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.

NorCo Council Takes No Action Over Keegan Remarks

Last week, in response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan, who is also a nurse at the Easton Area School District, posted this remark on her Facebook page: "He was a monster and his wife and kids are better off without him as is the rest of the world. Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children." The backlash was swift, Many people have called for her resignation from County Council and ouster as a nurse. According to Lehigh Valley Live, she may have been placed on administrative leave by the district superintendent. At last night's meeting of County Council, 15 members of the public weighed in on what Keegan said. Keegan herself was participating by phone instead of being physically present, possibly out of concerns for her own personal security. A deputy Sheriff stood in the well, keeping an eye on the public. After all the talking was done, Council took no action against Keegan. No censure. No stripping of committee assignments. Not even a request for her to step down. They did adopt yet another one of their toothless resolutions, this time condemning political violence in the strongest possible terms. But that was it. 

Of the 15 people who spoke, 3 of them actually supported Keegan. Gail Preunenger, a former Democratic member of the elections commission and regular donor to Tara Zrinski, called on council to "stop the erosion of freedom of speech" and allow Keegan to continue. An Easton High School student said that "everyone who wants Keegan to resign is biased." 

The remaining speakers all wanted some kind of disciplinary action, although most of them acknowledged that Council has no authority to oust a member. That can only be done by the General Assembly's impeachment process, conviction of an infamous crime or at the ballot box. 

Of the dozen speakers who were asking for some sort of discipline, I was most stuck by Christina Martinez. Actually, it was her 9 year old son whose words tell me we have a problem. When she told him she was coming to county council to urge action against Keegan, he expressed concern. "What if they shoot you?" he asked his mother. 

A 9-year-old child should not have to worry that his mother is putting his life in danger when she petitions her government for the redress of grievances. The fact that he would think this is a sorry indictment of just how far we've fallen in our democratic form of government. Martinez said we are entitled to leaders who "lift us up." We've seen the opposite, and that is pretty much true of Keegan. But it's also true of Donald Trump.  

After everyone had finished, Council President Lori Vargo Heffner read a statement: 

I have received several messages from constituents this week with concerns about a social media post. I want to acknowledge reading all of them and thank our citizens for participating in county government with their correspondence. I want to address some of those concerns. I have consulted with our solicitor, and we have reviewed the Home Rule Charter, Administrative Code and our council code of conduct. While the county has a clear social media policy for employees, it does not apply to Council, as we are elected officials and not supervised by the Administration. We are a body comprised of 9 members who serve at the pleasure of those who elected us to fill these positions. We take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are expected to collaborate, debate, discuss issues and oversee the county budget and create legislation. We are expected to follow our code of civility, to have these discussions with respect for everyone’s opinion. While some of us are subdued in our approach and others more vociferous, we all have a right to have our opinions heard in this room. What any of us think, feel, or believe outside of this room in the privacy of our own lives is not governed by this code. We as a body have limited authority to call for the removal of a commissioner, and according to the Charter, these conditions are not met by private actions on social media. 

 As President of Council, I was elected to ensure that this body runs smoothly, and I have made it my mission to ensure that each of us gets time and deference to express our views in meetings. I take the separation of powers seriously and defend this body’s right to independently make decisions. I serve all the citizens of the county and choose to do so with decorum and dignity, not dysregulation. I was elected to serve in this role and recognize that this means to represent all of you, respective of party, privilege, beliefs. I take the privilege of the public’s right to address us just as seriously and ask for your respect and tolerance of us while doing so. While I may disagree with my colleagues at times either professionally or personally, I will continue to honor the code and work of this body as a whole. I continue to be willing to hear you and to the best of my ability, address your concerns when possible. Thank you for hearing and supporting this Council’s work.

Vargo Heffner had a perfect opportunity to bury Keegan, who has actively undermined her and has done her best to turn other Democrats against her. Instead of seeking a censure, for which there is precedent, she chose to take the high road. And even John Goffredo, County Council's most vocal conservative, agreed with her. He said the people should decide whether they want Keegan to continue, not Council. But he added that if she wanted to resign, he'd be happy to accept it.  

Will There Be Political Fallout From Keegan's Remarks?

Late last week, I told you that NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan, who is also employed by Easton Area School District as a nurse, had a troubling reaction to the murder of a far-right influencer named Charlie Kirk. ""He was a monster and his wife and kids are better off without him as is the rest of the world," she said. "Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children." Her remarks have landed her in hot water at the school district, which could take disciplinary action. Her position on NorCo Council, however, is more or less unassailable. The only way an elected official can be removed from office is through impeachment by the General Assembly or conviction of an infamous crime. Yes, there are recall provisions in the Home Rule Charter, but they are unconstitutional. So she should survive the firestorm that she herself ignited. But she's done no favors to Democrats running for office in November. Her remarks just might have made a GOP victory far more likely in NorCo.

In a heartfelt and moving statement, NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski made clear that she has a quality that appears to be missing from Keegan's stained soul - empathy. I also received a statement from NorCo Council candidate Jason Boulette, a Democrat running for one of the five at-large seats, condemned Keegan's remarks, stating that public figures "have a responsibility to not further enflame dangerous situations with angry rhetoric." But the damage has been done. 

Sources close to Keegan tell me she's at a loss to understand why people are so upset with her. She was angry that she was asked to stay away from Forks Community Days. Will she apologize? If she does, will it be sincere or pure expediency?

What I do know is that Republicans are strongly considering a mailer that includes Keegan's "monster" statement, followed by pictures of her with various Democratic candidates.  This will have no impact on hard-core Dems. It will make no difference to the GOP faithful, who would never vote Democratic anyway. But it will sway many moderate and independent voters, and it is they who decide elections. 

Democrats have a fractured County Council ticket already. Because Democrat Lori Vargo Heffner has been willing to be an independent voice and resist some of a Democratic Executive's agenda, she's been blacklisted by most Democratic organizations and unions. The Republicans, in contrast, have a strong team and they are united. 

Keegan's ill-considered comments might just be enough to put them over the top. 

Keegan's Insensitive Remarks Land Her In Hot Water

I closed out last week by reporting insensitive comments made by NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan about the murder of far-right influencer Charlie Kirk. Since then, I've received equally if not more offensive remarks from her before she shut down her Facebook page. I could post them, too, but the point has been made. Some of you have taken me to task for drawing attention to her remarks, but she is both an elected official and a nursing director at Easton Area School District. You should know what she said.

As an elected official, she can be censured by Council, which means nothing. County Council has no authority to do anything else. The only way she can be removed from office is if she is impeached and convicted or is convicted of an infamous crime.  She will remain in office unless she herself resigns. Should she choose to seek re-election two years from now, voters can oust her then. Or re-elect her. 

To be sure, she is political kryptonite at this point to other Democrats running for office. They will likely avoid her. She was a no-show at the Eston Democratic Blue Gala on Friday. She was sent home from Forks Community Days on Saturday. 

Her real problem is her continued employment at Easton Area School District. Superintendent Tracy Piazza has noticed what she said. I never spoke to Ms. Piazza but am told she's been inundated with complaints from parents and staff. As a result, she has sent this "Message to Our School Community Regarding Recent Social Media Post."

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Community Members,

I am writing to you today to address a deeply concerning social media post made by an individual associated with our school district regarding the recent passing of Charlie Kirk. The statements made were deeply insensitive, without merit, and in conflict with all that we stand for as a district.

As your Superintendent, and on behalf of the Board of Education, I want to be unequivocally clear: this individual’s personal opinions and statements do not, in any way, represent the values, mission, or beliefs of our school district or those of the Board of Education.

Our schools are founded on principles of respect, empathy, and compassion. We believe in fostering an environment where every individual is treated with dignity, even in disagreement. We believe in the inherent value of every individual, and the unwavering importance of family. While we recognize that, as individuals, we all have our own opinions and beliefs, as a district, we also believe that public statements that diminish the value of human life or are indifferent to the importance of family are without basis. The social media post in question stands in stark opposition to everything we teach and stand for as a district.

As the Superintendent, I expect that all employees display respect and compassion, both in their professional roles and lives. Anything less is unacceptable and not representative of the conduct we expect from individuals associated with the Easton Area School District.

The administration and Board of Education are dedicated to ensuring that our actions and communications consistently reflect our fundamental beliefs and uphold the trust placed in us by the community, regardless of one’s political views.

We will not condone or tolerate such behavior. We are actively reviewing the situation and will take appropriate action in accordance with district policies and laws. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our school community remains a safe, respectful, and supportive place for all.

Thank you for your continued partnership in upholding the values that define our school community.

Do I think she should be fired? No. But I do think she owes an apology to the public she serves, both as an elected official and as a public-school nurse. She also owes an apology to her colleagues on county council. She has been County Council's most divisive member, attacking Republicans and even other Democrats who refuse to go along with everything that Executive Lamont McClure would like to accomplish before leaving office. At meetings, she has publicly attacked Council member John Goffredo over his numerous online comments, but she and Goffredo could both learn a thing or two from another Council member, Tom Giovanni. He only speaks when he needs to make a point, not to hear the sound of his own voice. 

NorCo Council Member Kelly Keegan Celebrates Murder of Far-Right Influencer

Unlike many of you, I studiously avoid most of the talking heads that routinely appear on television. Up until the day of his unfortunate murder, I was completely unfamiliar with far-right influencer Charlie Kirk. From what I've since learned about him, I have little in common with him and disagree strongly with nearly all of his views. But like every one of us, he is entitled to the same respect and dignity that we all owe each other. I disagree strongly with my brother's political views, but he is still my brother. Some of my closest friends are ardent Trump supporters. We can still talk, and we're even able to talk about politics. There is no need to hate someone simply because he is Republican or Democrat. The whole point of a democratic republic is to encourage differences. And the First Amendment protects speech that you or I might find totally repugnant. Unfortunately, there are people who fail to understand this. The worst of these are people who are willing to use violence to suppress views they detest. And there are others who will actually celebrate this political violence. Unfortunately, one of these cheerleaders of political murder sits on Northampton County Council. 

Kelly Keegan is the District member of NorCo Council, representing the Easton area. She is also employed by the Easton Area School District as a nurse. She reacted to the senseless murder of a relatively unknown far-right influencer on Facebook with "IDGAS (I don't give a shit), his life isn't different than anyone else's. Karma." She didn't like his insensitive comments about children and adults who were killed in a mass shooting. 

She did not stop there. She also said, "He was a monster and his wife and kids are better off without him as is the rest of the world. Hopefully her next partner will respect women and children." 

If Kelly Keegan respected human life, she would not have said these things. I think a person like her has no place representing the people of Northampton County or being near the children at Easton Area School District.

UPDATE 9/14/25 AT 11:45 AM: I have received some comments claiming that they are unable to see the newer comments. That is because they are on a new page. If you scroll to the bottom, you can open up the new page. 

Keegan Did Zrinski No Favor in NorCo Exec Race - Part II

Late last week, I shared a picture that NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan posted on Facebook It included some of the Lehigh Valley's most extreme Democrats, posing with Bernie Sanders. The picture also includes Controller Tara Zrinski, who is in a tough race with Amy Cozze for county exec.  At a time when Zrinski is being labeled an extremist, this is no way to help her.  

I've already told you about Ce-Ce Gerlach (standing on right side of Zrinski). But I did not tell you about the woman on the far left. That's Enid Santiago, a former State Rep. candidate who claimed her election was stolen (Sound familiar?) She actually spoke at the rally. She was introduced by former Congress member Susan Wild, who has apparently stopped pretending she's a moderate. Wild hugged Santiago. 

And what did Santiago say during her 15 seconds of fame? "Fuck ICE!"  

Despite that divisive remark, Keegan thought nothing of posting a picture of her with Zrinski and other far-left extremists.

I have several friends who lost children the fentanyl scourge over the past several years. On Friday, I spoke with a mother who still grieves over her daughter's untimely and unnecessary death. These days, she tries to discourage other kids from making the same mistakes her daughter did. I told her that her efforts are probably helping because the number of fentanyl overdose deaths has dropped.

"No, that's because Trump closed the border," she countered. 

And she could be right. While he might have tanked our economy and is trying to remove safety nets that protect our most vulnerable, very few of us would argue against removing criminals who enter this country illegally. I know from personal experience, as a former federal prosecutor, that ICE agents do tend to have a high proportion of cowboys, but "Fuck Ice?"

A person who makes that kind of statement has lost touch with the blue collars. 

Tara has little control over who poses with her in a group picture. But it was completely moronic for Kelly Keegan to post that group picture. 

It was also idiotic for Congressional candidate Carol Orbando-Derstine to participate in a panel discussion with Santiago at a UNIDOS town hall last week. But Derstine is getting coached by Susan Wild. 

Entitled Kelly Keegan Upset By "Spandex Ass" Blocking Her View at Bernie Sanders Rally

Over the weekend, US Senator Bernie Sanders took his Fighting Oligarchy Tour to LU's Stabler Arena. I wanted to go and signed up for a ticket but never heard back. I like Bernie but he's a bit late. Our unresponsive national government has long been a bastion of oligarchs and kleptocrats on both sides of the aisle. It precedes the Trump era. I also completely disagree with Bernie when it comes to defense spending. We need a strong and robust national defense precisely because that will deter others from testing us.  

One person who did attend and apparently had front row seats was NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan. But she was miffed that a woman stood in front of Keegan as some band played before the usual parade of speakers. 

Instead of asking this woman if she would mind moving, Keegan snapped a picture and posted it on Facebook with this snark: "I'd rather watch the band then [sic] her spandex ass."

The photo that Keegan took shows that, in fact, she could still watch the band, but that's beside the point. What bothers me is this rather mean-spirited slur against another woman coming from a person who has been elected to represent us as a public servant. 

It is body-shaming. 

Kelly Keegan Votes No to Paying Starting DA the Same Salary as a Starting PD

Yesterday, I told you that NorCo DA Steve Baratta announced has hired Frank Donchez, Bethlehem's former Police Comm'r, as an assistant prosecutor. He said Donchez's background in law enforcement and as a practicing attorney made him a worthy choice. Although he was hiring an assistant DA to an existing position, he sought a three-step upgrade for Donchez from $67,828 to $77,403. Under the Administrative Code, a three-step upgrade requires County Council approval. Last night, he got it. Council voted 8-1 in favor of the upgrade, with Kelly Keegan casting the lone No vote. 

Yesterday, I accused her of taking her cues from Executive Lamont McClure. I say this because she has been a reliable rubber stamp for him since being sworn into office.  And McClure, to be blunt, is cheap. He does not like paying people who work for the county a lot of money. Ask any union member. Ask any career service worker, Hell, ask anyone who works for the county. He even opposes much-needed pay increases to his own position. 

My accusation angered Keegan, who posted a comment here, ripping me, and followed that up with a claim at last night's meeting that this is a "drama blog." 

Actually, this blog focuses mostly on Lehigh Valley and Northampton County government, making it more of a comedy blog. Bad comedy, yes, but there it is. 

Keegan then proceeded to complain about the $10,000 payhike as well as a pension that is earned after five years, as though she were the Judy of Punch and Judy, with Lamont McClure pulling the marionette strings from above. She also argued that since she had to start as a new hire when she moved from Allentown to Easton School District, everyone should. 

Later that night, she voted to hire Aline Shafnisky as Council Clerk at a salary well above what she earned as a Deputy. 

Her own thinking is inconsistent, which is what happens when people vote as they're told instead of on the basis of what they believe. 

She's choosing to ignore the real difficulty that District Attorneys across the state and country have had in attracting new talent. She also ignored a point Baratta made for two days in a row - Donchez' salary would still be below the starting salary of an assistant public defender. "I'm asking for a salary that's competitive with what we pay our brand-new PDs," he said last night. Public defenders have a duty to represent indigent defendants, while prosecutors protect the community. That's why they represent "the Commonwealth." 

Council member John Goffredo agreed with Baratta. "I don't know why we are not allowing the guy that got elected to run the office the way he sees fit. If you think this is going to help, I would love to be in support of it. 

There was no other discussion, and Keegan found herself alone in voting No. Even Jeff Warren, the Punch to the usual Punch and Judy routine, voted Yes. 

NorCo Council: Rowe is In, Myers is Out

Hellertown's Bill Rowe and NorCo Council President Kerry Myers both got knocked off the ballot in their attempts to seek a spot on County Council. Bill Rowef, a first-time candidate, was seeking the Republican nomination in District One (Bethlehem) and made one mistake. He failed to file a copy of his financial statement with the Clerk of County Council. That is unfortunately a fatal error. Unlike Rowe, Myers has experience as an office holder. He was seeking the Democratic nomination in District Two (Easton). He failed to get signatures from 250 Democrats who live in his district. 

District 1 (Bethlehem area)

Rowe waged a successful write-in contest on the Republican side for the Bethlehem area County Council district.  Of 451 write-in votes cast, he got 321 votes. Democrat Ken Kraft, who won the Democratic nomination, attempted a write-in campaign among Republicans. He pulled in 52 votes. There were 67 votes designated as "not assigned."

This race will continue in the Fall, with Bill Rowe squaring off against Ken Kraft. 

District 2 (Easton area)

After being knocked off the ballot as a Democrat, Myers switched parties and campaigned for the Republican write-in nomination in the Easton area County Council district.  Forks Tp Supervisor Kelly Keegan was running unchallenged for the Democratic nomination. 

The Republican party hierarchy backed Myers. Party chair Glen Geissinger, flanked by three Republican members of County Council, endorsed Myers at a news conference. But Myers failed to get the required 250 write-in votes. 

Of 299 write-in votes cast, Myers attracted 197 votes. Democrat Kelly Keegan, who waged a write-in campaign on the Republican side of the aisle, pulled down 34 votes. There were also 68 "scattered write-ins.  

This race is over, Barring an unlikely independent candidate, Kelly Keegan will be the next County Council member in District 2. Myers is now officially a lame duck.