NorCo Controller's Office Faces Tough Questions Concerning Gracedale Retention Bonus Audit

Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski formally presented her audit of Gracedale's retention bonuses to County Council yesterday. I previously posted her report (you can see it here), in which she determined that less than half of $5 million that Council authorized for employee retention bonuses was actually spent for that purpose. Council had requested the audit in March. 

The $5 million in retention bonuses at Gracedale was part of a larger $15.5 million spending plan of federal pandemic funds at the nursing home, passed in 2022 by County Council. The only Council member to vote against bonuses was John Brown. 

The audit makes no recommendations. Council member Ron Heckman asked if the Controller had any recommendation that future contributions like this be placed in a restricted account so that the funds can be tracked as spent. Zrinski and Lead Auditor Stacy Duke both stated that a controller makes no recommendations when it does an "agreed upon procedures" audit. It just presents its findings. 

Council member John Goffredo, who like Heckman was participating by phone, was "very dissatisfied" because the audit fails to state specifically how these funds were spent after they were commingled with other funds. No matter how hard Zrinski and Duke tried to tell him that is impossible once funds are commingled, he kept insisting that the Controller could answer that question "with a little more work." Eventually, he was stopped by Finance Committee Chair John Brown, who said "we are going around in circles." 

Stacy Duke later explained that the Gracedale general fund was exhausted the year in which the retention bonuses were poured into it, so all the funds were necessarily spent on Gracedale expenses. Gracedale was contacted to see if there were any tracking, spreadsheets, balance sheets or excel reports that would show expenditures being paid from money set aside for bonuses. There were none. "There was no tracking system. I'm not really sure how you can get a tracking system out of somebody who did not track it."

In response to questions from Council Prez Lori Vargo Heffner, Duke stated that the $5 million in retention bonuses was reported to the federal government as a "revenue loss." She indicated that Gracedale had $88 million revenue in 2023 but operating expenses of $116 million. So the $5 million was used for a "revenue loss."

Council member John Brown noted that retention bonuses were still being paid after 2023, even though the federal funds had already been exhausted. This means that the county would have been spending its own money for a portion of the $2.3 million paid out in retention bonuses. Duke agreed with his observation. He would like to know what county monies were moved over to Gracedale, but he acknowledged he would need to seek a new audit to get an answer. Given that county funds were used to pay retention bonuses after 2023, Brown questioned why they are not being used to pay career service employees now. He also wanted to know why Jennifer Stewart King, who was administrator for more than seven years, was never interviewed. "our audit staff does not have the power to compel somebody to give a statement," said Zrinski, who was battling a cold, allergies or both. 

Brown concluded that the audit report was "misleading." He also expressed concern that the county moved money over to Gracedale in 2024 to cover a $8 million shortfall without a budget amendment or seeking Council's approval. "Someone's moving money without the authorization of this [Council]. ... This, along with the way monies are moved without being brought before this body is troublesome. They [the county administration] ignored or didn't honor the [council] resolution ... . There's a pattern of disregard for the checks and balances that are meant to be put in place."

Based on the points raised by Brown, there are still questions that need to be answered.  

Zrinski Wants Bus Service in Slate Belt To Continue

As most of you know, I'm an old fart. I live in an apartment building specially set up for old farts and younger disabled people with limited incomes. I like it. My next door neighbor (he passed away a few weeks ago) was a retired garbage man who spent 40 years on the back of the trucks. Another was a drummer for famous singers like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. One fellow - a giant of a man - provided security for celebrities in California before going blind. I could go on and on, and maybe one day I will tell their stories. One thing that most of us appreciate is the LANTA bus. There is a stop right outside the building. At one time, it was served by two separate routes. (217 & 216). Now it's just one (216), and that will no longer serve Nazareth at the end of June. There will still be service from another route, but it will be far more limited. This will affect several residents who rely on LANTA. It will also impact several other Nazareth residents whom I have seen on the bus from time  

I realize this is a "poor person" issue. I often hop on a bus, especially when riding my bike so I can pretend I went farther than I actually did. I've seen the people who rely on buses to get to jobs at restaurants, Walmart and local industrial parks. One Spanish lady - she does not speak a word of English or pretends not to when I'm on the bus - always has a piece of fruit for me. 

Although Governor Josh Shapiro is pushing for $292 million in mass transit funding statewide, his quest faces an uncertain fate in the Republican held state senate. LANTA is planning to reduce service by 20%. This should have little impact if you live in downtown Allentown, Bethlehem or Easton. But the farther you are from the urban core, the more difficult it will be to get around. It will be especially tough for Slate Belt residents. They are often little more than an afterthought among elected officials, so I was surprised to see a press release from NorCo Controller and Exec candidate Tara Zrinski about bus service to the slate belt (Route 217), which will be reduced at the end of the month.

Her news release states that Route 217 is being eliminated, but my understanding is that service is just being reduced. Here's what she says:

As the Democratic nominee for Northampton County Executive, and as a former county councilmember and current county controller, I am deeply concerned about the proposed elimination of Route 217 and other essential bus services in the Slate Belt region.

While I do not reside in the Slate Belt, I understand that public transportation is a lifeline for many Northampton County communities. Route 217 connects residents to jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores, and vital services. Surveys show that the vast majority of riders—about three-quarters—have no other transportation option. Eliminating this route would strand those without access to a car—especially in rural areas where alternatives are scarce.

It is especially important to recognize that many individuals in recovery from addiction rely on these bus routes to reach recovery centers, counseling sessions, and support group meetings. Reliable transportation is essential for successful recovery; without it, missed appointments can disrupt progress and increase the risk of relapse. 

Seniors, low income individuals/families and the disabled are all especially vulnerable to these proposed cuts. Reductions in fixed-route and paratransit services will limit their ability to reach medical appointments, grocery stores, and social activities, leading to increased isolation and diminished quality of life. The planned 25% fare increase on the Shared Ride for Seniors program and restricted service days and hours will further compound these challenges.

Removing Route 217 would undermine the hard-won progress of many in our community.

Northampton County has consistently advocated for equitable bus route allocation, ensuring that all residents—regardless of location—have access to essential services. To take these routes away now would undermine years of progress and jeopardize the well-being of those in recovery from opioid addiction and other substance use disorders.

Where can LANTA get the money?

LANTA’s funding challenges are real. The transit authority has relied on federal COVID relief funds, but those have now run out. Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget includes a $6.6 million increase in state operating funds for LANTA, which could help avoid devastating service cuts. Additionally, the Governor has proposed increasing the transit share of the state sales tax, which could provide LANTA with millions more annually if approved by the legislature. Federal grants, such as those from the Federal Transit Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also remain important funding sources.

I urge LANTA and state leaders to prioritize these funding solutions and to preserve essential services for all communities. Northampton County is a growing community and, as part of the Lehigh Valley our services are essential to that economic growth. Public transportation is not just about mobility—it’s about access, opportunity, and dignity. We must not let funding shortfalls harm our most vulnerable residents.

Israel Has No Choice

Although I'll agree that Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu is a thug, there's a marked difference between him and Israel itself. If Iran is able to develop nuclear weapons, there is little doubt in my mind that they will be used, and against Israel. While Tehran insists it only wishes to develop nuclear power for peaceful purposes, it is enriching uranium far beyond the level needed for civilian use. Moreover, the UN nuclear watchdog concluded last week that the Persian Power is ignoring its nuclear safeguard obligations. 

With the backing of 19 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency has determined that

“Iran’s many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.”

Instead of vowing to comply, Iran instead said it would start a new "secure site" and speed up its uranium enrichment program, which is what is needed for nukes. 

So Israel has no choice.

Israel has attacked military targets, but the underground sites might be invulnerable to bunker buster bombs. If that is so, it might be necessary to use troops as Irael did in Syria.  

Why We Need Public Libraries

In the 21st century, are libraries a thing of the past? Even on Northampton County Council, Kelly Keegan has stated nobody reads anymore. I personally think libraries are more important than ever, primarily because they have adapted to changing times. They now have extensive digital collections; are accessible by rich and poor alike; usually provide internet access to persons unable to afford this service; and encourage intellectual development. If it were not for the public library, there's no way a person like me would be able to afford to books I enjoy reading.

Northampton Area Public Library's Exec. Director, Veronica L, provided NorCo Council on June 5 with a run down of exactly what a public library does in 2025. She called it the "first point of access for information, self-enrichment, leisure, and social connections." It serves about 44,000 people spread out over 96 sq miles. 

The library operates with a "fun bunch" staff of 12 people. The latest financials reveal that a total of $280,171 is paid in salaries. "Our goal is approachability. ... Please, bother us." 

Its resources include extensive physical and digital collections, including a historical and growing Spanish collection; board games; 500 online continuing education courses; and WiFi hotspots. The library will make homebound and senior center visits as well. It also includes NewsBank, a news content aggregator that contains thousands of news articles from all over the world. It is updated daily.

The library had over 60,000 visits in 2024 and circulated nearly 100,000 items (62,033 were physical, i.e. books). The library also made 525 visits Over 11.600 area residents have a library card.  

The library is 52% funded by the Northampton Area School District, and area municipalities also contribute. The library will be fine free in July. "Just get the books back to us."

Why US Senator Removed From Kristi Noem Presser

I don't care for people who shoot dogs, so naturally, I dislike Kristi Noem. From my own personal experience, I know ICE is populate by cowboys who act without thinking. Nevertheless, the removal of US Senator Alex Padilla from a Noem presser yesterday appears to have been justified. 

I say this based on the account of a CBS cameraman who was there. He said that Noem was still delivering her opening remarks when he saw "an individual emerging from the press corps, taking steps toward the Secretary. ... trying to ask a question, saying, I have a question. And immediately, security is on him because as he is saying these questions, as he is speaking, he is taking steps approaching the secretary at the podium. So security grabs him, moves him out, and I gotta' tell you, I didn't recognize him at first either." It was only as he was being dragged out that he identified himself as a US Senator. 

Now what happened outside when they cuffed him is another story. 

Padilla never explained why he chose to interrupt Noem while she was making her opening remarks or why he approached the podium as he did so. 

Is Pa. Finally Going to Increase Minimum Wage? Don't Hold Your Breath

Spotlight reports that the Democratic Pa. House has passed a bill that would increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour over a period of time. From there is will move to the Republican Pa. Senate, where I expect it to wither on the vine. 

This has happened before, when a then Democratic Pa. Senate adopted a minimum wage increase that died in the Republican Pa House. 

Pa.'s minimum wage is $7.25, which also happens to be the federal minimum wage. 

Has Crosswell Crossed Us?

On Tuesday, I told you that a former federal prosecutor, Ryan Croswell, is seeking the Democratic nomination to the Pa. 07 Congressional seat currently held by Republican Ryan Mackenzie. At a time when everyone and his mother is running from the Democratic party; this lifelong Republican joined it in late December. His campaign committee (Croswell for Congress) lists an Allentown PO Box, although its unclear whether Croswell himself actually has moved into the district. His campaign treasurer, Jeremie McCubbin, lists an address in Tempe Az. McCubbin is actually a compliance consultant with Common Cents Solutions, a Democratic campaign finance compliance firm. 

Croswell resigned as a federal prosecutor in February after refusing to participate in the dismissal or public corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. He portrays his campaign as a principled stand, in his own words, for "the rule of law" and to "defend our country." He pours it on some more with this: "[Trump] wanted me to break the code and ignore the law, and that’s something I would never do." 

He sounds very noble, doesn't he? But is he really?

The truth is that Croswell registered a congressional campaign committee website back on December 15, 2024, several months before Trump or Mackenzie had ever taken office. So at the time that Crosswell wrote his very principled resignation, he had already decided he was running for Congress somewhere. PunchbowlNews (subscription required) reports he's already raised $200,000. 

I doubt any of that money comes from the Lehigh Valley. 

While he now claims to be Trump's fiercest foe. "I may not have the power that Trump has forcibly seized for himself," he says of a Democratically elected President, "but that won't stop me from fighting against him again - with Honor, Courage," etc. 

And by the way, can you spare him a few bucks? Apparently, he needs to fight with Honor, Courage and Money, too. 

I agree with Easton Mayor Sal Panto. Crosswell is a fraud. He's also being played.

I see Susan Wild's fingerprints all over this. In her own first race, she recruited Roger Ruggles to run against John Morganelli for Congress, knowing that would dilute John's vote total in Northampton County. Now she's recruited a former prosecutor who thinks very highly of himself to run, but what she isn't telling him is that she hopes that with two men and one woman in a Democratic primary, the woman will win.