Safe Harbor VP Seeks West Ward Seat on Easton City Council

From Juli Zando-Denis' campaign Easton, PA - [Date] - Julie Zando-Dennis, a dedicated community advocate and long-time resident of the West Ward in Easton, is excited to announce her candidacy for the Easton City Council in the upcoming election. Julie seeks to represent District 2, which encompasses Wards 5, 6, 7, 8E, and 8W in the West Ward.

With a strong background in community organizing, Julie has been an active participant in local initiatives and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents. Julie will be an advocate for affordable housing, healthcare, quality education, and employment opportunities. Her campaign will focus on key issues such as food security, community safety, and quality of life issues like parking, noise, speeding, and hazardous sidewalks.

"I am running for City Council because I believe in the potential of our community and the power of collective action," said Julie Zando-Dennis. "Together, we can create a more engaged community to address systemic issues and build resilience within the community. I am committed to listening to the voices of our residents and working tirelessly to address their concerns and aspirations."

Julie Zando-Dennis has a proven track record of working with residents, local businesses, and nonprofits who have a vested interest in the West Ward. She currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Safe Harbor Easton, which fosters lifelong success and stability in homeless men and women by addressing the root causes of their homelessness. She also supports community revitalization activities as a volunteer for local organizations and as a member of the Steering Committee of the West Ward Community Initiative. She plans to bring this same dedication and passion to the City Council, ensuring that the West Ward is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

To maintain impartiality and ensure that her decisions are solely in the best interest of the community, she will self-fund her campaign and will not accept any contributions from individuals or corporations. This approach will allow Julie to remain unbiased and fully dedicated to serving the residents of the West Ward.

About Julie Zando-Dennis

Julie Zando-Dennis graduated from law school in 2005 and currently works as a construction professional and pollution claims examiner. She and her wife Ghen have lived in the West Ward for 17 years and have three dogs.

Blogger's Note: According to her LinkedIn page, Zando Denis is a graduate of the University of Buffalo (M.A.H), McGill University (B.A.), Bard College (M.F.A) and Cardozo School of Law. She is licensed to practice in both Pa and NJ and is currently employed as a Senior Claims Examiner at AVP in New York as a construction specialist. 

Should Elected Officials Be Sanctioned For Missing Meetings.

Easton City Council members Frank Pintabone and Crystal Rose last night discussed the possibility of some form of disciplinary action aimed at Council members who miss meetings, extending from docked pay to an annual report on member attendance. Although it is virtually impossible to remove absent members, legislation can easily be crafted to penalize elected officials when they miss meetings. Pintabone also suggested that elected officials who travel to conferences at taxpayer expense should be required to report to the entire body on what was learned. 

Pintabone is hoping to have a least one measure ready by the end of the month.

"It sets the precedent going forward," He observed. "I think accountability is important," agreed Rose, who urged an annual attendance report so that residents can see for themselves who is showing up and who is absent. 

The only Council member opposed to the idea was Taiba Sultana, who called in from Belgium. Before last night's meeting, she had missed 8 meetings or executive sessions in a row, including the amendment and adoption of the city budget. She said that forcing her to attend would interfere with her "autonomy."

Pintabone observed that any employee who failed to show up would be fired. "We owe the public the right to know that we're in attendance," added Council VP Kenny Brown. "If you're not going to show up and do your job you should step aside," said Rose. 

Although Mayor Sal Panto said he agrees with the proposal, he is bothered that this is a response to the absences of just one member. 

I believe this is a measure designed to ensure transparency and accountability, and force elected officials to do their job or face consequences. 

In NorCo, Council President Lori Vargo Heffner went on a taxpayer-funded trip to the National Association of Counties yet refuses to give a report unless everyone else does for the conferences they attend. This should be mandatory for all of them. 

NorCo Council member Ken Kraft missed three budget hearings, which is where some of the most important work is done. 

Pintabone Wants Easton To Fine Candidates Who Fail to Remove Signs From Public Property After Election

At Easton's May 22 City Council meeting, member Frank Pintabone advised he will soon propose legislation who refuse to remove campaign signs from public property after an election. He is suggesting that any candidate who fails to remove these signs within five days after an election be fined $25 per each sign removed by Public Works. 

This ordinance would have no application to political signs on private property.

Frank Pintabone Top Vote Getter in Easton City Council Race

I was right and wrong about Frank Pintabone. I told you I expected him to win one of three seats on Easton City Council, and he did. I told him there was no way he could come out ahead of Kenny Brown, but he did. He led all seven candidates with 1.252 votes. Brown is close behind with 1,114.  The race for the third spot is very close, and cold change once county election officials begin their canvass. Right now, Crystal Rose has the lead for spot #3 with 1,025 votes. But Ken Greene is just 37 votes behind her. 

I'm sorry to say that two-term Council member David O'Connell won only 620 votes and was defeated. 

I'll tell you how Frank captured the top spot in a day or two. 

Source: Northamptonvotes.com