My hope is that destructive mannerisms, both non verbal and otherwise, toward others; desist, desist, and decorum is maintained, maintained, fitting of elected officials.

Many people have commented to me about their perceived lack of decorum and negative mannerisms among certain council members and administrations while attending meetings.

And this has been truly disheartening to me and a disservice to our community and those we serve. I think it's important that we all remember, it is an honor and a privilege to serve our community at both the administrative and legislative level. It is neither a crown nor a sword.

Being on the right side of history matters more than being uncomfortable. That's what it's all about.

Thank you very much.

Zrinski To Announce Her Cabinet on Friday

Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski plans to announce her cabinet on Friday at 10 am from the Northampton County Courthouse rotunda.

ICE Out of Control

ProPublica, a Pulitzer-prize winning online investigative journalism news site, has published a report documenting 40 separate instances during which ICE agents using chokeholds, carotid restraints, kneeling on necks, outright choking and strangleholds. It's the type of excessive force that would get any local police officer fired. There have been no repercussions to ICE officers even though chokeholds and carotid restraints are banned by the Department of Homeland Security.

This report comes in the wake of the homicide of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Right after putting three bullets into her face, either Ross or another ICE agent called her a "Fucking bitch." Rather than investigating Ross for the possible excessive use of force, the DOJ is instead focusing on his victim's ties to groups opposing ICE 's aggressive enforcement tactics. This in turn has led to the resignation of four federal prosecutors.  

As tragic as this homicide is, ProPublica starts its report by stating, "Immigration agents have put civilians’ lives at risk using more than their guns." It reviewed video footage with 8n former law enforcement officers who conclude "this is what bad policing looks like."

One person put in a chokehold was a 16 yo American citizen whose undocumented father was driving him to school. 

A husband with an undocumented wife and a 1 yo child was told by ICE agents to give her up or he would be arrested and his child sent to foster care. He chose his family and was subjected to a carotid hold. This blocks 70% of blood flow to the brain and can be fatal. He went into convulsions and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. ICE later claimed he was faking it. He was denied medical assistance. 

Since the beginning of 2025, there have been 24 shootings by immigration agents. Six people have died. ICE agents have shot at moving civilian vehicles 13 times, a practice banned by most police departments because it is simply too easy to hit an innocent civilian. 

Without question, a majority of the American public thought that immigration was out of control under former President Joe Biden. That's why Trump was elected. But now it is ICE that is out of control. 

Pa. Senator Amanda Cappelletti has proposed legislation that would ban ICE arrests within 1000' of any state-owned or leased property without a judicial warrant. In my view, this does not go far eneough. ICE agents should also be banned from carrying out any activities within 1000' of any school. Moreover, it is time to reinstate the common law principle that prevents authorities from arresting a party or witnesses attending court. If a person knows he might be detained, he'll be less likely to appear. This is in derogation of the Pa Constitutional provision that "[a]ll courts shall be open; and every man for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay."

Right-Wing British News Site Slams Pa Governor Shapiro

If you want proof that Pa Governor Josh Shapiro is eyeing a run at the Presidency, look at who's attacking him. A right-leaning British news site called UnHerd, which masquerades as a challenge to think again, is pretty much parroting whatever Trump trashes or extols at any given moment. Along with telling us that fossil fuels are still king and that Trump will get his hands on Greenland, it has now run a story bashing Shapiro. The problem with this story is that it is fairly unpersuasive, with the exception of taxpayer-funded expenses at his private home. 

The story makes light of the dramatic action he took in 2023, when a heavily traveled portion of Interstate 95 collapsed. In 12 days, Shapiro had the highway back in action, much to the relief of Philly commuters. But what about Harrisburg?, complains author Ryan Zickgraf, who actually hails from the Chicago area. You see, his ebike and car were stolen last year.  And a cRaZy lady stole his cat. And porch pirates steal Amazon packages, too. 

Well Ryan, let me clue you in. Shapiro is the Governor of Pennsylvania, not Harrisburg's Mayor or its City Council. Unlike Donald Trump. he recognizes that his powers are limited. 

Zickgraf does make one valid observation. Renovations to his private residence outside of Philly included security upgrades, which even Zickgraf concedes are understandable at a time when nutjobs are intent on killing public officials. But they also include $290,000 for landscaping and groundskeeping. I'd agree that this should be explained, and I'll bet they were made necessary by the security upgrades. But it could be a lot worse. He could be accepting the unconditional donation of a $400l million luxury jet from Qatar. 

I think this attempt to muddy Shapiro only makes him look pretty good. Having said that, he's certainly not my top choice as our next President.