Brown Fares Poorly in Unscientific LVR Poll

Last week, I asked my readers to rate Northampton County Executive John Brown's first two years in office. Though I fashioned the poll to prevent too much game-playing, I have little doubt it still occurred. It can hardly be considered a scientific poll. But since he wants to be state auditor general, I thought it would be fun to see how readers grade him.

Of the 222 votes cast by readers, Brown received either an "A" or "B" from 19% of those who responded. The remaining 81% gave him a "C", "D" or "F." He received an "F" from 47% of those who participated, which is nearly half of those who responded.

This is something he should consider as he embarks on his statewide campaign.

By way of full disclosure, I should note that I gave Brown a "C."

His performance as Executive improved markedly in his second year as Executive. He still is far too secretive, but has opened up a little. I believe that some of his changes, like reducing worker compensation payments to 66% of a person's salary, were long overdue. Even workers lauded that change. I love his plan for setting aside money for future capital projects, which should avoid the need for an expensive bond. His second year might warrant a high B.

But his first year was a total disaster. He attempted to govern by consultant and used precious tax dollars for a completely unnecessary PR firm. His unilateral reductions in health care benefits were wildly unpopular and resulted in a record number of retirements of the County's very best people. The low point was when he posted armed guards outside his office before a news conference to prevent Council members from attending. His first year was clearly an "F".

He will spend his third year largely being absent as he runs for statewide office.

Callahan Raises $500,000 in NorCo Exec Race

In what appears to be a fundraising record for County Executive races in Northampton and Lehigh County, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan has raised over a half million dollars in his bid to become Northampton County's Executive. In a campaign finance report filed late Friday afternoon, Callahan disclosed contributions of $161,983 between the primary and October 21. This brings his total to $513,456 from nearly 600 individual contributors.

Callahan's Republican opponent, Bangor Mayor John Brown, raised $11,000 over the same time period.

Going into the final days of the campaign, Callahan has a 17 to 1 cash advantage over Brown. Callahan has $118,540 cash on hand compared to Brown’s $6,817.

Callahan campaign manager Eric Nagy, however, is concentrating on grassroots appeal, claiming 25,000 voter contacts since July. "John has been knocking doors and feels very encouraged by the positive response from voters," noted Nagy.

The Brown campaign is also relying on grassroots appeal, with Brown focused on direct voter contact.

Brown has also received a little help from the state republican party, which spent $10,882.49 for campaign literature and postage on his behalf.

Winning the money race is no guarantee of victory. Just four years ago, when Northampton County Executive John Stoffa sought re-election, he refused to take money from anyone.

I'll have more to say about these reports next week.