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| Tony adores his grandchildren |
Bassil is a 1982 graduate of the American University in Beirut,where he earned his degree in Business and Finance. He then began as an accountant at TransNet Corporation, where he worked his way up through the ranks to be promoted to Controller of the company in 1998. He served in that capacity until 2012, when he was lured away by Lancer Systems to be their Controller. He finally said good-bye to the private sector in July 2017.
While still employed in the private sector, Bassil became interested in local government finance. He served as Treasurer on Easton's Home Rule Charter study, and was also entrusted as treasurer of Easton's Pension Board. He is also President of Easton's Audit Committee.
When Tony was appointed Easton Controller in 2006, the City was on the verge of falling under Act 47, the Financially Distressed Municipalities Act, which is the municipal equivalent of bankruptcy. Its Standard and Poor’s credit rating was just BBB+. Over his three terms served, that credit rating has jumped to A+.
Bassil accomplished this by restructuring city debt multiple times, saving taxpayers nearly $2 Million Dollars in interest charges. He also prompted the City to implement other cost initiatives This includes an insistence on a balanced budget. This has given Easton a surplus while Bethlehem and Allentown routinely engage in deficit spending. Since assuming office, Bassil points to an overall increase in the fund balance of $4 million.
The financial success of the City during Tony’s tenure is seen every day by its residents and surrounding community members, as they take in the urban renaissance that Easton has recently enjoyed, which is grounded in the financial foundation that is not often discussed, but which has become an expectation as the City’s growth and prosperity continues.
Tony and his wife, Sia, have owned and operated The Carmelcorn Shop, an institution in Downtown Easton, since 1996. They have three children and two grandchildren.
