Today's one-liner: “In a republican nation whose citizens are to be led by reason and persuasion and not by force, the art of reasoning becomes of first importance.” T Jefferson
Now that he's been elected to the state house, Jeff Warren will need to resign his seat on NorCo Council. He takes office in early December, so my guess is that he will resign before Exec Tara Zrinski's budget comes up for a vote. That way he can avoid being tagged with a tax hike. My question is who will replace him?
Warren is a District, as opposed to an at-large, Council member. His District, District 3, consists of the Townships of Bethlehem Tp, Lower Nazareth, Hanover, East Allen, Allen and the Boroughs of Northampton, N Catty, Freemansburg and Nazareth. It pays $10,000 a year. Anyone appointed to replace him in his final two years would have to be a resident of that district. NorCo's Home Rule Charter imposes no requirement that the appointee be a member of the same party as the resignee, but I seriously doubt that the eight remaining Democrats on County Council would appoint a Republican.
Possible replacements include former Exec Lamont McClure, former Exec Jerry Seyfried, former Council member Jeff Corpora and Joe Welsh, who has been attending lots of meetings in recent weeks.
I doubt very much that Lamont could get more than three votes. Jerry Seyfried would be an excellent choice, but I'm unsure he'd want it. Jeff Corpora has experience, having served two years as a court appointee. Joe Welsh is knowledgeable and amiable, but his frequent soliloquies to County Council might have hurt him if he is interested.
I am sure there are several people already making inquiry.
UPDATED 8:24: In the original report, I neglected to include Freemansburg as part of District 3.
At their meeting last night, Northampton County Council members Jason Boulette and Jeff Warren agreed to introduce an ordinance (you can see it here) that establishes a county civil rights commission. Typically, Council members wait to discuss the merits of proposed ordinances until there is a public hearing. That will occur on March 19.
The purpose of the ordinance, as stated in the bill itself, is to "declare [the county's intent] to promote the rights and opportunities of all persons to participate in the social, cultural, recreational, and economic life of the County and to assure equal opportunity for all persons concerning employment, housing, education, health care, and use of public accommodations without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical marital status, familial status, GED rather than high school diploma, or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, height, weight, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status."
The Commission envisaged by this ordinance consists of seven members appointed by the Executive, which County Council can confirm or reject. Members will reflect the diversity of protected classes. If the commission finds that a complaint of discrimination is substantiated, it can fine the offender up to $600.
Although Council members themselves will make their arguments two weeks from now, the proposed ordinance had support from several members of the public, including Lehigh Valley Justice Initiative's Joe Welsh. In a previous life, Joe Welsh litigated numerous civil rights discrimination lawsuits. He encouraged the creation of a human relations commission, noting that federal and state agencies that oversee discrimination complaints are completely overwhelmed and can take over a year to investigate and resolve complaints.
Welsh stated that earlier that evening, "I stood here ... and saw every single member of council, put your hand over your heart, and pledge allegiance to the principle of liberty and justice for all. And that is a fundamental goal and cherished aspiration of the United States of America. And this piece of legislation, you can consider the enabling legislation for that lofty goal."
In other business, Northampton County Council voted 5-3, with one abstention, to support a resolution opposing ICE warehouses in Northampton County. The measure was supported by Council members Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan, Jeff Warren, Nadeem Qayyum and Jason Boulette. It was opposed by Council members Lori Vargo Heffner, Tom Giovanni and Dave Holland, with Theresa Fadem abstaining.
Warren, who is running for State Representative, said that he and Boulette worked on this resolution for several weeks. He noted that Bucks County recently approved a similar resolution and took umbrage with a claim by Upper Mount Bethel's Charles Baltic that the resolution is unconstitutional.
Council Solicitor Matt Deschler assured County Council that the resolution passes constitutional muster.
Baltic made that claim during courtesy of the floor and wondered why County Council is getting involved in a federal matter when they should be paying closer attention to county finances.
Why did Fadem abstain? She is a code enforcement officer in Hellertown. "My role in code enforcement requires that I apply ordinances and applicable state and federal laws fairly, consistently. And without bias. Property owners have established rights under the law. And if a proposed use is permitted under zoning ordinance, and the applicant follows all the required procedures, meets all the safety in building and land development standards, and satisfies all their legal requirements. We don't have the authority to oppose that use based on our personal or our political viewpoints. To do so would be inconsistent with the rule of law and the oath that, at least, I have taken."
Vargo Heffner's problem with the resolution was a passage echoing Executive Tara Zrinski's call "for industry and real estate leaders to decline to sell or lease industrial warehouse facilities to the federal government for the purposes of mass detention." Vargo Heffner added, "We don't have the right to say what people can or cannot sell." Holland shared Vargo Heffner's concern and suggested removing that portion of the resolution, but no one made such a motion.
Kraft supported the resolution because an ICE purchase of a warehouse would remove the property from the tax rolls. In addition, he complained that most warehouses are "tilt ups" set up in a way that may be large, but has little actual living space in terms of restrooms, showers, etc.
Giovanni opposed the resolution. "We're trying to be a zoning body and we're not," he said succinctly.
During this meeting, Executive Tara Zrinski provided yet again an exhaustive report of what is going on in the county, department-by-department. I'll share what she had to say on Monday.
Back in October, Northampton County Council sued former Executive Lamont McClure over audio and visual upgrades to County Council's meeting room. Ron Heckman, a former Council member, was participating in meetings remotely and routinely complained that he was unable to hear or see what was happening. When he would speak at meetings, his voice would often cut off, and no one could hear him. It was suggested that he might be responsible himself for his technical difficulties, but he insisted that this was a systemic problem that the Executive branch chose to ignore.
Northampton County Council actually adopted an Ordinance for these upgrades in late 2023. According to the terms of this Ordinance, the upgrades were to be completed by June 2024. Then Exec McClure vetoed the Ordinance, but the only Council member who voted to sustain that veto was then Council member (and now Executive) Tara Zrinski.
The total cost of these upgrades is unknown but is well within County Council's contingency fund.
With the recent election and inauguration of Tara Zrinski as Exec, I thought County Council and the Exec would reach some sort of agreement. But instead, the matter is currently in the hands of Northampton County Court. The County Exec maintains that a complaint for Declaratory Judgment is an improper form of action. I personally think a Mandamus action is probably more appropriate but am unsure whether the court wishes to exalt procedure over substance.
At their very first meeting in January, Northampton County Council will decide on a new President, VP, and Council Solicitor for 2026. I expect that just as County Council has changed, so will its leadership. Lori Vargo Heffner has presided over County Council for the past two years. She deserves credit as a fierce advocate of Council oversight. That has been missing in all levels of government for decades. But she also deserves criticism for micromanaging purely administrative functions and for a complete inability to establish some sort of rapport with the Executive. I know it takes two to tango (or in this case, not tango) but this poor relationship is contrary to the best interests of county government. Moreover, she has a frosty relationship (if any0 with incoming Exec Tara Zrinski . For that reason, I doubt that five members of County Council will want her leading them this year. That's just as well for her, too. She took a lot of heat for her stances opposed to Lamont McClure, and things got ugly for her at times. So who will be President, if not her?
The logical choice would be Ken Kraft, who would work with Zrinski and keep a tight leash on the craziness that might come with Nadeem Qayuum. But my guess is that he'll defer to Jeff Warren. Since it takes Warren three hours just to say "Good Morning!," that means meetings will go on much longer as Warren pontificates on everything. He's a terrible choice, but is running for State Rep., and apparently thinks that his campaign literature will look bettewr if he identifies himself as Council President,
Tonight, Northampton County Council is poised to adopt its budget for 2026. Executive Lamont McClure as proposed a $503.6 million spending plan, slightly less than the year before. As required under the Home Rule Charter, it is a balanced budget. It would require no tax increase. The 10.8 mill tax rate would remain the same, meaning that a home assessed at $75,000 would receive a county tax bill for $810. After a series of budget hearings, County Council has considered some minor changes. Its biggest amendment, an increase in funding for the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, failed to garner five votes. That could happen tonight, but there is funding for it in available grant funds. So this should be an unusually short and sweet budget adoption meeting, right? Wrong. I am hearing rumors that a tax hike is in the works and that the 10.8 millage rate will be going up. There may even be five votes for it.
The reality is that county council is concerned that its rainy-day fund might be too low and that it might need more money to pay higher salaries. It might also need funds for a cash contribution to Gracedale.
Two weeks ago, Council President Lori Vargo Heffner warned that a tax hike was on the horizon. It was not a question of "if," but "when." Given concerns about the budget that incoming Exec Tara Zrinski has raised, Council might be doing her a favor. I'm sure she'd hate to have to propose a tax hike in her first year as Exec, but an increase now might help her avoid one next year. And next year, the county should use AI for cost-savings measures to streamline operations and boost efficiency, especially at Gracedale. It should consider training caseworkers so they can work from home and still be productive, thus obviating the need for a new government building. Most importantly, a reassessment is beyond overdue. Though politically unpopular, this is the only way to achieve fairness in taxation. If and when a reassessment is completed, municipalities like Easton must adjust their millage rates in a way that is revenue neutral.
By a 6-2 vote, Northampton County Council voted last week to reject a proposal (you can read it here) by Council member Jeff Warren to establish a public database for blighted properties inside the county. He only had support from Council member Kelly Keegan.
Warren, who is running for State Rep and would probably like to be Council President next year, claimed that blighted properties and absentee landlords are becoming more prevalent, and thinks a county-wide public database, administered by the county, would apparently shame owners into remediating code violations. "We have a ton of properties that are being neglected," said Warren, who added that this is "an aging community."
It certainly is, and I'll be the first to admit I am very blighted. I am listed as such on several public databases.
After reading the resolution in its entirety, which took about five minutes and with the usual rhetorical emphasis at certain points, Warren gave an equally lengthy sermon in response to a question from Council member Ron Heckman, who simply wanted to know how much it would cost. After about five minutes of pontificating, Warren eventually admitted he did not know.
Heckman, who incidentally has great hair but is otherwise also blighted, had his own soliloquy. He pointed out that the county exists for very limited purpose (courts, county bridges, election and administration of human services) and is barely able to do that. "We have an infinite need and finite resources," he said. "I don't want us to get into zoning and code enforcement or anything like that." He derided Warren's proposal as "more empire building than anything else." He said Warren's idea is "far afield" from what "county government is all about."
Council member Ken Kraft, who once served on Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board, agreed with Heckman. "This is overreaching," he said. "This is not in our purview. ... We don't set zoning codes. We don't set those laws. They've nothing to do with us." He added that when Wilson Borough's Dixie factory "went to Hell" for 40 years, the municipality did nothing to correct it.
Kraft is also blighted.
Of course, Warren had to respond again. He admitted that the state is considering a statewide database, which has passed the House. This begs the question why the county would need to do it as well.
By the way, what the hell is blight anyway? Some might think pink flamingos look great while others think they are tacky. Some people like the natural look in their yards while others insist on mowing every 30 seconds. Council member John Brown noted that definition is far from uniform.
I am concerned that this could be weaponized to shame elderly and low-income property owners who simply lack the resources to maintain properties to the highest standard. As for absentee landlords, do you really think they will care if their blighted property is listed on a public website? That's why they are absentees.
So yes, like Kraft and Heckman, I agree this is way beyond why county government exists. But unlike them, I think this is a terribly stupid idea.
Of the five Republicans seeking seats on NorCo Council, Dan Campo and Juan Martinez are immigrants who would bring diversity to the county's governing body. Campo is a commercial pilot while Martinez is a successful businessman whose Don Juan Tex Mex restaurant chain is very popular. Neither has ever run for office, but both have done quite well in raising money in their bids to win.
Campo (you can see his report here) started in June with $1,090.40, and raised $15,285.00 through October 20. This gave him a total warchest of $16,375.40. He's spent $12,223.36, leaving him with $2,607.86 for the closing days of the campaign.
Like his Republican running mate Sam Elias, Camp has a great deal of grass roots support. He received $2,860 in small contributions ($50 to $250) from 23 individual donors.
But Campo also had three large donors. The Greater LV Ass'n of Realtors kicked in $3,500, and Flexicon's David Gill donated $2,000. But his biggest contributor was Richard Picut for $5,000. Picut 's company does industrial machinery, so he's not looking for a county handout.
Martinez (you can see his report here) started in June with $3,877.90, and raised $8,200 through October 20. This gave him a total treasury of $12,077.09, of which he spent $9,715.52. This leas him with $2,362.38 for the closing days of the race.
Martinez had only 8 small donors ($50-250), for they include former congressional candidate Maria Montero, Lou Pektor and Att'y Blake Marles.
His large contributors include Greater LV Ass'n of Realtors ($3,500), retired attorney Charles Baltic III ($1,000), Mathew Pezon ($1,000) who runs a home-buying business and several restauranteurs.
He took a $400 in-kind contribution for some kind of cigar party.
Finally, he lent his campaign $1,000.
Both of these candidates have compelling life stories, the kind that would appeal to Democrats. But it appears that no effort was made to reach out to Democrats.
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.
At last week's meeting, NorCo Council voted to table a routine budget amendment ordinance by a 7-2 vote, with Council members Jeff Warren and Kelly Keegan dissenting. Council members claimed they were never provided with enough information even though the administration had previously provided a 46-page explanation of the changes. This budget amendment also went through Council member John Brown's Finance Committee. They had plenty of information from which to make an informed decision. Yet Brown and Council member John Goffredo added they would oppose the amendment as a protest "until the administration gets in line and recognizes the power of this body ... ." They are completely willing to allow county government to grind to a halt unless Executive Lamont McClure cedes his administrative authority and lets them run the county. And when Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron attempted to answer questions that President Lori Vargo Heffner had about the amendments, most of which were answered to her satisfaction, Goffredo said Barron should resign. He also shut Barron down when he attempted to defend himself, telling him to sit down.
Budget Amendments are routinely presented about two or three times a year. They are discussed in a Finance Committee. The administration supplies Council with written explanations of every change. So it is actually dishonest for them to claim this was suddenly sprung on them.
They complain that the Executive and Fiscal Affairs Director are failing to do their jobs, or more precisely, failing to do it the way they want it done. But are they doing their job? They had all the information they needed. They also had time to ask for further explanation at a committee meeting in advance of the vote. They just failed to do their homework and then tried to blame it on the administration. They'd rather just shut the government down and attempt to make political points in advance of an election.
Though budget amendments are routine, they fund important human services to protect our children and elderly from abuse and neglect. They fund remediation that help our children from getting lead poisoning in some older homes, especially in the slate belt.
As powerful as a County Council might be, it has no power to administer. Though Council controls the purse strings, it has no power to decide how the elections office is run. It has no authority to instruct the Executive about how Gracedale should be administered or how many homes should be remediated for lead. That is the province of the Executive branch.
Goffredo denied politics has anything to do with his willingness to cripple county government. " I don't give two flying whatevers about political season. I'm not running for h ---.
This is an inconvenience at this point cuz I feel like we come here, and all we do is sling stuff at the wall. I don't care about anybody's electoral race."
Really?
Goffredo donated $1,000 to Tom Giovanni's Executive campaign. That's pretty amazing for someone who doesn't give two flying whatevers. And as Council member Jeff Warren reminded him, Goffredo is himself on the ballot.
Brown and Goffredo like to complain about the administration's failure to communicate, and in some instances, they could be correct. But not here. They had a 46-page explanation and a Finance Committee meeting. They just failed to prepare.
In a few days, I hope to send a questionnaire to the NorCo Council and Exec candidates. It will be limited to county issues to the extent that is possible.
I will be asking whether it is time to do some long-range planning for Gracedale, the county-owned nursing home. How can we make it sustainable 50 years from now? How can we make it sustainable two years from now when 70-80% of the nursing staff comes from outside agencies? Will we even need nursing homes?
What is their attitude on public handouts in the form of tax breaks for private development? A divided Council supported a tax break for an industrial development in Upper Mount Bethel even though it could result in more warehouses to an economically depressed area. But a $29 million tax break to develop the old Dixie factory in Wilson Borough for luxury apartments remains on hold. Where do the candidates stand on this issue?
What can the candidates do to address overworked corrections officers and emergency dispatchers, who are often mandated to work overtime? Are the salaries really competitive when even Monroe County, a smaller county, pays many of its workers a higher salary?
What is their attitude on attending committee meetings. Will they miss most of them, like Ken Kraft does, or will they attend?
What will they do to resolve the acrimony between Council members, and between Council and the Executive branch?
What is their attitude on toothless resolutions addressing national issue like abortion, trans rights, Israel's invasion of Gaza or whatever the national flavor of the day might be? Is there a place for these matters on a county stage?
I'm sure we've all experienced leaflets on our windshields while shopping or attending some event. Most are innocuous advertisements for some new business. I live close to a Catholic church, and at one time, I used to get anti-abortion leaflets as well. Do people have a first amendment right to leaflet your windshield if you're parked on county property? That was a question before NorCo Council at last night's meeting.
They chose to duck it, probably wisely.
At the request of Council member Ken Kraft, NorCo Council voted 6-1 night to table an ordinance that would make it illegal to "[p]lace, discard or abandon leaflets, or paper materials of any kind, upon any vehicle parked on County Real Estate." Kraft was joined by Council members Kelly Keegan, Jeff Warren, Jeff Corpora, Lori Vargo Heffner and Tom Giovanni. Council member John Brown voted against tabling. Council members John Goffredo and Ron Heckman were absent.
Kraft was concerned that this ban on leafleting windshields on county property runs afoul of the first amendment. He said his experience as a union representative who picketed public and even private property made him concerned. Addressing Ass't Solicitor Dave Ceraul, Kraft said, " So you're trying to restrict people's first amendment rights to leaflet whether [they] like it or not - Don't shake your head, that's what you're doing - and it's on public property.
County Council Solicitor had no advice because he said he was just made aware of Kraft's concern.
He and Assistant Solicitor Ceraul will meet and discuss the ordinance and report back.
In other business, County Council voted 6-1 to purchase 43.36 acres in Stockertown for $1.43 million. This is based on fair market value. This property is known as part of the Bushkill Creek Greenway and is vital to any eventual connection of the Tatamy and Plainfield Tp trails. If that connection is ever made, it will be possible to cycle from Pen Argyl to the D&L trail which leads to Bristol, Trenton, Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Northampton, Lehighton, Jim Thorpe and White Haven.
It will also be used as a nature preserve and environmentally sensitive area into the County's real estate holdings in the County parks and conservation area system. It will provide agriculture, conservation, passive recreation, trails, afloodplain and will be a site for ecological restoration and environmental education.
The only No vote, and without explanation, came from John Brown.
Northampton County Council, established in the county's 1978 Home Rule Charter, is arguably its most powerful branch of government. In addition to "exercising the legislative power of the county," it sets the salaries of all employees, levies taxes, adopts the budget and confirms executive appointments. It also exercises the county's "residual powers." It consists of nine part-time members who are paid an annual salary of $12,500, with the President getting an extra $500. They serve for four-year terms and may serve no more than three consecutive terms. Four members are elected from districts consisting of the Bethlehem, Easton, Nazareth and Slate Belt areas. The remaining five member are elected at large, meaning they are elected by the entire county. The five at-large seats are up for election this year.
Republicans have five candidates for five seats, meaning that the GOP nominations of John Brown (inc), John Goffredo (inc.), Juan Martinez, Sam Elias and Daniel Campo. They are running together as a united front.
Democrats also only have five candidates on the ballot, but they are far from united. They are Lori Vargo Heffner (inc), Theresa Fadem, David Holland, Jason Boulette and Nadeem Qayyum. In addition to the five on the ballot, Patti Bruno is waging a write-in campaign after her nomination petition was rejected for the fatal error of failing to file her financials with the county council clerk.
As one of my readers observes in a comment wondering whether Democrats have learned a damn thing after being beaten by Donald Trump. "In Northampton County they have a full slate for council, but the democrats are icing out an incumbent who is on the ballot for a person who was unable to get on the ballot." This is a reference to Lori Vargo Heffner. The reason they want her out is because she has committed the mortal sin of governing in a bipartisan fashion and has been an independent voice. They would prefer a blue MAGA like Kelly Keegan, who is just as blindly loyal to Executive Lamont McClure as MAGAs are to Trump.
Lori Vargo Heffner should be the top vote getter in the Dem primary. David Holland, a psychiatric nurse who also served as an Administrator at Gracedale, could very well be the voice the county needs to arrive at some long-term plans. Jason Boulette comes from a conservative district but appears to understand the importance of working with and listening to Republicans. The others, not so much.
At the conclusion of Norco Council's Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday, Council member John Goffredo noted that a selection committee of which he is a member has made its recommendations concerning the construction manager and architects for the new parking deck at the courthouse campus. Goffredo noted that high bidders Skanska and THA have been chosen as the construction manager and architect, respectively. There were three proposals considered.
Goffredo said that all bidders were good, but he preferred to go with Boyle and ONS because their bids were lower and would save the county $250,000. He added that public works director Mike Emili agreed with him.
Executive Lamont McClure, however, has asked that the contracts be pulled from Thursday night's agenda. He said the selection committee had made a decision by points, but noted that Skanska and Boyle were actually tied. He believes the committee needs to "go back to the drawing board" and come up with a consensus. If not, he will reject the bids and start over.
McClure said he was also bothered by Goffredo's disclosure, in an email to McClure, that Goffredo's company has had prior dealings with Boyle.
"I have business relationships with everybody on this sheet," said Goffredo.
"Then maybe you shouldn't be evaluating them. Maybe you --
"Why would that disqualify me?
"Then maybe you should recuse yourself from that?
"I would disagree. I would say I'm going to recuse myself from bidding on the project because that would be in bad taste, but my information is perfectly valid."
"I'm not questioning your expertise for purposes of ---
"What are you questioning, my integrity?
"But if you have business relationships with people you are advocating that we hire, you might want to recuse yourself from that discussion."
"I want to save the county money. Do you have a financial interest in this, Mr. McClure?"
"No, I do not. I, unlike you, didn't do business with companies you're reviewing. You should have disclosed that and recused yourself."
In understand that Goffredo has insight into construction that is missing from others on Council. He provides expertise. But he should recuse himself. His participation on the selection is a quasi-judicial function. While he has no personal interest in the outcome, the Pa Supreme Court has ruled that the decision-maker must avoid even the slightest appearance of bias.
Optics matter. Or as Caesar put it, "Caesar's wife must be above reproach."
At its February 20 meeting, Northampton County Council approved four contracts.
First, it approved a $422,522 contract with Computer Technologies LLC to provide managed cybersecurity at the 911 centers in Northampton and Lehigh County. This is a joint project involving both counties. The funding comes directly from the state in the form of a grant, with NorCo acting as a fiduciary for both counties. This was approved by a 8-0 vote, with Council member Lori Vargo Heffner being absent during this vote.
Second, it approved a $167,442.36 contract with TuWay Communications to maintain NorCo's 911 network. This is also being funded completely by a state grant. This was adopted by all nine Council members (Lori Vargo Heffner, Ron Heckman and Ken Kraft participated by phone).
Third, it approved a three-year contract with Tyler Technologies for $1,025,599.85 for the assessment software used for the county's 125,000 properties. Tyler also does the billing, collection and annual flyovers. This is a state contract. It was approved by all nine Council members, with Lori Vargo Heffner, Ron Heckman and Ken Kraft participating by phone.
Fourth, it approved a commercial use agreement with Twin Rivers Tubing for the limited use of county property (Frost Hollow Overlook launching area) along the Delaware River between May and September at a weekly rate of $250. There has been a commercial use agreement since 2021, which has resulted in employment and increased business for merchants in downtown Easton. The agreement includes an indemnity and hold harmless clause in the event of a liability claim. It was approved by all nine Council members, with Lori Vargo Heffner, Ron Heckman and Ken Kraft participating by phone.
At the conclusion of this unusually collegial meeting, Council member Jeff Warren congratulated the Philadelphia Eagles on their Super Bowl victory, noting that Nazareth and Whitehall furnished wide receiver Jahan Dotson and record-breaking running back Saquon Barkley. Council member John Goffredo was quick to join in the accolade and even attended the parade.
Patti Bruno has joined five other Democrats in announcing her candidacy for one of the five at-large Northampton County Council seats that will be decided by voters this year.
I feel compelled to observe at the onset that her headshot (which I've attached), looks nothing like her. I understand why someone running for office would want to present a good photo. But the airbrushed one that Bruno uses is so much unlike her that it's a tad disingenuous. This practice puts pressure on men and women to conform with an unrealistic body image. At the very least, a political candidate who feels the need to use a digitally enhanced photograph should disclose this detail.
Bruno texted me twice in December about her possible candidacy. She sat next to me when Tara Zrinski announced her candidacy for Executive. But I never received her actual announcement.
That announcement, posted on Facebook, declares that "she isn't a career politician - she's one of us." That's also false. She has been a political operative for several years and ran for office herself four years ago. She managed Amy Cozze's failed state house race, Terry Houck's failed DA's race and nearly lost the primary election when Brian Panella ran for judge.
She is an Easton resident who graduated from Temple University (political science) and a Master's from American Public University (online). She did serve a two-year stint as a Presidential Management Fellow, but her announcement fails to state how or where she is employed now.
The winners of the Democratic primary will square off against Republican incumbents John Brown and John Goffredo; Juan Martinez, who owns the popular Don Juan restaurant chain; Bethlehem police officer Sam Elias and commercial air cargo pilot and Venezuelan immigrant Dan Campo.
Yesterday afternoon, in the cacophonous Northampton County Courthouse rotunda, a formidable slate of Republicans announced their candidacies for the county offices to be decided by voters this November. Their point man is Tom "The Quiet Man" Giovanni, a second term Council member who has decided to take the next step and run for Executive.
Standing with him are County Council candidates John Brown and John Goffredo, both of whom are seeking re-election to a second term. Also present was political newcomer Juan Martinez, who owns the popular Don Juan restaurant chain. Two other newcomers, Bethlehem police officer Sam Elias and commercial air cargo pilot and Venezuelan immigrant, are also seeking two of the five at-large Council seats up for election this year. They were both working and unable to attend. Finally, James Fuller, who is running for Northampton County judge, introduced himself.
Giovanni, whom I have referred to as "the Quiet Man" on NorCo Council, explained he's never been interested in making headlines or playing politics, but feels "it's time to get louder" because of what he calls the dysfunction, irresponsibility and mismanagement by the county administration.
I first met Giovanni long before he ran for office. I mistook his IT business for a computer repair shop. While he was unable to help me, he referred me to a few people who could fix my ailing blog machine. In the private sector, he also served as a board member of the Greater Valley Y, including 9m years as its chair. He currently is the board chair of Nazareth Mutual Insurance.
He pledged fiscal responsibility and a rejection of tax hikes. He noted he has always voted for tax cuts and would oppose any tax increases, adding it would be unfair to burden people struggling with high prices.
He promised to end "the failed policies that have hurt Gracedale." He claimed that the Lamont McClure administration failed to maintain the quality of care at the county-owned nursing home.
Giovanni also pledged to expand farmland preservation should he prevail. "We need to work to protect family farms and keep them going from generation to generation. Also, our farmers have to have a voice in county government. Farmers are the people that put food on the table, and we need to cover theor backs."
Giovanni asserted that the McClure administration has been neither transparent nor honest over the past seven years and botched elections in 2019 and 2023.
"When you are elected, you must represent everyone, no matter if they voted for you or not. Unfortunately, what we are seeing in the county government is political weaponizing the office instead of working jointly for bipartisan results to work for the progress of the morale of the county employees. And I did vote for a pay study."
"I will continue to wake up every day to fight for the county that I love so much."
John Brown, a former county executive and Bangor Mayor, is finishing hie first term. He graduated from Bangor High School and the University of Notre Dame.
He stated that, when he was Executive, he worked to make sure that Gracedale, a 688-bed facility (current census is 546), had a 97% occupancy rate. He said his reforms eliminated multi-million-dollar losses and returned the facility to profitability while earning a four-star rating.
He complained that the McClure administration is responsible for two failed elections in 2019 and 2023. He added that McClure has also undone most of the improvements he made as Executive. "They have spent down most of the county's reserves," he charged, asserting that the county drained its rainy-day fund just to be able to balance the budget. He also slammed the county for failing to replace failing infrastructure like the parking deck on the courthouse campus, and then "plunge the county into debt to do so."
His final and most egregious indictment is that the administration has allowed Gracedale "to fall into financial and operational ruin with a 425-bed census with only 30% of the nursing staff [as] county employees.
John Goffredo, a slate belt businessman seeking a second term, has lived in NorCo his entire life. A coach and volunteer firefighter, he said "a lack of leadership in general" is what has prompted him to run again. "We have too many people who are followers or opportunists or activists seeking these positions and not people that are here to do the will of the citizenry and to do what's right, even when it's politically inconvenient." Though he is a Republican in a 6-3 Democratic Council, he was elected VP in January. He said that as a member of the minority, he has mostly played defense, "trying to stop things I thought were bad ideas, things that were pushed over every year, every time they got the opportunity to bring up the same issue. We have to sit there and argue for months as to why we thought it was a bad idea. He argued that with a Republican majority on county council, they would be able to "get back to the things that matter."
Thise include the county core functions, like elections. He noted botched elections in 2019 and 2023, with machine malfunctions and vote-flipping. He also pointed to 6-hour long lines in the 2024 Presidential. "All of those things are unacceptable. We don't have that many responsibilities as a county government. We have the courts, we have the jails, we have elections with human services. If we can't get elections right, we're failing the most important task this government has."
Goffredo stated that a Republican majority County Council would introduce a new "culture of excellency."
Unfortunately, and as a direct result of the incompetence of my videographer (me), I could only upload this announcement as a YouTube short video.
Martinez, said he worked hard to build something from the ground, creating jobs and opportunities while contributing to the local economy. But he said that, along the way, he's encountered a government that imposes roadblocks instead of finding solutions.
He said he would bring common sense and accountability as well as a leadership that listens and works hard. He would work to support small business, lower taxes, responsible budgets, safer communities and better infrastructure. Most importantly, he pledged to bring a county government that works for the people.
He introduced his wife and two sons, who joined him for his announcement. When finished, he invited everyone to his restaurant on Third Street (he has five of them) for tacos and margaritas.
That was a generous gesture, but I am a highly conditioned, well-trained athlete, so I demurred.
Fuller stated that he's been a resident of Northampton County since he was a child. He went through the Easton school system and graduated from Penn State. He at first worked for KidsPeace, where he met his wife of 15 years. They have two boys who attend Northampton schools and he coaches baseball, soccer and basketball. His soccer team went undefeated, but his basketball team is 2-7.
He has practiced criminal law in Monroe County for nearly 10 years, 7 as a public defender and two as a prosecutor. "My message to everyone is that I'm in court every day." He has tried 13 jury trials, 10 of which are felony trials. He feels that running for judge is the best way to give back to a community that has given him so much.
During a brief meeting yesterday afternoon, Northampton County Council voted to keep Lori Vargo Heffner, a Democrat, as its President in 2025. It also elected John Goffredo, a Republican, as Vice President. It will mark the first time since the inception of home rule in 1978 that Council's leadership is bipartisan.
Voting for Lori Vargo Heffner were Jeff Corpora, Tom Giovanni, John Goffredo, Ron Heckman and John Brown. She abstained from voting for herself.
Vargo Heffner did have competition for the Presidency. Ken Kraft nominated and voted for Jeff Warren. He also voted for himself and was supported by Kelly Keegan.
Before the vote, Warren stated there had been a lot of "discord" between Vargo Heffner and the administration, and that he would be a "conduit" who would "hash out issues and have an open dialogue." He added that Council's Presidency should go to a person other than someone whose name might appear on the ballot that year.
Heckman responded to Warren's claim of discord by observing, "If you want respect, give respect." He noted that, while he has great respect for the executive branch, "I am not directed by them nor will I ever be."
Keegan went on the attack. She noted that Vargo Heffner failed to meet with the Executive at all in 2024, even though he provided her with nine different dates and times. Yet she had time to attend numerous conferences, including a $3,000 taxpayer-paid trip for the National Association of Counties and that she has yet to provide a report on what happened. "If the county wants to move forward, we need somebody who is willing to work with the county executive and also be collaborative."
John Goffredo said that Keegan's attack was a "perfect example" of why Vargo Heffner seriously considered not seeking the position. "That is the type of attention that makes this whole Council much more of a negative place in which to work."
He agreed that there were times in which Council denied the Executive on proposals like the health center or a mega million-dollar bond, but added, "Sometimes gridlock is part of democracy. ..." Diving into his inner zen master, he added that "Sometimes no progress is progress."
He said he'd support Vargo Heffner because she has a lot of experience and is independent but stops listening right away when he hears all these attacks. Keegan responded that she stated facts.
Vargo Heffner responded to the "facts" set forth in Keegan's attack. "Sometimes facts are fiction," she said. "They are facts as stated by somebody who thinks they know something." She indicated that she and Executive Lamont McClure did attempt to meet last year, but he selected dates and times at which she was seeing patients even though she made clear what times she was available. On one agreed upon date and time, McClure canceled. She added that she retained all documents concerning their meeting. "After trying so many times, you get the message that somebody doesn't want to meet with you."
With respect to a report concerning her trip to the National Association of Counties, Vargo Heffner said she'd be happy to provide one just as soon as she hears Council member reports from the state association. She said several Council members attended last year. "I question whether they went to any workshops."
After Vargo Heffner was elected President, Jeff Corpora nominated John Goffredo for Vice President. Kelly Keegan nominated Jeff Warren. Ron Heckman nominated Corpora.
Goffredo was elected with votes from Giovanni, Brown, Corpora, Vargo Heffner and himself. Warren received votes from Keegan, Kraft and himself. Heckman voted for Corpora.
Two votes were unanimous. All nine Council members voted to retain Chris Spadoni as Solicitor. And they all voted to adjourn.
In late November, I told you that the terms of five at-large seats on NorCo Council will expire at the end of next year. Those five members are elected countywide as opposed to a specific geographic area. The five current at-large members are Council President Lori Vargo Heffner, VP Ron Heckman, John Brown, John Goffredo and Jeff Corpora. None has announced plans to seek another term. If they do, they'll have company. Those who are interested in seeking a position include Nadeem Qayyum (announced), Tom Gilmour (Facebook page), Patti Bruno, Leslie Altieri, Wind Gap Borough Council member Jason Boulette (announced) and union leader Paul Anthony.
Last week, Northampton County Council proposed seven amendments to next years proposed spending plan. Several are designed to bypass the normal grant process and dole out hotel tax grants to political allies of Republican Council members in Bath Borough and at Columbia Fire Co., where Council member John Goffredo is a member. Those are unseemly and politically motivated, but at least they're legal. Unfortunately there are also two proposed changes that will violate the Home Rule Charter and run afoul of ordinances and contracts approved by Council.
The first of these comes from Council member John Brown, who really should know better. He wants to restore $5 million to the county's "rainy day" fund. This was budgeted to cover two months of county expenses in accordance with both a previously enacted ordinance as well as government accounting standards. Brown introduced this amendment because he thinks more money should be set aside for possible unforeseen events. But there's a problem. Fiscal Director Steve Barron told Council that if they adopt this amendment, "the budget is out of balance."
The Home Rule Charter makes very clear that Council must adopt or approved a balanced budget. (Sec. 703 (b)). "There is a transfer out when we need that money to balance the budget," noted Barron.
Council President Lori Vargo Heffner asserted that, if Council passes such an amendment, it is the Executive's job to somehow make it work. But McClure disagreed and said an unbalanced budget would be a nullity.
This proposed change only received support from Council members Brown, Vargo-Heffner, Tom Giovanni and John Goffredo. Earlier that evening, Council Clerk Aline Shafnisky said that an amendment needed five votes to move forward, but some members of Council desire to present it anyway.
The second proposed amendment comes from Council member John Goffredo, who was apparently miffed that McClure attacked Council for ignoring public safety when it rejected a bond that would have included funding for an improved radio system for first responders. He proposed to cut spending "across all divisions" by 2.5% and set that money aside for the radios.
Goffredo's proposal is unlawful for several reasons.
First, under the Home Rule Charter, Council has no authority "to delete or decrease any items required by law or for debt service or for estimated cash deficits." (Sec. 704(b)(3)). By imposing an across-the board spending cut of 2.5%, Council would violate the Charter's proscription against decreasing the amount set aside for debt service.
Second, Council's across-the board spending cut of 2.5% would necessarily mean that monies budgeted for wage increases to union workers would be paid at lower amounts that guaranteed in union contracts that Council itself ratified. Corrections officers, Gracedale nurses, 911 operators and Human Services workers would be denied what the county promised to pay them in increased wages.
Third, Council's across-the board spending cut of 2.5% would result in a reduction of payments to vendors who have valid contracts with the county that Council itself approved.
Finally, Goffredo's amendment assumes that this money can be taken from county vacancies. But that assumes that there will be vacancies. If the county is able to fully man the Juvenile Justice Center, Gracedale or the jail, it will lack the resources to hire for positions that were budgeted and approved by County Council. Instead of having the money to pay for needed and budgeted manpower, the county would be forced to do without or borrow money to hire.
This is a foolish amendment. It was obviously proposed to interfere with the efficient operation of the county in a political attempt to spite McClure. It was supported by Republican Council members Tom Giovanni, John Brown and John Goffredo as well as Democrats Jeff Corpora and Lori Vargo Heffner. They all like to accuse McClure of vindictive behavior, but this response would hurt the entire county, especially its employees.
It is a very disappointing display from elected officials who are more interested in carrying on a war with the Exec than the best interests of the county.
We'll see what happens Thursday night, when they take up the budget.
Northampton County Council consists of nine members. Four of these represent specific geographic areas of the county. The remaining five are in what are known as at-large seats, meaning they are selected by the entire county. The five current at-large members are Council President Lori Vargo Heffner, VP Ron Heckman, John Brown, John Goffredo and Jeff Corpora. Their terms all expire at the end of next year. Who among these are planning to seek re-election? And who else is running?
Of the current at-large members, I believe Ron Heckman may be planning to step aside when his term expires. Although he drives me nuts with perorations are nearly every topic, he perhaps more than anyone understands that county council is an independent body and has been willing to make that clear to Executive Lamont McClure on a number of occasions. He's his own man and has a deep understanding of county government since he has served both as an administrator and on Council. If he does step down, he will be missed.
Lori Vargo Heffner is often the target of numerous anonymous attacks on this blog because, like Heckman, she has been an independent voice who has opposed many of McClure's proposals. She has also been willing to work with Republican Council members, even appointing some of them to chair different committees. She has stood up to the Executive, even though it may have cost her union support. Most of the arrows aimed at her are misplaced, but she has been her own worst enemy at times. Some of her votes and positions do appear to more obstructionist than well-meaning. It's unclear to me whether she plans to seek re-election. There were early rumors that she planned to primary McClure, but I have no idea what she is planning. I would support her re-election to county council, but not as Exec.
Jeff Corpora was appointed by the court to replace Tara Zrinski after she was elected as Controller. Corpora was appointed by the court because Council was deadlocked over Zrinski's replacement. Corpora is even more quiet than Tom Giovanni, and I have no idea whether he plans to mount a campaign.
Contrary to many of the comments posted here, I doubt John Brown plans to run against McClure. He is neither transparent nor accountable and is known for ignoring media inquiries. His secret plan to move the jail to Gracedale was exposed when he was Executive. Also, a tax increase was passed when he was Executive. So I doubt he'll run for Exec. But it's likely he will seek re-election to County Council because he has high name recognition.
John Goffredo is probably the most vocally conservative member of Council. Philosophically, I disagree with most of his stands. He basically believes the less government, the better. I believe government exists to help people, and that it improves people's lives. Goffredo is a very well-known name in the northern tier, and I believe he would win easily if he decided to seek re-election. But he may be stepping down. This could be because he has two young children, or it could also be because he's going to run for Executive.
So who's running? According to Lehigh Valley News, Nadeem Qayyum has announced. He's already lost two races. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Magisterial District Judge and then lost a race for Controller. He is either married or the life partner to divisive Easton City Council person Taiba Sultana, whose antics turned Easton City Council into a clown show for several months.
Other Democratic names I have heard include Patti Bruno, Leslie Altieri, Wind Gap Borough Council member Jason Boulette and union leader Paul Anthony.
After November's red wave, I suspect there will be several GOP candidates. But thus far, I know of none.
