Patti Grube Resigns From Northampton County Council

Less than a week after being sworn in to fill her husband's unexpired term on Northampton County Council, Patti Grube has resigned. That's the word from a fellow council member, who asks not to be named.
Update: The Express Times Sarah Cassi has a few more details, including the letter that Grube sent to Council Prez McHale. "My thinking was clouded by the passing of Wayne. The decision was made too soon after his death." The Morning Call follows The Express Times with a little ditty. "I apologize to all members of council for the confusion this has caused."

Patti, they're used to it. Council has thirty days to replace Grube, or it goes to the judges.

Judge Zito Kisses Strange Woman in Public!

That's right, folks. Judge Leonard N. Zito laid a lip lock last night on a woman during a county council meeting. This woman wasn't even his wife! And everyone applauded.

The woman in question was Patti Grube, who Judge Zito swore in as a council member at the beginning of last night's meeting.

I wonder if Angle was kissed when he was sworn in.

It's Unanimous! Patti Grube Appointed to Northampton County Council

Just last week, Morning Call columnist and blogger Bill White was irritated by Ron Angle's threat to quit Northampton County Council. "When it comes to forging coalitions and getting things done, he’s utterly ineffective." Last night's unanimous appointment of Patti Grube to her husband's unexpired term on Northampton County Council, however, proves Bill wrong. You see, this was an Angle initiative all the way.

I really thought this one was heading to the courts. Northampton County Council is already a dysfunctional mess, and Wayne Grube's death left an evenly divided council who can't even make it through courtesy of the floor without a few earthquakes.

But Ron Angle is the council member who suggested Patti Grube. Peg Ferraro, who knows her, quickly agreed. So did the editorial boards of both local papers. Council's four Democrats were still trying to forge a coalition to appoint fighter pilot David Haines, and may have lured Cusick into their web. After Tuesday's budget hearing, he confessed to fellow Republicans he might support Haines.

Angle then went to work on Democrats, pointing out that no one knew Wayne better than his own wife. McHale vainly tried to claim Grube had eliminated herself by not submitting a formal application. But Angle quickly and correctly called that position "an excuse for people to explain why they won't vote for her.'' By Wednesday night, every Democrat had called Grube to offer their support.

As soon as last night's meeting got started, Diane Neiper offered a resolution naming Grube, trying to make things sound like it was their idea. Angle quickly seconded the motion, but simultaneously scolded council members for claiming they needed to have an interview process. Grube was appointed unanimously. The last person to vote was Cusick. He waited a few seconds, doing a slow burn, knowing he had been stabbed in the back.

In the meantime, Peg Ferraro apologized to applicants who had travelled to the star chamber for interviews that never occurred. "I heartily apologize to the people brought in here for an interview." A disgusted John Cusick added, "Absolutely. It's a disgrace." But Queen of Hearts Ann McHale imperiously told them, "You'll all consider running."

Although there was no judge around to swear Grube in, Angle wanted Grube to take office immediately, suggesting that the county council solicitor do the honors. Anthony Martino, council's legal eagle, politely declined.

When she finally had a chance to speak, Patti Grube apologized "for the trouble I've caused. I know [Wayne] would want me to fulfill his term. I hope you all run next year. If there is anything you need from me, I'll be glad to help out." Patti also had a warning for her council colleagues. "I will think for myself. ... I have a mind of my own."

When she ascended the dais, the peanut gallery gave her a standing ovation. The first person to rise was one of the applicants, Republican Mark Schwartz.

Patti Grube Appointed to Fill Her Husband's Unexpired Term on Norco Council

Following the recommendations of both The Express Times and Morning Call, Northampton County Council has appointed Patti Grube to serve the remaining year left on her husband's unexpired term.

Several candidates had already made clear they only wished to be considered as a second choice to Mrs. Grube.

Details will follow.

Morning Call: Patti Grube for Northampton County Council!

The Morning Call has joined The Express Times in endorsing Ron Angle's suggestion that Patti Grube be named to fill her husband's remaining year on Northampton County Council. "This strong woman says she would serve to further honor Mr. Grube and would not seek election to a full term. That solves the contentious matter of giving an appointee a leg-up in the next election. She also says she won't accept an appointment without the full support of both Republicans and Democrats on council, so this contentious group needs to come together on this fitting gesture by Dec. 11."

The Morning Call, Express Times and Ron Angle all agree.

Poor Patti Grube doesn't have a prayer.

ET: Appoint Patti Grube to Norco Council

There are those who scoff at the idea of appointing Wayne Grube's wife, Patti, to fill his unexpired term on Northampton County Council. Most who hate this idea do so for two reasons. First, it was proposed by The Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle. Second, they'd prefer someone they can control.

Instead of listening to Angle, they can listen to The Express Times, which offers three reasons why Council should appoint Patti Grube.

First, she, more than anyone else, understands her husband's philosophy of and approach to representing the residents of Northampton County. She has an obvious edge on continuing to serve with the same flavor those who elected her husband to his at-large seat.

Second, she represents a glimmer of hope that the four Democrats and four Republicans on council might come to an agreement on a suitable replacement for her husband.

Third, she has said that, if she is chosen, she's not interested in running for the seat. That gives all candidates equal footing in the next election.