UPDATE: Zrinski Frustrated by Public Criticism of 2027 Budget

In a rather disappointing Facebook Live, NorCo Executive Tara Zrionski unveiled her 2027 spending plan on October 2. She proposed a roughly 43.5% increase in property taxes, increasing the millage rate from 10.5 to about 15.6 mills. Instead of recognizing the heavy burden she hopes to impose on property owners. she displayed a jocular attitude with stray tangents and inappropriate laughter. She even arrived late although she said, "Nothing happens without me." If she expected the public to laugh along with her, she was wrong. Social media exploded with indignation. That anger continued at last night's first meeting of County Council since she released her budget. 

Her own Administrator and Joe Welsh, Zrinski's head cheerleader, spoke in support of the spending plan. Everyone else was angry. Some speakers who know little about county government or any government, for that matter, made County Council their whipping boys. But most members of the public pointed directly at Zrinski. When it was her turn to speak, she did the same thing she did during the Gracedale Oversight Committee hearing. She got emotional and confrontational. Perhaps a bit too emotional. At times, she appeared to be beating back tears. 

Though she thanked people for coming, she was clearly frustrated and surprisingly unprepared for criticism suggesting that she did not understand or appreciate the burden her proposal would impose on taxpayers.

"You can tell me that I don't. And that's fine because you have already decided what you believe about me and this budget," she stated.

She then rather condescendingly urged residents to go home, obtain the proposed budget from the county website and examine it themselves. She also challenged residents to identify specific spending reductions they would support.

"You tell me which employees should not get raises. You tell me which services we should cut. You tell me what part of Gracedale should I sell? Should I burn down the prison?"

Instead of addressing County Council, which is the point of an Executive Report, Zrinski instead faced the public and began to argue. She was asked several times to speak into the microphone.  "Don't tell me to stop, she said at one point, though she later started using the mike.  

"It is very difficult to hear all of these comments at once," she declared. They are the same comments that have been appearing day after day on the county's Facebook page.  She also told those present that she appreciated their contributions and wanted them to understand that she was listening.

She characterized the 2027 budget as an effort to fulfill the county's responsibilities to employees, retirees and residents while addressing long-neglected infrastructure needs.

She identified four principal priorities:

- Providing adequate compensation and support for county employees.

- Maintaining services upon which county residents depend.

- Repairing county facilities whose maintenance has been deferred.

- Honoring commitments made to employees, retirees and the public.

Zrinski acknowledged that her proposed budget would be difficult for taxpayers to accept.

I will also be difficult for County Council to accept. They are no doubt sharpening their budget knives. 

UPDATE: There may be a lag between you submitting comments and me being able to publish. I am headed to Philly foir the annual Philly Bike Ride, which I love to do every year. On Sunday, my grandson and I are goingh to see the Eagles, thanks to his girlfriend, who got him tickets for his birthday. I won't be back 'till late Sunday.

Let me add here that Zrinski's public response to the Grand Jury report, her poor presentation of the budget during a Facebook Live, have all been far more emotional than I usually see. But I do believe, and many of you agree, that she wants to do the right thing by everyone and has a big heart. She has had a lot of cheerleaders so it's good for her to hear some criticism, even if some of it is unfair.

I agree completely that a tax hike is needed. Any of you who fail to see this are wrong. Talk to former and current Council members. Talk to her. We have to be able to pay people more money. In the end, that is what this about. It is time to stop balancing the budget on the backs of the hard workers, and yes, they do work hard.

Zrinski is Asking for More Than She Needs in Her 2027 Budget

On Friday morning, Northampton County Executive was late to her own news conference announcing her first proposed budget for next year. That was no inconvenience for me. Since the budget itself was yet to be posted online (that would only happen later in the day), I decided to skip it and just watch what she had to say during a rather disappointing Facebook Live, in which a jocular attitude, stray tangents and inappropriate laughter betrayed the gravity of the heavy burden she hopes to impose on property owners. She denied she was really late, saying, "Nothing happens without me." She proposed what amounts to a roughly 43.5% increase in property taxes, increasing the millage rate from 10.5 to about 15.6 mills.

A tax hike is more than overdue, if only to make working for the county a little more attractive for employees. Moreover, Zrinski knows that what she seeks will never be approved by County Council. I believe she intentionally inflated her demand so that County Council can claim victory when it trims her proposal to a more realistic tax hike of about 1.5- 2 mills. That may have been a smart play with County Council, but not with the public. I've seen calls to action on social media, calling on people to attend budget hearings and complain. 

Zrinski has attempted to justify what she calls an "honest budget" on her Substack page.  It is far from honest. She first tries to minimize it, noting it's only $24.19 a month for the average taxpayer. For some. already burdened by high school taxes, this could be the final nail. She then plays the woman card for some reason that should be completely irrelevant to this discussion. She also plays the blame game, accusing "past administrations" (former Exec. Lamont McClure) for putting her in this position. This may to some extent be accurate, but she was a willing participant as a member of County Council. She finally admits that it's only a "recommendation," meaning that it's more of a wish list than a truly honest budget.

Shortly after the budget became available, so did a very thorough, but anonymous, online analysis called WhoBuiltThisShit. Some think this came from the Zrinski administration in an attempt to throw McClure under the bus. I think the analysis actually makes both McClure and Zrinski look pretty bad, so I doubt it came from any of her supporters. It is possible that someone in Fiscal Affairs prepared this analysis, and we'll eventually learn who because the shelf life of a secret in NorCo is about 15 minutes. 

Zrinski is proposing a $44.5 million increase in property tax revenue, but more than half of this is to cover items that McClure left out of his final budget. A review of Zrinski’s proposed budget, her public statements, her County of Northampton Facebook Live presentation, her Substack writing, public reactions on social media and the independent analysis published at Who Built This Shit? suggests a more complicated picture. The county faces genuine financial pressures involving pensions, Gracedale, employee costs, overtime and its reliance on reserves. But the minimum amount necessary to address those problems should be far lower than what Zrinski seeks.

SPENDING INCREASES ABOUT 4%, BUT PROPERTY-TAX COLLECTIONS RISE MUCH MORE

The proposed 2027 budget totals approximately $566.9 million, compared with about $546.8 million in the 2026 amended budget. That represents an increase of approximately $20.1 million, or 4%. Property-tax collections, however, would increase by approximately $44.5 million, from roughly $99.5 million to $144 million. The difference is important.

It would be misleading to characterize the proposal as simply a $44.5 million spending increase. Some additional revenue would replace reserves and restore funding for obligations that were underfunded or deferred in the 2026 budget. But it would be just as misleading to focus exclusively on the $20.1 million increase in spending. Taxpayers are being asked to provide approximately $44.5 million in additional recurring property-tax revenue.

ZRINSKI HAS A LEGITIMATE ARGUMENT ABOUT THE 2026 BUDGET

One of Zrinski’s strongest arguments is that the 2026 budget did not fully reflect several expenses the county would ultimately have to confront. The independent Who Built This Shit? analysis found that the 2026 budget contained approximately $1.3 million for pensions, compared with approximately $8.2 million actually spent in 2025. The proposed 2027 budget contains approximately $12.2 million for pensions. The 2026 budget also contained no budgeted subsidy for Gracedale, even though the nursing home was expected to require approximately $3.9 million. The 2027 proposal includes approximately $12 million for Gracedale.The proposed budget also reduces reliance on fund balance by approximately $19.2 million. These figures support Zrinski’s contention that the county’s financial position cannot be evaluated simply by comparing the proposed 2027 budget with the 2026 budget.

Zrinski made similar arguments before becoming executive. During the debate over the 2026 budget, she criticized the practice of balancing a budget by failing to adequately fund programs and obligations. In that respect, her current proposal is consistent with warnings she made before she assumed office.

BUT THE NUMBERS DO NOT ESTABLISH THAT 15.5 MILLS IS THE ONLY ANSWER

The more difficult question is whether addressing those obligations requires the full proposed 4.7-mill increase. That seems doubtful. The independent analysis found that approximately $302.5 million of roughly $400.6 million in non-payroll expenditures—about 76%—is contained in broad or pooled categories These pooled categories make it difficult for taxpayers and County Council to determine whether savings are available. Tus is why I consider the budget dishonest or at least nontransparent.

Before approving any tax increase, Council should demand greater detail showing what is contained in the largest pooled accounts, who receives the money, whether expenditures are mandated and how much was actually spent in previous years. For major expenditures, the county should disclose vendors, contracts, purposes, prior-year spending, proposed spending and explanations for significant increases.

LIKE IT OR NOT, GRACEDALE REMAINS THE BIGGEST FINANCIAL AND POLICY QUESTION

Gracedale is at the center of the budget debate. In her Substack writing, Zrinski describes the county-owned nursing home as a public asset that provides accountability and a safety net for vulnerable residents. She has argued that the county should improve and preserve the facility rather than treat it simply as another expense. The proposed budget includes approximately $12 million for Gracedale. The independent analysis identifies that subsidy as an area requiring particular scrutiny. There are those who feel the cost of this facility, which is poorly managed, is simply too much.

Both positions can be valid. The fact that Gracedale requires taxpayer support is no justification, by itself, for selling the facility. But there still needs to be financial accountability. Zrinski has vowed to make Gracedale self-sustaining. When? How long will the county taxpayers be forced to support the facility, and at amounts that increase each year? When will the $12 million subsidy begin to decline, and when is it expected to reach zero? The administration should provide a five-year financial plan showing projected resident census, staffing costs, agency nursing costs, overtime, reimbursement rates, Medicare and Medicaid revenue, private-pay revenue and taxpayer subsidies. Without measurable benchmarks, self-sufficiency remains an objective rather than a demonstrated financial plan. I have long argued that the county needs to plan for this, especially as more and more seniors stay away from nursing homes.

OVERTIME DESERVES CLOSER EXAMINATION

The independent analysis found that the proposed countywide overtime budget is approximately $6.2 million, compared with actual overtime spending of approximately $8.3 million in 2025 and projected spending of approximately $8.9 million in 2026. At the county jail, approximately $2 million is budgeted for overtime despite spending of approximately $3.8 million. These figures raise a management question: Would hiring additional full-time employees cost less than continuing to pay large amounts of overtime? That question cannot be answered simply by claiming the county has too many or too few employees. A department like Corrections or Gracedale can have numerous authorized positions but substantial vacancies, forcing existing employees to work overtime. The county should publish authorized positions, filled positions, vacancies and overtime costs by department.

The same issue applies to salaries. The independent analysis found that 2026 salary expenditures were budgeted at approximately $99.9 million, while projected actual spending was approximately $96.4 million. This reflects vacant positions, meaning the county has a recruitment and retention problem.

WHAT THE INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS GETS RIGHT

The Who Built This Shit? analysis is valuable because it identifies questions the county should answer. Its strongest point is that the budget fails to provide enough detail for taxpayers to determine whether the proposed 15.5-mill rate is the minimum necessary. A $12 million Gracedale appropriation may be justified. A large overtime account may be justified. Major infrastructure projects and professional-services contracts may also be justified. But taxpayers should be able to determine why expenditures are necessary and whether less expensive alternatives exist.

WHAT COUNTY COUNCIL SHOULD DEMAND

Before adopting the budget, Council should require a detailed breakdown of the additional property-tax revenue, including: Pension obligations and required contributions; Gracedale’s operating subsidy and five-year financial outlook; Employee compensation and staffing costs; Jail and corrections expenses, including overtime; Infrastructure and capital projects; Professional-services contracts and other major vendors; transfers between funds and the amount needed to replace reserves; and New initiatives and other discretionary spending; Potential savings from filling vacancies, reducing overtime and renegotiating contracts.

There is definitely room to cut. I particularly dislike the $500,000 grants to New Bethany and Skyline Investments. While New Bethany might be able to justify a grant, Northampton County Council voted 6-3 against giving Skyline a tax break for luxury apartments in Wilson Borough. It appears that Zrinski is seeking to funnel some dough to this for-profit venture through the back door, and at a time when the county needs every penny it can get. 

Zrinski's Campaign Funded in Part by County Employees and Vendors

We all know what happened in Allentown not all that long ago, when former Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski was charged and eventually convicted of public corruption. For a brief time, it had a chilling effect on campaign contributions. But the Lehigh Valley's pay-to-play culture has gone on far too long to let a few federal bribery prosecutions get in the way. Pay-to-play is back, and with a vengeance. Candidates are spending more now than they ever have. 

Years ago, before I even started this blog, I used to be at nearly every county council meeting, asking them to curb the practice by enacting an ordinance that would bar anyone who contributed to a county elected official or candidate from county employment. I also would complain about county vendors who contribute to county candidates and asked for legislation that would bar them from doing business with that county or municipality for a limited period of time after the donation.

I was a real pain in the ass, unmindful of the simple reality that the more you harp on any topic at a public meeting, the less effective you become. I thought I was dazzling them with my oratory. I was boring them instead. 

Though I've stopped haranguing elected officials on this topic, I do remain concerned about county candidates who accept donations from county employees and vendors. 

Executive Tara Zrinski presents herself as a grass roots candidate and truly is. Over the years, her finance reports demonstrate that she has a solid base of small and local donors. But when she ran for Executive, she began accepting money from county workers whose further employment with the county would be in her hands. She also accepted donations from two county vendors. 

COUNTY EMPLOYEE DONATIONS

Below is a listing of county employees who donated to her 2025 Executive race 

• Lamont McClure — $15,000. McClure was Northampton County Executive and supported Zrinski as his successor. After the election, he was appointed a PT Assistant County Solicitor 

• Susan Wandalowski — at least $1,090. County Human Services Director.

• Melissa Rudas — at least $1,050. County solicitor.

• Michael Corriere — at least $750. Former county council member and assistant county solicitor.

• Michael Emili — at least $815. County Public Works director.

• Tina Smith — at least $550. County DCED director.

• Stephen Baratta — $500. Northampton County district attorney. (Ironically, Zrinski suggests Baratta had political motives for a Grand Jury report critical of Gracedale when he actually supported her campaign).

• Mary Lou Kaboly — $500. Former county human-resources director.

• Mark Aurand — at least $300. former deputy county controller and now, the county administrator.

• Richard Groff — $500. Now a county election commissioner.

A COUNTY ARCHITECT GIVES $2,000

One contribution has a particularly direct connection to county business. Randy Galiotto contributed $2,000 to Zrinski. He is a principal of Alloy5, the Bethlehem architectural firm selected by Northampton County as project architect for replacement of the Government Center parking deck.

County procurement records identify Alloy5 as the project architect. County Council approved approximately $463,000 in architectural services for the project, but it is important to note that Alloy5 was selected on June 18, 2025, six months before Zrinski was ever elected. but six months after Zrinski's election, County Council unanimously approved a $62,400 increase to Alloy5. 

A $10,000 CONTRIBUTION FROM THE FAMILY OF A COUNTY LANDLORD

Another notable contribution came from Nimita Kapoor-Atiyeh, who gave Zrinski $10,000. Kapoor-Atiyeh is the wife of Abe Atiyeh, a local real-estate developer who owns the West Easton work-release facility leased by Northampton County. Thus, a $10,000 personal campaign contribution came from the immediate family of the owner of property being leased by the county.

In addition to the work release center, an Atiyeh company (Ridge Ventures recently agreed to lease a property in Bethlehem Township to the county for a DUI center at a rent of $2,500 a month over a period of 10 years.

These records establish the contribution and the family/property relationship. There is no evidence, aside from the contribution itself, that the contribution was made in exchange for favorable treatment by the county or that the county's lease was affected by it.

These donations are completely legal. I have no reason to believe that Zrinski's decision-making is in any way impacted by those who gave her money, especially because she has a broad base of grass roots support and is actually at odds with a District Attorney who donated to her. But to remove any uncertainty, these types of contributions should be limited or outright banned. 

Zrinski's Attempts to Minimize Grand Jury Report in Defensive and Evasive News Conference

Immediately after last week's release of a 44-page Grand Jury report calling for reforms at Gracedale, NorCo Executive Zrinski conducted her own high-noon news conference from inside the acoustically challenged rotunda of the courthouse. Her newly-appointed Continuum of Care Director and Gracedale's Administrator stood by her as she said the District Attorney's investigation should be met with "seriousness, transparency and resolve." While her resolve is beyond question, she has been far from transparent. She actually tried to have the report sealed (more about that later) so that the public would never see it. Moreover, instead of treating the probe with gravity, she minimized it and was both defensive and evasive when responding to questions. 

She started by tugging on heartstrings instead of facts. noting that Gracedale had cared for her mother and provided excellent care when Zrinski was a member of County Council. She has now told this story many times as a member of County Council and several times as Executive. I'm sure her mother did receive a high level of care because, after all, she was the mother of member of County Council. Funny thing, Gracedale's Administrator at that time was Jennifer Stewart, who has since been scapegoated for all the problems. In fact, right after praising Gracedale for looking after her mom, Zrinski said that many of its problem501c3 s came while Stewart was Administrator. 

Her solutions? She's issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a feasibility study on her "continuum of care" expansion. She's established a non-profit 501c3 to receive philanthropic support. She added that she would strengthen executive oversight with the hiring of a Continuum of Care Director whose background is therapeutic recreation and has no experience in nursing home administration.  

She also claimed to be improving communication and transparency. It must have been hard to talk about transparency with a straight face after her unsuccessful attempt to prevent the public from seeing the Grand Jury report. The improved communications have consisted mostly of feel-good stories about things like chair volleyball and a luau.   

When it came time for questions, WFMZ-TV69 had concerns about what steps were being taken to address how police should respond to 911 calls, which can be baseless when coming from residents with cognitive issues. This issue came to a head well over a year ago when 911 calls about an exorcist nurse were being ignored, both by police and even by Gracedale nurses. They claimed falsely to have checked on the matter but did nothing until after a third 911 call. 

A year later, Zrinski's response was "I don't believe I can address that right now." She then slammed Upper Nazareth police. "I'm sorry that answer could not be more clear, but it is ... um ... working with the Upper Nazareth police force has been somewhat challenging."

More than a year has passed since this incident, yet there still is no protocol on how to respond to 911 calls from a facility with 500 elderly and residents? 

While WFMZ-TV69 attempted to decipher exactly what Zrinski had just said, I had a question of my own. I pointed out that, in 2023, Medicare issued 3 minor deficiencies when Jennifer Stewart was at the helm. In 2024, there were just two. But in 2025, once Michelle Morton took the reins, there were 14 deficiency reports for serious shortcomings that extended well beyond a mentally ill nurse. They included residents who wandered off, poor security, physical assaults and failure to provide care that had been prescribed by doctors.

"Under these circumstances, how can you possibly justify keeping Michelle Morton as the Administrator of Gracedale, especially when her own testimony indicates that nurses like to eat their young?"

Zrinski: "I think you're assuming that everything in that report is accurate and true."

Me: "That is her testimony."

Zrinski: "I understand her testimony."

Me: "I understand that everything is true because those are the deficiency reports that are on the record. They're on record. Department of Health deficiency reports. Gracedale has paid significant fines as a result of these deficiency reports. There are 14 reports ...."

Zrinski: "I understand what you're saying, Mr. O'Hare, if you let me finish the question, I will respond to you. So there's an admissions process and there are individuals who are admitted years before [Morton] got there."

She went on to blame the McClure administration for increasing census. And she failed to acknowledge it, but the Grand Jury report shows that Morton was all about accepting new residents no matter how unsuitable they might be. Morton actually placed Jennifer Stewart, the Admissions Director, under a mandate to increase census, and even would override Stewart's admission denials. She slammed an "admissions director who let anybody in," which has been a common theme at Gracedale. Morton has managed to make the former Administrator, Jennifer Stewart, a scapegoat for her own admissions errors.  These errors were the result of a previous executive, Lamont McClure, who wanted quantity over quality.  Yet Zrinski insisted that Morton "has my confidence." 

Transparent Zrinski then went on to say she'd rather have questions from someone other than me. That's OK. But I was not done. 

Zrinski went on to slam DA Steve Baratta for bringing Gracedale "out in the public forum. ... This has been a public discussion in nearly every election cycle. Gracedale has been a political football. Sell it, save it. Sell it, save it, sell it, save it are always the priorities of candidates running. I want to take that out of the political sphere and make it more about care and treatment. It shouldn't be an open discussion that we're arguing about all the time. These are people's lives. These are people's jobs."

Me: "There are no county offices up this year. So where do you get the idea that this is some form of political football?"

Zrinski: "I said, in the history, it has been a political football. How many different rallies have you gone to or how many different discussions?"

Me: "Right now we're talking about what's going on at Gracedale, how we can improve it, what's wrong with it ...'

Zrinski: "Mr. O'Hare, I think you know better than anybody else that there are motivations that are political for anybody to put a report out about Gracedale."

Me: "So you are saying that DA Baratta had a political motive?"

Zrinski: "I'm not suggesting it. I'm saying it could possibly exist."

Me: "You're saying it could possibly exist?"

Zrinski: "Sure."

Me: "But it could also be that he genuinely desires to see Gracedale improve."

Zrinski: "He has no authority or experience to make recommendations for Gracedale."

Me: "You say he has no authority or experience. What is your background in administration.?"

Zrinski: "I am not making these recommendations. I am following the recommendations of other individuals who know how nursing homes run."

She was talking over me, but at that time I was pointing out that her newly appointed Continuum of Care Director and Administrator have backgrounds in therapeutic recreation.

Me: "Why did you speak against an oversight committee for Gracedale? When you're saying you want to be transparent, why would you oppose an oversight committee?"

Zrinski: "I'm not opposed to an oversight committee. What I was guarding was county council's overreach. When you create a continuum of care department, you're supposed to create a continuum of care committee. That should be the level of oversight. And it has four members on it."

Me: "Is County Council the governing body?"

Zrinski: "Yes."

Zrinski, who is used to bloviating at length, decided to cut the presser short. 

Tomorrow, I'll tell you how the court reacted to Zrinski's failed attempt to keep you from seeing the Grand Jury report.

Why Does Kraft Pressure Zrinski To Deliver Quick Reports?

When Lamont McClure was NorCo Exec, he often delivered lengthy addresses, although his focus was usually two or perhaps three matters. I heard no complaints from Council member Ken Kraft. 

Executive Tara Zrinski has provided lengthy reports as well. But unlike McClure, she goes into detail about what is going on in numerous county departments. They are very informative. But last night, as he has done several times before, Kraft pushed Zrinski to be as quick as possible. In an effort to comply, she began speaking fast. When she was done, Kraft revealed he actually timed her. 

I have to wonder why Kraft never complained to McClure during his sometimes-lengthy reports. Could it be because McClure, unlike Zrinski, is a member of the penis club? 

Zrinski is the county executive and should be free to take the time she needs to update Council and the public about what is going on in the county. If this is too much for Kraft, he should resign.

After Zrinski was finished, Council member Theresa Fadem thanked her for these informative reports. I like that. It was one woman sticking up for another in what certainly seemed to me like a perfect example of discrimination against Zrinski because she is just a woman.  

Zrinski Issues Apology Over "Friends of Gracedale" SNAFU

Blogger's Note: Yesterday, I told you that that Northampton County had instructed "Friends of Gracedale," a nonprofit organization that raises funds for the nursing home's residents, to "cease and desist". It had even been barred from conducting a fundraiser at the facility. This was based on the incorrect assumption that its "tax exempt" status had been revoked.  Last night, NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski issued an apology on her Substack page. Here is what she said:

To the residents of Northampton County, to the families who rely on Gracedale, and to the volunteers of Friends of Gracedale, I owe you that responsibility and an apology.

Since day one of this administration, we have been operating in what can only be described as crisis mode, drinking from the same hoses we are using to put out fires we did not start. From regulatory pressures at Gracedale, to staffing challenges, to uncertainty surrounding Medicaid reimbursements and state budget delays, not to mention the crisis emerging from Northampton County Jail and litigation I’m not even allowed to talk about, we have been forced to react to urgent, often daily issues while simultaneously trying to stabilize operations and set a long-term course. That is not an excuse—it is context.

I entered this role believing that with a strong team of seasoned professionals in both the Solicitor’s Office and county administration, we could hit the ground running. That belief was predicated by confidence, not arrogance, but also a little ambition. In hindsight, that ambition outpaced the reality of the challenges before us. Four years seems like a very short time to douse a thousand flames with a single hose.

Gracedale, as many in this community know, is both a point of pride and a constant test. It is, in many ways, the gift that keeps on giving—rewarding when we succeed, but unrelenting in the demands it places on us when we fall short.

When it was brought to my attention that Friends of Gracedale may not have had an active 501(c)(3) status, I took that concern seriously. Given the regulatory environment surrounding Gracedale, already operating under heightened scrutiny and a provisional 2 license, my immediate priority was to protect the integrity, reputation, and legal standing of the facility.

I did not independently verify that information. That is my fault. Instead, I relied on what was presented and trusted that it had been properly vetted before it reached my desk. The matter was referred to the Solicitor’s Office, and based on their recommendation, a cease-and-desist letter was prepared. There was an added sense of urgency due to a planned vacation by the Solicitor, and the letter was approved under the assumption that all necessary due diligence had been completed.

Compounding the situation, we believed the letter had been sent via certified mail on June 25. It had not been. When no response was received, we operated under the mistaken belief that Friends of Gracedale was either choosing not to engage or, worse, ignoring the letter. A Second Notice was sent out, prompting our favorite blogger to add fuel to an already smoldering flame with a leaked screenshot of the letter embedded in an accusation that this administration is both inept and motivated by a “hostile takeover” of Friends of Gracedale. Neither is wholly true, yet the blog relies on loaded phrasing and selective interpretation of events at Gracedale to support this dismissive narrative.

Nonetheless, I can admit that this series of missteps was a failure in process and, ultimately, a failure in leadership.

I am not willing to allow these missteps to hold the administration captive, though. Instead, I wish to acknowledge what happened, express my regret for the confusion, and resolve to repair any harm caused.

However, let me be clear: at no point was this administration motivated by retaliation or hostility toward Friends of Gracedale; quite the opposite. I, the administration and the Solicitor’s office, recognize and deeply value the compassion and generosity that volunteers bring to Gracedale’s residents. Their contributions enhance lives in meaningful ways.

At the same time, concerns had been raised internally about governance practices, financial recordkeeping, and the absence of formal legal guidance for the organization. In a highly regulated environment like a county-owned nursing facility, those concerns cannot be ignored. They must be addressed carefully, collaboratively, and correctly.

In this instance, we did not get that balance right.

It is accurate that my requests to merge Friends of Gracedale with the Gracedale Strategic Plan were denied. We attempted to encourage a partnership—one where a County-led development team could assist in structured fundraising while allowing volunteers to continue focusing on what they do best: supporting residents. That effort was met with understandable skepticism. Trust is not built through urgency or assumption; it is built through communication and transparency. On that front, we have work to do as well.

The fact is I remain fully committed to keeping Gracedale county-owned and fulfilling our moral obligation to the residents who call it home. That commitment was made publicly at the State of the County Address and will continue to guide every decision we make.

But progress is rarely linear. Too often, it feels like for every two steps forward, we take one step back. Admittedly, this was one of those moments where we have taken four or five steps backwards. We understand earning the public trust and the trust of Friends of Gracedale will require work, but; I also believe that honesty goes a long way to redemption.

As County Executive, I know that asking for forgiveness is not something the public expects. The expectation is steadiness, accuracy, and sound judgment at all times. I strive for that standard every day. But I am, and my staff is also human; when we fall short, we must acknowledge it plainly

I have chosen to do that here and now.

We will correct the record. We will improve our internal processes. We will work to rebuild trust with Friends of Gracedale and the broader community through our continued transparent communication.

At the end of the day, this is not about any one office, organization, or individual. It is about Gracedale and getting it right for the residents that call it home now and the community that relies on its future.

Zrinski Unveils Long-Term Gracedale Plan in State of the County

Yesterday, at the close of the work-day, members of our local ruling party convened at the National Museum of Industrial History on Bethlehem's south side to hear Tara Zrinski's first "State of the County" address as County Executive. I watched it on Facebook, not in person, because I had a conflicting matter at the same time.  I'm glad I watched. At the end of her presentation, Zrinski finally unveiled what I've been waiting for - a long-term plan for Gracedale.  

The beginning intros were a bit cringeworthy. It's a bit unclear to me, but there may have been an open bar. It wasm, after all, happy hour. But this is a far cry from the 7 am addresses delivered in previous years by the likes of John Stoffa and Glenn Reibman. Instead of black coffee and orange juice, there was Rocky music and some goofy guy who sounded like a WWE announcer introducing speakers who themselves were making introductions and announcing a lengthy list of corporate sponsors. I was waiting for "Let's get ready to ruuuuumble," from this guy but he must have left for a Trump rally somewhere. Nearly eight minutes went by before Zrinski ever made it to the podium. 

When she did, she was fairly relaxed and amiable. She started off with the obligatory joke (about her numerous hair colors), told guests she didn't mind of they wanted to sneak off to the bar, and went to work. 

About 90% of what she had to say could have been said by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Becky Bradley. It was all about county demographics and how they've changed over the years. 

Toward the end of a 47-minute speech, Zrinski unveiled her "strategic" plan for Gracedale. Administrator Michelle Morton had a "strategic plan" for the beleaguered nursing home nearly a year ago. This is a new one. 

Zrinski's goal is to keep Gracedale both county-owned and county-operated (meaning no third-party manager). She also wants it to be self-sustaining with no need for county contributions. 

To accomplish this feat, she's planning for a new Gracedale that makes use of its 365-acre campus. A rejuvenated Gracedale, with adjoining medical offices, a dialysis center, workforce housing for county employees and retail space. There already is a daycare at the facility, and she is hoping to partner with area colleges that offer nursing, and Gracedale would in turn provide affordable housing for these students after they graduate. "That is how we solve our agency-nurse dependency," she said. She acknowledged "it's not going to be easy." 

Zrinski said people might think she's cRaZy after seeing this plan, but I'll be honest. It is eerily similar to a proposal I made in December 2024. I called it "A Modest Plan to Retain NorCo County Workers and Provide Workforce Housing."

The county owns 375 acres at Gracedale and 500 acres elsewhere. Here's what I suggested back then:

Northampton County has about 1700-1800 employees, though its actual number should be closer to 2,000. It has problems attracting nursing care at Gracedale, despite offering retention bonuses and even building a daycare that may or may not yet be open. This is a nationwide problem, and the county has been forced to hire outside nurses to provide care at higher rates than it pays its own. 

In addition to a shortage of nursing care at Gracedale, there is also a shortage of corrections officers, youth care workers and 911 dispatchers. They are often forced to work overtime to fill gaps in coverage, which exhausts them and can make conditions unsafe. 

Couldn't we express our appreciation to these unsung heroes by providing them with an affordable place to live?

Here's what I would suggest as a pilot program. The Gracedale campus is huge. Some of that land is used neither for farming nor anything else. It's just grass to cut. How about a small development of about 30 homes for workers in critical departments like the jail, Gracedale, Juvenile Justice Center and 911. I'm not speaking of McMansions but am thinking of smaller homes like the Boxable Casita. 

The county could offer these homes and agree to hold the mortgage at a low interest rate. The qualifying employee would own, not rent the property to erase any illusion that this is a company store. If the employee either leaves county employment or decides to sell the property for a larger home, the county would have an option to repurchase at its appraised market value. That way the employee could build equity, and the county could attract and retain good workers. 

I discussed this idea with several members of County Council, who themselves had similar ideas. So I think she'd have support and believe this could actually solve Gracedale's biggest problem, a reliance on agency nurses who lack the empathy that county employees have. The only part of her Gracedale presentation I dislike is her insistence that the home be county-managed. I think the county has demonstrated over and over that it lacks the expertise to manage a nursing facility. 

Zrinski never got into some of the many other issues facing the county. She noted the county has had no tax hike for eight years (hint, hint), that there's been no reassessment since 1995 (hint, hint). 

Zrinski a Hit a NorCo Retiree Luncheon

 

Tara Zrinski attended her first retiree as NorCo Exec this week.  From what I'm told, they really liked what she had to say. She believes it is important to keep the pensions funded in accordance with recommendations of the actuary. She also thinks it's ridiculous to snub retirees out of a COLA at a time when inflation is out of control. 

You can see her above with former NorCo Execs Gerald E "Jerry" Seyfried and Glenn Reibman. Former Exec Lamont McClure was not invited because he's running for Congress 

Zrinski's upbeat personality has probably been her best asset so far. I have heard more than one county employee say that she's been a breath of fresh air. I've never heard an Executive say until last week that she thinks the jail has a problem keeping corrections officers because the pay is too low. 

Next week, I'll discuss her "continuum of care" approach at Gracedale. On the surface, it sounds foolish, especially because the two positions she wants are "exempt" and come and go with the Executive. But she told retirees that she has other plans at Gracedale as well. I need to do some research and will let you know about that on Monday. 

Zrinski Continues Trend of Detailed Reports of Just What Is Happening in NorCo Government

In her first report to NorCo Council as County Exec, Tara Zrinksi gave a detailed and informative account, department-by department, of what is happening. Some might call it boring, but we have forgotten that most of what is called "news" should be boring. We need to be informed, not titillated. Zrinski continued a trend of providing the nuts and bolts of county government in her second report at last week's Thursday night's Council meeting. She's been on the job for five weeks. I really appreciate these detailed reports.   

Communications Manager - has been onboarded and communication applications within the county are being reviewed. 

Governor's State of the State Address -  Was invited to Harrisburg for the address. The County Facebook and Substack pages provide Zrinski's breakdown of Governor Shapiro's vision. "I think it's very positive, and I look forward to the legislature passing a budget on time in 2026."

Department of Community and Economic Development - met with Director Tina Smith to discuss various grants and future endeavors in the department as well as implementation of fiscal year 2026 grant award contracts across multiple county funding programs. Staff is monitoring compliance with federal and state grant projects. "I'm especially excited about the possibility of including a run-walk to highlight the recreational opportunities that we have in our park, with our county festival that will now be held in the spring." (Louise Moore Park has an excellent walking path on the western side of the park.

Sheriff's Department - currently conducting crisis intervention training for all in collaboration with the Northampton County Crisis Intervention Team. This training enhances deputy capacity to respond effectively to individuals in crises. Deputies are also completing their annual mandatory update training.

Court services - Register of Wills (that's where you get a marriage license) continues to have that uptick of seasonal marriage licenses ahead of Valentine's Day. There's also an increase a real ID requests as the Pennsylvania deadline years. Archives has experienced an increase in requests for historical research, and that may be due in part to the anticipation of the American 250 celebration. The criminal and civil departments are actively conducting interviews to fill vacant positions.

Administration. - The county's proposal redistricting plan, consolidating small precincts, and dividing larger ones for our upcoming elections, was approved by President Judge Craig Dally, and after approved by the Department of State, will be made available. The Pennsylvania Department of State has authorized updates for the county's Express Vote XL voting machines, which will be installed.

EMS - Director Todd Weaver has retired. Michael Leonard has been appointed acting director and the position has been posted for internal applications.

County Fire Chiefs Association - Administration has met with executive board to discuss the relationship between 911 and first responders, as well as the progress of the P 25 program.

Safety committee - has met to review county risk management policies, liability insurance, and will address building safe communities arising from the forthcoming parking deck.

Public Works - received a permit for the new parking garage. A contract has been awarded for the precast concrete, which will be presented to council in the 2nd meeting of February. 

 An emergency order was issued to authorize procurement and installation of a replacement rooftop HVA system at the juvenile detention center. Work is expected to start in two weeks is expected to begin within 2 weeks.

Parks and Recreation - responded rapidly to the recent snowstorm. "I'm sure we're all just loving the piles of snow and navigating through the streets of Easton and Bethlehem, and all throughout the Lehigh Valley. But keeping county operations on schedule and reopening facilities was a part of a rapid response, and we were able to open on Tuesday, although we did not open on Monday, and I think employees were grateful for that."

The parks division also secured a $150,000 DEP growing greener grant for streaming restoration projects at Wayne Grube Park

Farmland preservation - Zrinski commended Director Ryan Shaw (sp?)  as well as Parks Director Bryan Cope for streamlining the process to allow for rolling applications throughout the year. This has enabled them to clear the list and add more properties.

Coroner - Zrinksi explained that the Coroner is unable to release the details of some of his work because it is confidential.  She explained that, unlike most other counties, the corner is an appointed position under NorCo's Home Rule. In counties that elect their coroner, certification of the appointment is needed from the governor after election.  [My opinion here: NorCo' Home Rule Charter eliminates most row offices as elected positions. Elected row offices tend to lead to the creation of petty fiefdoms. For example, in Washington County, the elected coroner insisted on charging the DA for autopsy reports, and he responded by serving a search warrant for them]/ 

Department of Human Services. - "God love those people in human services. They are working so hard to keep their heads above water. You know what I mean?" She noted that DHS continues providing essential services, in mental health, drug and alcohol, on children and youth family programs. Developmental programs is planning a celebration for its 20th anniversary at DeSales U on March 25. Area Agency on Aging will host its Outstanding Senior Award ceremony on April 23, 1 pm, at the Chrin Center.  Drug and Alcohol Services completed 2 narcan trainings sessions in January. Upcoming training sessions will be held April 23rd, July 23rd, and October 22nd at DHS. Additional events are planned at Lehigh University and other community venues.

Zrinski is currently evaluating the previous administration's use of the opioid settlement funds and is including contracts for education outreach.

The DHS mobile unit has scheduled outreach visits throughout February and March at Bethlehem's homeless shelter, the Greater Shiloh Church and the Bethlehem Public Library.

Veterans Affairs is preparing to implement the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale in 2026.

Northampton County Jail - the new Corrections Academy begins February 16. 

On January 16, inmates were placed directly into inpatient treatment facilities, saving the county both 580 bed days and approximately $18,000. in operating costs.

Director Lawrence is reviewing operations, morale, and procedures to enhance the efficiency and security within the prison. "We're certainly fortunate to have her on our team, and she is really hit the ground running." 

There was a lockdown at the jail on February 4 at 4 p.m following the discovery of two makeshift weapons on unit B4. Searches were conducted, and the lockdown was lifted the following morning. Director Lawrence also personally toward the unit and continues to implement measures to ameliorate these situations and ensure timely reporting.

Zrinski To Name Cabinet Officials ... Tentatively ... On Tuesday, January 13

In her first report as NorCo Executive, Tara Zrinski told County Council last night that she will be announcing ... tentatively ... her new cabinet on January 13. She wants the suspense to build. Any new cabinet official will need to be confirmed by Council.

At least one of those appointments might be known. Mark Aurand, who served as Zrinski's Deputy Controller, is her interim Administrator. He explained the county's liability policy to members last night. 

Interestingly, Council never even mentioned that they need to appoint a Controller to replace Zrinski. 

Zrinski Establishes a Transition Team

 Northampton County Executive-Elect Tara Zrinski yesterday announced the formation of a transition committee that she calls the "start of a new era for county government built on transparency, accountability, and inclusive community engagement."

“Elections mark the beginning of change, but real leadership is about thoughtfully and transparently shaping what comes next,” Zrinski said. “Residents expect innovative ideas backed by a careful transition and strong follow‑through on the promises they supported this fall.”

Members include a mix of experienced leaders like former Exec Glenn Reibman as well as participants who have never held a major role in county government. They include Brandon Faust, Nazareth School Board; Anita Erdős Forrester, Professor at Northampton Community College; Margie DeRenzis, retired Supervisor at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20; and Steve Goudsouzian, a well-respected attorney and Solicitor for the Controller’s Office.

She has identified seven targeted areas:

● Healthy Families & Human Services: Public health, social services, and family support.

● Housing for All: Affordable housing, homelessness, and development policy.

● Economic Development & Jobs: Small business support, workforce training, and job access.

● Infrastructure & Capital Projects: Roads, public works, and other capital projects.

● Public Safety & Justice: Policing, emergency services, and criminal justice reform.

● Opportunity for All: Racial, economic, gender, and disability inclusion practices.

● Environmental Planning and Sustainability: Land use, open space preservation, infrastructure, and county operations.

County government is very limited. It exists primarily to run elections, 911, build county bridges and provide the court services that handle the back end of crime as well as civil matters. It provides no policing. It builds no roads. There is no health department. It does provide for human services like child protective services, but this function is largely paid for by the state. It does maintain a nursing home but is one of only about six or seven counties that still have a nursing home.  

Having said that, I have no problem with exploring how a county government can help with many other issues that transcend municipal boundaries. 

I would suggest that Zrinski's biggest problem, and it's one she can fix, is a fractured relationship with both County Council and employees. Hopefully she would include county council members and current employees to help guide a smooth transition and make her aware of what the "boots on the ground" see. 

UPDATED: Following the Money: Zrinski Outraises Giovanni 3 to 1 in NorCo Exec Race

Money may not be everything, but it sure helps if you're running for office. Based on the pre-election reports filed for NorCo Executive candidates Tara Zrinski (her report is here) and Tom Giovanni (his report is here), Tara Zrinski is well on her way to victory in November. In a county in which Democrats still maintain an edge in voter registration and in a race where the name "Trump" is nowhere to be found, she has outraised Tom Giovanni by a margin of 3 to 1, both in cash and in-kind contributions.

According to her report, Zrinski raised $93,687.00 between June 10 and October 20. She also received $64,698.14 in in-kind contributions, and I'm not talking about pizza pies. In contrast, Giovanni raised only $26,885.00 as well as $19,399.31 in in-kind contributions. 

Zrinski's report demonstrates a great deal of grass roots support. She received contributions of $9612.00 from 71 individual donors of $250 or less. Giovanni had far less grass roots support. His report shows only 32 contributions of $250 or less. 

Zrinski was also boosted by several large PAC contributions, the largest of which is IBEW ($15,000). She also received $10,000 from the Jane Fonda Climate PAC and $5,000 from Executive Lamont McClure's local campaign fund. 

Her largest individual contributor was Nimita Kapoor Atiyeh, wife of Abe Atiyeh. He owns the work release center in West Easton being leased by the county.

Zrinski benefitted immensely from in-kind contributions made by the Democracy First PAC. That group produced mailers, campaign literature, paid people to go door-to-door and even paid rent. 

Giovanni's largest PAC contributor was the Pa Future Fund ($5,000). His largest individual contribution came from Charles Baltic III ($1,500), a retired attorney who lives in Upper Mount Bethel and who has spoken out against satellite elections offices in Northampton County. His largest in-kind contribution is $17,000 from the state Republican party for both campaign literature and postage. He also reports $2,243 from a sign company called JES for banners. I believe that portion of his report is a bit misleading because it fails to explain who actually paid for these signs. I believe the person who did so was Lou Pektor and am pretty sue Tom told me that himself when we met to discuss his personal story. Tom supported a LERTA for his development in Upper Mount Bethel Tp.   

(Updated 7:34).

Where Are Tom Giovanni's Mailers?

So far, I've received four mailers from Tara Zrinski's campaign for county executive. Two appear to be directly from her campaign. Another two, which also ask you to support County Council candidates Jason Boulette and David Holland, come from the DemocracyFIRST PAC. But I've received nothing from Tom Giovanni, Zrinski's opponent. 

If Tom wants to be elected, I'd think he'd have reached out to Democrats and independents by now. This is because mail-in ballots have already been sent out, so it's almost too late at this point. Zrinski can win this race without GOP support. But I doubt Giovanni can do so without attracting a few Democrats. That will not happen if he fails to reach out to them. As my friend, Bishop Ron Angle once told me, "People like to be asked."

The Tara Zrinski Story

Earlier this week, I shared the Tom Giovanni Story with you. He and Tara Zrinski are the two candidates seeking your vote for NorCo Exec on November 4. Both have appeared, in 12-minute segments, on  Tony Iannelli's Business Matters program. They've also responded to five questions posed by The Morning Call. I've decided to take a different approach and try to understand what makes them tick. They both have strikingly different personalities. Tom is quiet and unassuming, perhaps too quiet at times. Tara is loud and assertive, perhaps too loud at times. As different as their personalities might be, they both want to make things better for people. 

Tara is from Bethlehem and graduated from Freedom High School before attending Drew College and Moravian's Theological Seminary. She has a gay brother about 10 years older than her. He taught in Bethlehem's schools, and at a time when being gay was far from popular. She was alienated by her classmates, who would assume she must be gay, too, or must have AIDs. 

This never stopped her. She played in numerous sports, from soccer to field hockey to softball. And like many student athletes who must learn to manage their time, she got into the habit of being very disciplined in her personal approach. Even today, she often gets by with only a few hours of sleep. She starts the day walking her dog, works out, goes through her emails and is "out the door." 

She played soccer at Drew University as well, where she majored in Philosophy. And to those of you who think this is a useless major, you ought to read Plato's Republic. In addition to being a student athlete, she worked at a nearby cafe and was actually taking graduate classes in her senior year. 

She had an unhappy marriage. I chose against discussing that topic with her in any detail though she was willing to do so. 

Her attitude was influenced by time spent abroad, both as a student and after graduating. In Costa Rica, she witnessed the impact that deforestation had, not just on the environment, but on people who lived there. In Germany, she experienced what it's like to receive free medical car after she injured her hand, even though she was not a citizen. In Hungary, she actually spent a month at a train station after per backpack and passport were stolen. There she met numerous refugees escaping the genocide in war torn Bosnia.  She met people from Poland and East Germany who were returning to their countries after the wall had been torn down. She considers that month "just an amazing education for me. And the resilience of people, what they've been through, what somebody will do to survive, you know?" That experience is what led her to want people to have better lives, "to thrive."

"I want them to have opportunities, and I want them to have dignity and justice and equity, and all those all those lofty things that we talk about in politics, but it seems like they never happen. At Moravian Theological Seminary, she considered becoming an ordained minister and got degrees both in Theology and Pastoral Counseling but was non-denominational and by then she was a single mother of three children whose first priority was putting food on the table. This included trips to the local food banks. 

Her interest in local government began with her participation as a local coordinator for Food and Water Watch, where she was opposed to the PennEast Pipeline. She recalled having a meeting set up with a township supervisor, who refused to speak to her but was willing to speak with a male who accompanied her. He actually told her he was unwilling to speak to her because she is female. "This is insane," she said. "And I thought more women have to get into politics."

And so she shifted gears from activism to politics with a whirlwind approach to campaigning that is hard to match. 

She condemns the partisan and adversarial approach she's seen in county government by both sides. She said she can talk to John Brown, John Goffredo and Tom Giovanni, the County Council Republicans. The only problem she has is when she sees personal attacks. "I don't think that's helpful, because now you're not talking about the issues anymore. You're sidestepping the issues and making personal attacks. I want to address what it is that is going on in the room, and I don't want my integrity or judgment questioned because we're all supposed to be there to make solutions"

She said this toxicity just makes people angrier. "People are dissatisfied with the way government is going, and they're dissatisfied with this dysfunction that doesn't allow anything to happen. Trump does get things done. Whether you believe that he is effective or whether he is doing what you want him to do, he's doing stuff every day."

She said that by listening to voters, she knows we have to recognize that "both Republicans and Democrats come here so that we could find what's best for everybody." 

Like Tom Giovanni, she listens. Like Tom Giovanni, she wants people to have better lives. So on a personal level, I think both would be fine as Executive. 

How Did NorCo Exec Candidates React to Charlie Kirk's Murder?

Tom Giovanni, GOP candidate for NorCo Exec: "Please join me tonight in praying for Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, and their beautiful children following today's tragedy. Enough is enough with political violence. We must come together."

Tara Zrinski, Democratic candidate for NorCo Exec: "I had not planned on posting anything about Charlie Kirk’s assassination because I just didn’t have the words, but, I have read many posts and watched the reactions from the news, the President, talking heads on podcasts and it is all vile.

I mourn not for Charlie Kirk but for human decency. A man, who I did not know, has died, he had a wife and children and probably friends, although none I would align myself even in polite conversation. The proper, respectful and decent thing to do is to say, “sorry for your loss. I pray for the friends and family of this lost soul that he may rest in peace.” Yet, we have lost all semblance of decency in this polarized and charged political landscape.

I mourn for the hope that people can come together, even when they disagree, for mindful political discourse. I grieve for the future so uncertain for our country and the world. I am bereaved by the loss of kindness in the hearts of people.

I want to drop some Buddhist wisdom here that I have been thinking about. As the Dhammapada states, "An ignorant person takes pleasure and delight in killing living beings". Taking a life, even that of someone who you deem a wicked, or evil, person, creates new negative karma for the killer. It doesn’t remove that victim’s karma, either, and creates more suffering that, for some, will give birth to violence out of their vindication and condemnation of the act for others.

The goal is to break the cycle of violence, not to perpetuate it, even against those who may seem deserving of harm. We cannot break it if we keep perpetuating it. Charlie Kirk, for sure, had an agenda. I did not agree with him but, I do not wish him or his family suffering. I pray for peace. I pray for the end of suffering and the end of violence. I pray his death is the last."

Both Tom and Tara have reacted to this senseless killing with empathy and compassion. What Kelly Keegan said is the exception, not the norm. 

Zrinski Wants Bus Service in Slate Belt To Continue

As most of you know, I'm an old fart. I live in an apartment building specially set up for old farts and younger disabled people with limited incomes. I like it. My next door neighbor (he passed away a few weeks ago) was a retired garbage man who spent 40 years on the back of the trucks. Another was a drummer for famous singers like Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. One fellow - a giant of a man - provided security for celebrities in California before going blind. I could go on and on, and maybe one day I will tell their stories. One thing that most of us appreciate is the LANTA bus. There is a stop right outside the building. At one time, it was served by two separate routes. (217 & 216). Now it's just one (216), and that will no longer serve Nazareth at the end of June. There will still be service from another route, but it will be far more limited. This will affect several residents who rely on LANTA. It will also impact several other Nazareth residents whom I have seen on the bus from time  

I realize this is a "poor person" issue. I often hop on a bus, especially when riding my bike so I can pretend I went farther than I actually did. I've seen the people who rely on buses to get to jobs at restaurants, Walmart and local industrial parks. One Spanish lady - she does not speak a word of English or pretends not to when I'm on the bus - always has a piece of fruit for me. 

Although Governor Josh Shapiro is pushing for $292 million in mass transit funding statewide, his quest faces an uncertain fate in the Republican held state senate. LANTA is planning to reduce service by 20%. This should have little impact if you live in downtown Allentown, Bethlehem or Easton. But the farther you are from the urban core, the more difficult it will be to get around. It will be especially tough for Slate Belt residents. They are often little more than an afterthought among elected officials, so I was surprised to see a press release from NorCo Controller and Exec candidate Tara Zrinski about bus service to the slate belt (Route 217), which will be reduced at the end of the month.

Her news release states that Route 217 is being eliminated, but my understanding is that service is just being reduced. Here's what she says:

As the Democratic nominee for Northampton County Executive, and as a former county councilmember and current county controller, I am deeply concerned about the proposed elimination of Route 217 and other essential bus services in the Slate Belt region.

While I do not reside in the Slate Belt, I understand that public transportation is a lifeline for many Northampton County communities. Route 217 connects residents to jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores, and vital services. Surveys show that the vast majority of riders—about three-quarters—have no other transportation option. Eliminating this route would strand those without access to a car—especially in rural areas where alternatives are scarce.

It is especially important to recognize that many individuals in recovery from addiction rely on these bus routes to reach recovery centers, counseling sessions, and support group meetings. Reliable transportation is essential for successful recovery; without it, missed appointments can disrupt progress and increase the risk of relapse. 

Seniors, low income individuals/families and the disabled are all especially vulnerable to these proposed cuts. Reductions in fixed-route and paratransit services will limit their ability to reach medical appointments, grocery stores, and social activities, leading to increased isolation and diminished quality of life. The planned 25% fare increase on the Shared Ride for Seniors program and restricted service days and hours will further compound these challenges.

Removing Route 217 would undermine the hard-won progress of many in our community.

Northampton County has consistently advocated for equitable bus route allocation, ensuring that all residents—regardless of location—have access to essential services. To take these routes away now would undermine years of progress and jeopardize the well-being of those in recovery from opioid addiction and other substance use disorders.

Where can LANTA get the money?

LANTA’s funding challenges are real. The transit authority has relied on federal COVID relief funds, but those have now run out. Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget includes a $6.6 million increase in state operating funds for LANTA, which could help avoid devastating service cuts. Additionally, the Governor has proposed increasing the transit share of the state sales tax, which could provide LANTA with millions more annually if approved by the legislature. Federal grants, such as those from the Federal Transit Administration and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also remain important funding sources.

I urge LANTA and state leaders to prioritize these funding solutions and to preserve essential services for all communities. Northampton County is a growing community and, as part of the Lehigh Valley our services are essential to that economic growth. Public transportation is not just about mobility—it’s about access, opportunity, and dignity. We must not let funding shortfalls harm our most vulnerable residents.

The Most Effective Argument I've Heard For Zrinski as NorCo Exec

I've received the mailers, text messages and have watched the debate and a candidates' night.  But honestly, the most effective case for Tara Zrinski's election was recently made in an anonymous comment posted to this blog. Let me share it with you. 

Bernie, glad to see that you have finally come to the realization that Tara Zrinski has a lot to offer as a public servant, a fact that the voters of Northampton County have known for a long time. Ms. Zrinski's finance report suggests exactly the kind of grass roots support that has been the hallmark of her political career.
Her work as a champion of the environment, first as an organizer and then county commissioner include the following accomplishments:
• She led the fight against Corporate Eminent Domain in opposing PennEast Pipeline taking farmland and historically significant land.
• She was instrumental in leading Northampton County to enter litigation against landfill expansion
• She voted for energy efficiency upgrades, solar panels on the new forensic center and hydropower generation.
• She voted for farmland preservation saving appox. 3600 acres for 50 farms
• Formed a coalition of environmental groups, water protectors and municipal governments to end the dewatering events in Bushkill Creek by holding Buzzi Unicem accountable.
She has real conversations with county residents and listens to their concerns, including care for the elderly and infirm and her leadership and voting record prove that. Ms. Zrinski has consistently voted for preserving the county's ownership of Gracedale and she has proposed measures that would help to attract and retain staff, including bonuses, a daycare, and a County Healthcare Center, which was voted down by a majority of the council. She also met with the residents of the Oliver C. Border apartments (one bedroom apartments for persons 62 or older and/or disabled of any age) and took their concerns to council resulting in a change in management.
Residents of our county noticed her dedication and when it came time to re-elect Ms. Zrinski to County Council in 2021, she received more votes than any other candidate, Republican or Democrat, by a margin of 1,272 votes! When she ran for County Controller, after once again running an effective grassroots campaign, the voters elected her in both the primary and general electionsand she defeated her fellow commissioner by 5,728 votes.
In order to get on the ballot for County Executive, each candidate is required to obtain a total of 250 signatures from registered voters of their party, Once again, Ms, Zrinski's grassroots support came into play, garnering her a total of 1,453 signatures, beating former Executive Glenn Reibman's record of 1,200. (Cozze received 607 and Giovanni received 864) What's even more impressive is the fact that 68 volunteers gathered these signatures because they believe that Ms. Zrinski has the knowledge, intelligence, leadership skills and empathy to be a great County Executive.
So when I look at Ms. Zrinski's campaign finance report, I am not surprised to see that she is supported by LOCAL small donors, workers and County executives who have previously held the job and know that Ms. Zrinski can do the job. Perhaps the reason she has the support of county employees is because they have noticed how she treats her own staff and would like that kind of consideration from the County Executive.
P.S. You missed Gabe Solms (employed by Pektor's Ashley Development), $2000 contribution to Ms.Cozze's campaign.