Express Times Awards Turkeys to Tara Zrinski & Kevin Lott

Kevin Lott

Over the past few months, I've been highly critical of Council members Kevin Lott and Tara Zrinski. Lott is a lame duck on his way out, as evidenced by his failure to show up or just phone in at numerous  meetings. Zrinski is no lame duck. She's instead an opportunist whose public Facebook page states "Tara Zrinski - Political Candidate." She's always running for something, and her favorite flavor this year is the Controller's job. Am I too harsh? If so, I've got company. This past weekend, The Express-Times awarded them both turkeys.

As I've been telling you for several months, there's a serious staffing shortage at Northampton County's Juvenile Justice Center. It's actually a statewide problem caused by low pay, and has prompted juvenile court judges to request that higher salaries be paid to youth care workers. The Lamont McClure administration has offered a contract that pays the same amount of money that corrections officers get, but union negotiators rejected this and declared an impasse. It wasn't until two weeks ago that the Pa Labor Relations Board bothered to schedule an arbitration for the end of June. 

Tara Zrinski

As the staffing shortage has continued into its 17th month, this has had real world consequences. On April 21, a 16 year old teen stole a car near Cheston elementary school after the driver exited the vehicle with the engine still running. Pennsylvania State Police apprehended this youth an hour later in Ross Township, Monroe County. He was charged but was released to his mother because Northampton County's Juvenile Justice Center lacked the staffing to handle him. The very next day, this same teen carjacked another vehicle parked outside a Palmer Tp convenience store with its engine running. This time, an 8 year old girl was in the car. When the driver saw the carjacking, she ran outside the store and tried to get in the car. She got a hand on the door, but was repelled and hit her head on pavement. Fortunately, the 8 year old (the driver's daughter) managed to unlock the door and jump out. This teen led police on a high speed chase before rolling the car in Upper Nazareth Tp.

While waiting for an arbitration, Court Administrator Jermaine Greene has tried everything to provide manpower. He's tried getting more part-time positions.  He's tried increasing the salaries paid to supervisors. Most recently, he's tried adding "assistant supervisors" to the workforce. Along the way, Council members Kevin Lott and Tara Zrinski have thrown up roadblock after roadblock. 

Lott has demanded performance and sustainability reviews and has even accused Greene of union bustin.' Zrinski, who once was sanctioned for lying in a custody dispute, accused Greene of being deceptive. Both were clearly bothered that the "assistant supervisor" positions being sought by Greene are nonunion. That question can easily be answered with a unit clarification petition. There was no need for the histrionics. 

The Express Times has tagged Lott and Zrinski for playing to the unions. 

Actually, I think it's far more serious. Lott and Zrinski are obstructing every effort made to solve a staffing shortage. While this continues, juveniles who should be detained are instead out on the street.  Sooner or later, someone is going to get killed because they are playing games instead of doing what is right for public safety. 

Kevin Lott Sole Applicant for Kraft's Seat

Two weeks ago, NorCo Council Prez Ken Kraft jumped ship. He stepped down, not just as President, but as a member of County Council. He's now working at the jail, where he belongs.

His salary is $74,076 a year, a significant increase from his $9,500 salary as Council President. Who will succeed Kraft on Council?

For months, it was rumored Kraft would be replaced by Kevin Lott. He's the business agent for the Lehigh Valley Carpenters Union as well as a Hellertown Borough council member.

Lott was instrumental in the 2015 prosecution of Bethlehem construction firm Salukas and White for defrauding workers of decent wages and the government of taxes by deliberately misclassifying employees as subcontractors. Lott accused the firm of "exploiting people" who will end up on welfare when they turn 65 because they will be unable to collect social security. "It's a shame on every level."

Lott also sued over the P3 bridge project, but withdrew his challenge.

He is among those who submitted letters seeking leniency for former Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski, who was convicted of political corruption. Lott made clear to me that he personally witnessed Pawlowski help the disadvantaged in Allentown, and that's why he spoke up for him.

Lott is the sole applicant for the County Council vacancy.

Though you never really know what will happen until it does, it seems likely that Lott will be appointed Thursday night.