Zrinski's Proposed 43.5% Tax Hike a Factor in Emrick-Warren State House Race

NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski's proposed 43.5% property tax hike has worked its way into the state house race between incumbent Joe Emrick and challenger Jeff Warren. While I would expect Warren to be part of a blue wave that sweeps Republicans out of office in this year's local races and midterms, Zrinski's unpopular proposal could cost him the election.

Warren, along with Ken Kraft and Kelly Keegan, have thus far been Zrinski's loyal lapdogs, as they were for former Exec Lamont McClure. But loyalty in politics can be very short-lived if it has political consequences. But he now claims that "she blind-sided the community, and she blind-sided county leadership as well, without seeking input or working towards solutions before announcing it."

Zrinski, in fact, has told County Council repeatedly that the tax man cometh. She has also hinted that a reassessment is needed.  

Warren has previously stated that he would be very troubled by a county council that provides "oversight," although they, and not Zrinski, are actually the governing body. 

What has happened is precisely what can be expected when Council members like Warren abdicate their responsibility. His failure to provide that oversight is precisely why Zrinski, and McClure before her, felt they could operate with impunity. 

Warren has said on his Facebook page that he opposes Zrinski's 43% tax hike. "When Executive Zrinski brushes this off as just $25 more a month, it does show how out of touch she is with household budgets."

There have been 30 mailers in this state house race, and most are garbage. But this one will hurt. 

Emrick Launches Negative Mailer Against Warren

Joe Emrick is the incumbent State Rep for the 137th legislative district. That includes Bethlehem Tp, Palmer Tp the Nazareth area and a slice of Hanover Tp. He's been challenged by Democrat Jeff Waren, a former Easton City Council member, Hanover Tp Supervisor and a current member of NorCo County Council. 

I recently received a negative mailer from Emrick about Warren, and I want to discuss ir because it is false.

I'm no fan of either candidate. Emrick refuses to speak with or even respond to media inquiries and is known for refusing to meet with constituents who are Democrats. Warren will talk to anyone, but that's his problem. He is a blowhard. 

During his stint on County Council, Warren was first a rubber stamp for Lamont McClure and now is performing that role for Tara Zrinski. He actually had a problem with an oversight committee for Gracedale and said he wanted that word removed, apparently completely unmindful that one his many roles on Northampton County Council is to provide oversight. He actually called Gracedale's provisional license a "slight mishap."

Despite this record, Warren has never been a proponent of higher taxes or more warehouses. Last year, he was among Council members who refused to go along with the suggestion that a tax hike was needed, even though it probably is. He also has opposed tax breaks for possible warehouses, though he supports them for luxury apartments. 

Emrick knows his negative mailer is false. He fails to cite a single instance of Warren supporting higher taxes or more warehouses. 

There are lots of reasons to attack Warren, but these are not among them. 

NorCo Council Member Jeff Warren Has a Problem With the Word "Oversight"

Northampton County Council member Jeff Warren would like to be the next State Rep. for the Nazareth area and is running against incumbent Republican Joe Emrick. Given the public disenchantment with everything that President Trump has done (and failed to do), he just might win. It's gonna' be a tough year for Republicans. But if Warren's brief stint on County Council is any indication, he will be a disappointment. 

At last week's Council meeting, Warren was among those who voted to establish an oversight committee for Gracedale, but only after a motion to table failed. He explained, "I have a problem with the word 'oversight.'" 

Excuse me? Why does he think Council Committees exist? Is he aware that the Home Rule Charter provides that Council, and not the Executive, is the "governing body"? Does he realize that Council retains all "residual" powers not expressly granted? 

Warren has viewed his role as nothing more than a rubber stamp for the executive branch. 

What oversight will he provide as a State Rep? He doesn't evven like the word. 

NorCo Council's Kumbaya Resolution

As most of you already know, Northampton County Council member Kelly Keegan responded to the recent assassination of right-wing pundit Charlie Kirk by calling him a "monster ... . [H]is wife and kids are better off without him as is the rest of the world. Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children."  Although NorCo Council took no action against Keegan at their Thursday night meeting, they did adopt a completely toothless resolution (you can read it below) , drafted by Tom Giovanni, that in essence calls on all of us to be nice. Isn't that nice? Of course, the resolution was adopted unanimously. A seemingly tearful Kelly Keegan, speaking from her phone and out of sight of the public, made it clear she wanted to second it.  What I want to draw your attention to, however, is Jeff Warren's typical lengthy speech in support of it. 

Warren said he was "very disappointed with [Keegan's] extremely, extremely insensitive comments."

Really? 

Last year, one of Keegan's most virulent critics passed away unexpectedly. survived by a mother and a sister who loved him. His name was Ed Reagan. When he was alive, he was critical of several elected officials, including Keegan and Easton Mayor Sal Panto. He filed a RTK request with the Easton Srea School District, where Keegan works as a school nurse. At the time of his request, Keegan's husband was also a school director. 

What Reagan learned is that Keegan posted 112 social media posts and 23 emails about political issues, including marijuana and alcohol, while she was on the clock. He contended that this violated school district policy. I have no idea if there is such a policy, but if there is, she has continued to violate it. She declined to address his allegations.  

When Reagan passed away, Keegan posted this on Facebook: 

She actually celebrated his death. And one of those who "liked" her complete lack of empathy was none other than Council member Jeff Warren.

During his homily, Warren took President Trump to task for failing to "exercise calm," "to be reserved," "to try to bring some discourse together." He's right. Trump is divisive. But Warren could have done that, too, when he saw the extremely cruel remarks that Keegan posted about Ed Reagan's death. Instead, he "liked" what she said. 

The Kumbaya Resolution

WHEREAS, political violence, intimidation, and threats against public officials and private citizens are destructive to a functioning democracy and public discourse; and

WHEREAS, the United States has a long tradition of resolving political differences through civil debate, dialogue, and peaceful processes; and

WHEREAS, political intimidation and violence have a chilling effect on democratic engagement and threaten the ability of citizens to participate freely in the electoral and political process; and

WHEREAS, public officials, community leaders, and all citizens bear a responsibility to model acceptable public behavior against acts of violence, regardless of ideology or political affiliation; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies and the judicial system must investigate and prosecute all incidents of political violence to ensure accountability and rebuild public trust; and

WHEREAS, strengthening civic education and encouraging civil debate are crucial steps toward building resilient communities and reducing polarization;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Northampton County Council unequivocally condemns all acts of political violence, intimidation, and harassment, no matter their target or justification

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Northampton County Council reaffirms our commitment to upholding democratic values, including freedom of speech, assembly, and expression, as the rightful means for resolving political differences.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Northampton County Council calls upon our members and all citizens to publicly reject violent and hateful rhetoric, condemn unlawful behavior, even when committed by those with whom they typically agree, and support peaceful, constructive engagement in all political activities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Northampton County Council commits to promoting civic engagement and civil discourse as the foundations of a healthy democracy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Northampton County Council urges all elected officials to lead by example, tone down inflammatory rhetoric, and dedicate resources to protect free and fair elections and public officials.

Did Warren Invite Nazareth Food Bank For Presentation To Advance His Own Political Ambitions?

Nancy Madara, President of the Nazareth Food Bank, was joined by Secretary Terry Herbster to explain how the food bank operates in the Nazareth area during a presentation to NorCo's Economic Development Committee last week. It serves approximately 230 families who live within the Nazareth Area School District. Nonresidents will be proved food once and will be referred to other food banks where they live. It is supported by donations from individuals, businesses, churches, charities. It is an old railroad station and is located "across from Pizza Joe's" on Main St in Nazareth. The food bank also maintains a garden for fresh produce. 

Madara said she spends "a lot of tie crying" when she is at the food bank "because the generosity of the community is unbelievable."

Food is distributed only a month and is closed over the winter. It collects about six tons of food every year.

Interestingly, no other food banks were invited to make presentations. Could this be because Jeff Warren who chairs the Economic Development Committee, happens to be running for State Rep. in an area that is mostly covered by the Nazareth Food Bank?  Ironically, it is Warren who suggests that other Council members have political motives for their actions.

Jeff Warren to Challenge Joe Emrick For Pa. State House

Jeff Warren and Tara Zrinski

Jeff Warren, a NorCo Council member elected in 2023, announced at a Tuesday night fundraiser, that he plans to challenge GOP State Rep. Joe Emrick in the 137th legislative district. This seat encompasses the three Nazareths (Upper, Lower and Boro), Bethlehem Tp and a portion of both Palmer and Hanover Tp. 

He explains that he's running because "Harrisburg is filled with politicians who are extremely out of touch with what working folks, families, seniors, and children actually need and want." But what is he if not a politician? His undergrad degree from Penn State? Political science. He's worked as a staff assistant for the US Congress, was an aide to State Senator Lisa Boscola and has been a campaign manager for Tara Zrinski. He's also held office with Easton City Council and Hanover Tp's board of supervisors. 

The one thing he has going for him is that Joe Emrick is thoroughly unlikable, even among members of his own party. But he's hard to beat. He handily defeated Anna Thomas in 2024 even though she spent $1.4 million to topple him. In contrast, Emrick spent $311,000.

Warren told WFMZ-TV69 that "Northampton County deserves a better advocate for working folks, families, children, and our local communities." But do county corrections officers, 911 workers and the nursing staff at Gracedale consider him an advocate for them?

On NorCo Council, Warren has been known as one of Executive Lamont McClure's leading advocates. He has also introduced several nonbinding resolutions concerning matters like mass transit funding and a cap on rental fees charged in what we refer to as trailer parks. He has also pushed for more mental health funding and cosponsored a county ordinance that requires feminine hygiene products in all county-owned ladies' and family restrooms. 

Jeff Warren Attack of Giovanni Photo: Petty, Phony and Partisan

Last week, I told you that Tom Giovanni, who represents the northern part of Northampton County on its Council, intends to run for County Executive. Today, I told you that Tara Zrinski, the County Controller, also intends to run. Like it or not, these are two good candidates. They have experience with county government, which is a different animal than most local governments. Yes, Zrinski struggled in her infancy as a County Council member making the transition from activist to elected official. But she has grown, and it shows in the job she has done as Controller. Yes, Giovanni is quiet during meetings, which I actually consider as plus. He has also been everywhere in his district and spends more time at the courthouse than any other council member, serving his community. On this blog, both of them have come under heavy criticism with partisan attacks that are either anonymous or use sock puppets. I'd like to address one of the few partisans who necessarily had to reveal himself because his attack came at a County Council meeting last week. 

This partisan is Council member Jeff Warren. Near the end of Thursday night's Council meeting, Warren used the soapbox to complain about Giovanni's campaign announcement. Giovanni's announcement included a headshot that was apparently taken at county expense, and Warren ostentatiously argued that this use of public resources for politics is wrong and that if he had done it, people would be all over him. "You shouldn't be using public resources for campaign-based activities," he piously declared. 

It's unclear to me that public resources were used at all. When County Council members get their photos taken, it is done by an outside vendor. If they want, they can buy one like Warren did for his "I like me" wall. It would seem to me that the outside vendor might have grounds to complain, but not the county.

In any event, Giovanni said he would refrain from using it. 

This is a very petty complaint, as Warren himself seemed to acknowledge. It is also phony. Warren is complaining about the use of public resources for political reasons, yet that is precisely what he was doing himself. He used county cameras to launch a political attack against someone from another party over a perceived violation. If he felt this was a violation, he should have contacted the DA but chose instead to play politics himself with county resources. In essence, his attack is petty, phony and partisan. 

NorCo Council Member Warren Wants to Abolish Election Oversight Committee

Like it or not, the administration of elections is a core county function. The state legislature decides things voter ID, mail-in ballots and early voting. The county has no say in those matters but is in complete control of the selection of voting systems used. The county recruits, trains and pays a small army of poll workers before each election. It staffs the polls on election day, accepts the returns on election night and conducts the official canvass. Unfortunately, a dark cloud was cast over the elections in 2019 and 2023 because of issues with machine configuration (2019) and coding (2023). In response to these human errors, Council member John Goffredo suggested the formation of an election oversight committee late year. All nine Council members agreed. But when it met on June 18, Council member Jeff Warren suggested that it be abolished. 

Warren fears that the committee could be weaponized by members who dislike the results, even if an election is fair. He also claims the term "election integrity" is some sort of MAGA code for rolling back many of the reforms (mail-ins, drop boxes, etc.) that our then GOP legislature endorsed. That probably is true in some instances. Council member John Goffredo betrayed some of these views at the County Council meeting the very next day, even though county government has no say in these matters. But in my view, the term "election integrity" is a Socratic ideal that we may never completely achieve, but which we should all strive to find. I care very little about the debunked arguments advanced by election deniers but care very much that the public have complete and utter confidence that its county is doing all it can to ensure that you can vote and that it is counted. Until the Dawn of Donald, The Democracy Denier, both Democrats and Republicans held that belief.

Warren who incidentally has less than six months of experience on County Council, was reminded of two botched elections in the sport span of four years. "We're not necessarily creating committees every time there is a slight mishap in county government." he pontificated. 

Warren is completely wrong on several counts. These were no slight mishaps. They were major errors that could have been far worse, and what did happen was bad enough. He did not sit through the meetings that followed, in which members of the public made very clear that they had lost all respect for the county and our system. Warren's dishonest attempt to minimize these problems is a slap across the faces of the public. It sullies the reputation of Executive McClure, who admitted to and took steps to prevent these problems from recurring. It betrays his own complete lack of understanding of County Council's role. It is there to provide oversight of everything done by the county, even the county courts. Most county committees are oversight committees.  

Ironically, the need for better election security was demonstrated the very next night when Executive McClure pointed out that the office is scattered over five locations.

Should Senator Boscola's Office Enroll in 12-Step Program?

Not all that long ago, Senator Lisa Boscola's chief of staff, Bernie Kieklak, was a regular on this blog. He often had insightful and generally funny things to say, but had a tendency to go overboard, especially if he commented late at night. For example, he made this remark about then Congressional candidate Sam Bennett. "Sammy Bennett is a phony political whore who gives good head and makes cheap, blatant political opportunists look like Mother Fucking Teresa. Even her pussy is made of plastic." Turned out he had a drinking problem. Neither Kieklak nor his boss apologized to the numerous women he insulted. In fact, she eventually gave him a raise. Now it looks like her chief legislative aide, Jeff Warren, has a drinking problem, too. What's disturbing about his drunk driving prosecution is his failure to come forward, or to admit he had a prior.

Warren, who is also an Easton City Council member, has disgraced his office and should resign. It is not the drinking that bothers me. I am an alcoholic myself and, if truth be told, should have been arrested a few times for DUI. I'm a bad enough driver sober. What bothers me about Warren is (1) his failure to come forward and admit his problem; and (2) his unwillingness to divulge that this was his second arrest.

What bothers me even more is that State Senator Lisa Boscola, who claims to be a reformed drinker, surrounds herself with people who are not. It makes me wonder what she learned in rehab. At the very least, she's an enabler.

They must have one helluva' Christmas party.

Severson Plays Both Sides of the Fence in Easton Races

In the closing days of the Easton races, a negative mailer was directed at Easton city council candidate Jeff Warren by Easton Republicans. This mailer is so low it even includes a reference to me, who called Warren "Easton's Magnet for Special Interests."

That bulk mailing permit for that campaign piece, Permit No. 132, goes right back to Tom Severson, King of Sleazeball Politics. This Severson slam against Warren is odd for two reasons.

First, Severson is Senator Lisa Boscola's campaign consultant, and Jeff Warren works for her. Lisa Boscola paid that Severson $43,659.65 for her state senate race last year. I guess that was then.

Second, Severson was also Democrat Sal Panto's campaign consultant. Panto's latest report reveals that Severson's Political Strategies, Inc. was paid $11,088 on November 30 for mailers, postage and calls.

Can you say conflict of interest?

For Sale: Easton City Council Candidate Jeff Warren

In his primary bid for Easton City council, Boscola insider Jeff Warren spent $14.90 per vote, compared to incumbent Ken Brown's 8 cents. As the above Republican mailer indicates, I did call him "Easton's Magnet for Special Interests" when I discovered he raised $12,385 between the beginning of the year and the end of April, a lot more than mayoral candidates Fleck($8,424) or Panto($7,365). He picked up $3,300 from representatives of Ashley Development, and another $2,000 from other developers. He reports $4,450 in donations between $50 and $250, but only $300 of this sum actually comes from Easton residents. Outsiders and developers just don't give this kind of money unless they're looking for something.

Fifty-five hundred dollars just from developers? In a city council primary?? In Easton??? Where the sole incumbent has only raised $75???? It's disgusting.

In the most recent reporting period, Warren picked up another $1,000 from the local realtors' PAC.

Warren should just hang a "for sale" sign around his neck and be done with it.

If there's any doubt in your mind, consider the words of Lisa Boscola's potty-mouthed chief of staff, Bernie Kieklak. "I have worked with Jeff Warren for almost 10 years. Jeff is the brightest, most dedicated, and most talented person I have EVER worked with in my 26-year career in the State Senate. Senator Boscola is blessed to have someone of Jeff's caliber on her staff."

Need I say more?

Update: The flipside of this mailer is located here.

Bertsch & Warren Embarrassed at Easton Candidates' Forum

Because I was at county council I missed last night's town hall among Easton's city council candidates. At this event, Easton mayoral candidate Gary Bertsch demonstrated pretty clearly that he does not know the local area. Here's what The Morning Call reports:

Bertsch mentioned that, after the forum, he was driving to Palmer Township to hear plans about a proposed 3,000-unit housing development called Kings Mill. [Sal] Panto quickly pointed out the meeting wouldn't be in Palmer.

"Mr. Bertsch, you better go to Forks Township because that's where the meeting is," Panto said.

The question I like best is the one Terrance Hand (Easton Undressed) had for all city council candidates. He wanted to know how many city council meetings each had attended. Candidate Jeff Warren, who could take bubble baths in the money that developers have handed him, had this helpful reply.

Warren said he attended one meeting, but believed the question was too personal.

"I would like to talk about public policy," he said.

"I wasn't trying to be personal," Hand said. "If you are going to run for council with your current schedule, will you be able to make time if elected?"

In the primary, Ken Brown spent 8 cents for each of his votes. Jeff Warren paisd $14.90 per vote.

A Math Lesson For Jeff Warren

Easton Councilman Ken Brown raised $75 between between February 8 and April 16. He earned 905 votes. Jeff Warren's $12,385, raised between January 1 and April 30, got him 831 votes.

Cost of Ken Brown vote - 8 cents.

Cost of Jeff Warren vote - $14.90.

Money means shit in Easton.

Any questions?

Jeff Warren, Easton's Magnet for Special Interests

On Friday, I told you about expense reports filed by Easton's three mayoral hopefuls - Republican Gary Bertsch and Democrats Sal Panto and Mike Fleck. But there's a candidate in Easton who makes them look like pikers. He's Jeff Warren, and he's running for Easton city council.

Jeff, who currently serves as State Senator Lisa Boscola's chief legislative assistant, has been very responsive whenever I've had a question. When I first heard he was running for city council, I thought he'd be a shot in the arm. And his initiative to eliminate health care and pension benefits for city council members is long overdue for a financially distressed city.

But when I spoke to a long-time Easton observer about Jeff, she picked him to finish either last or second last of the Dem candidates. After paging through Warren's expense reports and finally listening to his interview at Easton Undressed, I hope she's right.

Warren's interview reveals he likes to use the words "plethora" and "proactive," but has the same answers for all of Easton's problems. Community police is one answer. The other is cutting healthcare and pension benefits for city council. He's unfamiliar with Act 47, the Municipal Financial Recovery Act, and was unable to name three blighted properties. But he wants to do all he can to help businesses relocate to Easton. After reading his campaign finance report, I know why.

Jeff raised $12,385 between the beginning of the year and the end of April. That's a lot more than mayoral candidates Fleck($8,424) or Panto($7,365). He picked up $3,300 from representatives of Ashley Development, and another $2,000 from other developers. He reports $4,450 in donations between $50 and $250, but only $300 of this sum actually comes from Easton residents. Outsiders and developers just don't give this kind of money unless they're looking for something.

Other Easton city council candidates have been much more grass roots oriented. Incumbent Ken Brown only raised $75. Peter Melan has raised $5,760, but $3,225 of that amount comes from small contributions of $50 or less.

I'm sorry, but a vote for Jeff is nothing more than a vote for the Pennsylvania Builders Association. His candidacy is a magnet for special interests.

Update: The Express Times has a thorough account of Warren's campaign warchest. Warren calls his report a testament to the support friends, family and colleagues have shown for him and his platform. Yep, Friends like Ashley Development must be very nice. But not so many Easton friends.