NorCo Controller's Budget Proposed to Shrink From $987,800 to $816,500 in 2026

Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski's budget for 2026 is $816,500, which is 17% below her $987,800 budget this year. She explained that she has eight staffers, a part-time solicitor and one vacancy.  

In response to a question posed by Council member Jeff Corpora, Zrinski conceded that she will be unable to fill that vacancy with the budget as proposed. She said she was told that the money for the vacant position might be available if "we need that staff member."

NorCo Controller Finds High Dollar Purchases Lack Advance Quotes

Northampton County Controller's office recently audited the county's P-Card program, which essentially is a county credit card issued to some employees for purchases. The report, prepared by Auditor Amna Ehsan and approved by Controller Tara Zrinski, was generally positive. All approved transactions had the required receipts. There is no evidence that anyone tried to circumvent the P-Card program. And no retired or resigning employees remained in possession of a card. The Controller did, however, raise a red flag about high dollar purchases (over $5,000). 

Of 16 high dollar purchases (over $5,000), 15 lacked the required quotes. They were for legitimate purposes. 

NorCo Controller Zrinski Gets Career Service Protection For Senior Lead Auditor

After kicking off the new year with several fractious meetings, a kinder and gentler Northampton County Council convened last night. "We're getting back to the business at hand, which is nice to see," said Council President Lori Vargo Heffner as the conclave ended. That's good news for the county, but bad for me. I'll have to start making this up. 

Last night's meeting was the first for Jeff Corpora. He was appointed earlier this month by President Judge Craig Dally after Council deadlocked on appointing a ninth member. He was welcomed by both Vargo-Heffner and Executive Lamont McClure. 

The only controversy concerned Controller Tara Zrinski's desire to create a senior lead auditor in her office who would be protected by the career service provisions contained in both the Home Rule Charter and Administrative Code. This position would assume many of the duties once performed by the Audit Manager. That is an exempt or "confidential" position who serves at the pleasure of the Controller. Under the county's Home Rule Charter, all elected officials (except County Council members) are entitled to one confidential position. 

Zrinski said her proposal would ensure the "stability, efficiency and consistency in the office." She noted that a recent change in the Home Rule Charter limits the Controller to two terms, "so there's going to be guaranteed turnover in eight years." She believes a nonpolitical senior lead auditor  would keep the office intact, no matter which way the political winds are blowing. 

Stacy Duke, who likely will be the senior lead auditor position, was asked by Vargo-Heffner whether she was offered the audit manager position. She was, but turned it down because she wanted to keep the protection of career service. "I have 21 more years with the county, at least, until I can retire. I do know with the new terms coming in - when I started, the Controller could stay for as many terms as they wanted. and you could be guaranteed that position throughout your time. With the terms being changed to [no more than] eight years, it's not guaranteeing me anything at all, and I felt I wanted to remain with the county and with my office, so I did not take the appointed position, No."

Council member John Goffredo was told repeatedly that there would be no expansion of the office. He was unpersuaded but still supported the change because he said Duke has been a loyal employee who deserves better compensation. "I've been supporting pay raises across the board because the cost of living has gone up dramatically."

Council member John Brown remained skeptical. What really seemed to bother him was Zrinski's appointment of Mark Aurand. He's an attorney but is not an accountant. "If you were sincere in what you're attempting to position and concerned about the workload, then you would have filled that position with someone I believe, my opinion, would be more inclined to execute audits and do some of the workload. He also stated that Duke would be getting a 41% pay hike, but Goffredo corrected him. Her salary would go from $67,000 to $81,000.  Brown apologized once he was shown his error.

Zrinski noted that Aurand reviews and proofs audits, and is actually conducting small audits. "You do not need a CPA to do an audit," she told Brown, "but it does need to be done by generally accepted auditing standards."

What Brown refuses to recognize is that, pursuant to the Home Rule Charter, Zrisnski in entitled to a confidential employee. it makes no difference whether that person is or is not an accountant. 

Zrinski herself has already completed one accounting course and was on her way back to Carlisle after the meeting to continue a second course. "If you think I don't take this job seriously, you're definitely wrong," she told Brown. 

In the end, all of County Council, with the exception of John Brown, supported Tara Zrinski's resolution for a senior lead auditor who would be protected by career service.

Even I agreed with her.  

NorCo Council Interviews Four Candidates For Vacant Controller Position

In alphabetical order, Northampton Copunty Council interviewed four candidates yesterday for the vacant Controller's office. Whomever is selected will hold the $65,000 office until the end of the year. In November, voters will decide between John Cusick and Tara Zrinski. 

Nurit Baron: According to her LinkedIn page, she's a graduate of  Douglass College, where she majored in English Literature and Computer Science with a concentration in economics. She's been employed as an English teacher (in Japan), corporate trainer, upgrade analyst and business analyst.

She's quite political. She managed campaigns for both Mark Pinsley and Tara Zrinski, both of whom are far to the left of most Democrats. She was the Sec'y and Treasurer of Lehigh Valley For All (who agree with us) and is the Treasurer of the Northampton County Council of Democratic Women. 

She told Council member John Goffredo that she is ethical and honest, and would be neutral with respect to Zrinski and John Cusick, both of whom are candidates for Contrtoller. "I'm quite a neutral person, anyway, I'm not an extreme person. I don't believe in blue team, red team."

Her association with Zrinski and Pinsley says differently.  

When asked how she'd prepare a budget for her office, she said, "I would ask a lot of questions, especially of Mr. McClure and the Council ... ."

This answer tells me that, as accomplished as she is, she fails to understand that a Controller must be independent of both the Executive and Council. The Controller's Office is actually a separate branch of government under our Home Rule Charter. The last persons for whom she should have questions would be either the Executive or Council. 

Altynay Kanatbekoff: She's definitely the total package. According to her LinkedIn page, she has a bachelor's degree in accounting from KIMEP University (Kazakhstan) as well as a Master's degree from Columbia in International and Public Affairs. She is a certified fraud examiner, and  is currently working on getting her CIA and CPA licenses. 

She a vet. Not just any vet, but served with the 82d Airborne, which is highly regarded by anyone who ever served in a combat unit. Her husband still serves in active duty, which would make a four-year commitment difficult for her. That's why she decided against running.  

She and her husband have four daughters who are competitive swimmers. 

Get this. She's fluent in English, Russian, French, Kazakh and Kyrgyz.

She should be working for the state department, not Northampton County. In fact, she did, as a freelancer. She says she's out now, but I don't believe it for a minute. She's clearly a secret agent brought in to keep an eye on Steve Barron.   

Kanatbekoff is the only candidate who actually has experience in the private sector as a real financial analyst. When working for Seville Transactions, her job was to analyze high risk transactions to identify possible fraud. She also owned several businesses. 

This is what you want in a Controller. She's already employed by Northampton County as a financial auditor in the Controller's office. 

"Bucky was not just our colleague, he was a friend," she said of Bucky Szulborski, whose unfortunate death created the vacancy in the Controller's office. She obviously knows the office. 

"We need super-qualified people like you in government," said Council member Ron Heckman. He pointed out that she is risking her career service position. She agreed, but said she would be happy to stay after the election if the newly elected Controller wants her. "The county would be foolish if they didn't hire you back," said Heckman. 

She said she sees no need to hire a replacement for her. She has completed all her assignments. 

Scott Parsons:  He's a former member of County Council, where he served two terms. He also was employed by Public Works. He said he "could hit the job running." He said it would take other appointees three or four weeks just to figure out the phone system. He apparently was unaware of Kanatbekoff's application. 

Nadeem Qayyum: He's a former Democratic Controller candidate, where he was rejected by 60% of the Democrats who voted. He pointed to his education in law. He indicated he would be transparent and would ensure that county funds are managed efficiently. he said he would bring "a positive impact on the community."  

In response to a question from Zrinski, Qayyum said he would give up his position in the bar for five months. That should be easy because he has a law degree from Pakistan, but is not a lawyer in the US and is not a member of the bar. He likely misunderstood the question. I think his poor understanding of English is why. 

Council will decide on an appointment tonight. 

This should be a no-brainer. 

NorCo Council Taking Controller Applications

From NorCo Council: Notice is hereby given that the Northampton County Council is accepting the names of individuals who are interested in filling the Northampton County Controller position. Any individual filling the Controller vacancy must comply with Northampton County Home Rule Charter Section 103 "General Qualifications" which provides, "During his term of office each elected official shall be a citizen of the United States and shall reside continuously in the County. Each elected official shall have resided in the County continuously during the year preceding the commencement of his term of office."

Individuals interested in filling the Controller vacancy should send a letter, together with a written resume, to the Office of Northampton County Council, c/o Kerry L. Myers – President, Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042, or by email to lzembo@norcopa.gov .

Applications must be received in the Northampton County Council office by July 13, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Notice is further given that the applications of those interested in filling the Northampton County Controller vacancy will be reviewed and the applicants interviewed at the Northampton County Council Personnel Committee meeting to be held July 19, 2023, commencing at 4:00 p.m., prevailing local time, in the Northampton County Council meeting room, room No. 3116, third floor, Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA. Individuals with questions may contact the office of the Northampton County Council by telephone at (610)829-6596.

How NorCo Council Must Fill Controller Vacancy

On Friday, Northampton County advised news outlets that Controller Richard "Bucky" Szulborski had passed away. I have no information on funeral arrangements and will pass that along as soon as I get it. It almost seems disrespectful to discuss Bucky's successor, but he must be replaced quickly. A Controller has to sign off on multiple financial documents.

The procedure for filling a vacancy in elected office is set forth in the Home Rule Charter. Thus, the vacancy has existed since Friday. 

Under the Charter, "A vacancy in the office of an elected official shall occur upon his death ...  ." Szulborski was an appointed, not elected, official. But he was appointed to fill "a vacancy in the office of an elected official."  Thus, it makes no difference that he himself is unelected. The vacancy is in the office, not the person. 

How is the vacancy filled? Here's what the Charter provides:

(1) "If a vacancy in the office of an elected official occurs during the last two (2) years of the term of office, the County Council within thirty (30) days after the occurrence shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy by resolution. If the County Council fails to appoint an individual to fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the vacancy, the Court, upon the petition of any member of the County Council or any five (5) registered voters of the County, shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy within fifteen (15) days after the filing of the petition. The individual appointed to fill the vacancy shall take office immediately upon appointment and shall serve the unexpired term of office of the elected official."

(2) "If a vacancy in the office of an elected official occurs during the first two (2) years of the term of office, an individual shall be appointed in accordance with the preceding paragraph of this subsection to serve only until the certification of the results of the next election to be held in the County no sooner than sixty (60) days after the occurrence of the vacancy. At this election the registered voters of the County shall elect an individual to fill the vacancy. The individual elected to fill the vacancy shall take office immediately upon the certification of the results of the election and shall serve the unexpired term of office of the elected official."

Since the vacancy in the office of Controller occurred in the last two years of the term of office,  Paragraph (1) applies. First, it  provides that County Council (not the Executive) makes the appointment. Second, it must be done within 30 days of the occurrence of the vacancy. Third, if Council fails to act within that time, any Council member or any five registered voters can request the court to make the appointment. Fourth, if the Court makes the appointment, it must do so within 15 days of the request. Fifth, County Council must act by resolution. 

Under the Charter, a resolution can be introduced by a single member of County Council. No second is needed. See Sec. 604(b). It must be introduced in written form, with a copy provided to each member. See Sec. 604.  It must be supported by a majority of the Council members, not the majority of a quorum,. See Sec. 601. In other words, if only five members are at a meeting, they must all support the resolution for it to pass. 

Who should Council appoint? 

At this time, two Council members - John Cusick and Tara Zrinski - are running for Controller. It would be unwise for Council to appoint either candidate. Politically, it would ignite a firestorm  among supporters of the rejected candidate. It would also create a vacancy on County Council, which would be bad government. 

Are there nonpolitical choices? I'd say yes, if they are willing to serve. After nearly 42 years with the county, lead auditor Paul Albert recently retired. He's be ideal. The county's retired budget administrator, Doran Hamann, is another excellent choice. Finally, there's former Controller John T Schimmel. He's a Republican, but was apolitical. 

Updated 12:50 pm. Bucky Szulborski's obituary is listed at Cantelmi Funeral Home. He was 74 and is survived by his brother, sister-in-law, a nephew and two nieces. His services will be private. 

Brown and Benol: What Happens in Vegas Should Stay in Vegas

Mat Benol hangs Ten Commandments behind
him before every meeting

On Monday, NorCo Controller Steve Barron suggested to Council that tighter internal controls might be needed for staff training and development. He pointed out that, in 2016, Human Resources spent $56,758.15 for training, nearly ten times the $5,749.35 spent the year before. He noted a "training" trip at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, and another trip by the same employee to New Orleans. He told Council that training costs this year are already close to $20,000, even though only $35,000 is budgeted. His report fails to get into various P-card purchases made by Trapp and others in the Human Resources Department, including an $800 popcorn machine and $1,000 spent at Target for gift cards in violation of county policy. That will be coming later, I can assure you, and may even be flagged by external auditors. Pointing to the practice in other jurisdictions, Barron suggests it might be appropriate for Council to approve trips more than 100 miles away from the county. Executive John Brown defended this spending at last night's Council meeting. Council member Mat Benol attacked Barron.

Brown claimed this spending was really an attempt to build the foundation of Human Resources by providing better training to managers and supervisors in other departments. "It is the number one thing we need to do," said Brown. He said he'll be increasing the amount of money the County spends for staff development and training. He argued that the County employees themselves recognized, in a recent survey, that they need more training when named to supervisory roles.

The problem with Brown's explanation is that the $56,758.15 spent by Human Resources in 2016 is more than the $30,000 budgeted. He spent most of 2016 running for state auditor general instead of the job that the people of Northampton County elected him to do, and over much of that year, no one was at the helm. When I go into Brown's own expense reports next week, you will see yourself that there was a leadership vacuum in 2016.

It's the kind of vacuum that would enable Trapp to raid the health and wellness fund for an $800 popcorn machine she keeps in her office. The smell alone should have given that away.

Brown also failed to explain why Human Resources Director Amy Trapp has already spent over $20,000 of the $35,000 set aside this year for training and staff development in her department.

Trapp herself was unavailable. She is recovering from an automobile accident earlier this week, and hopefully makes a complete recovery.

Brown told Council he would make her available to explain these expenditures. Council President John Cusick is a big proponent of a statewide county organization called CCAP (County Comm'r Ass'n of Pa) and has for years encouraged even his fellow Council members to participate. But CCAP meets at places like Mechanicsburg, not Las Vegas or New Orleans. "The optics of that don't look particularly good," he said. Brown still justified the trips because they were highly recommended by a third-party consultant.

Hayden Phillips said that the idea of conferences and conventions is diminishing. He thinks Council might consider, as Barron suggested, a greater role in approving outside travel.

Bob Werner also is concerned because CCAP ismore locally located. He added, "There are best Western hotels."

Brown was unable to say whether the county seeks discounted rates.

Mat Benol, however, is angry that Barron had dared to question these expenses. "This type of report is nothing more than a political football," he said, calling it an "inflammatory" report.

"This is another one of those knee-jerk things that our Controller has done to try to make the Executive look bad. I'm just getting tired of it. At the next meeting, I plan on taking some action on the Controller because the Controller is a financial position, it's not a political position. To me, it's a bean counter position. I understand that this is one of the areas that technically falls to that position, but if you're going to do an objective report, you talk to both sides. You don't just grab some things and make it inflammatory and throw it out there to get the headlines. I'm tired of it. And because I'm not running for re-election, I'm politically expendable. This is just me as a Councilperson getting tired of our Controller using that position as a political pulpit."

Under Northampton County's Home Rule Charter, the Controller is the person responsible for the internal control of the fiscal transactions of the county. This includes trips to Las Vegas and New Orleans. It includes department heads who exceed their spending budgets. It includes spending more money than permitted for meals. It includes the purchase of $800 popcorn machines and the abuse of the county purse to purchase gift cards that violate county credit card policy. As an independently elected official, the Controller has the power, at any time and on his own initiative, to review the fiscal transactions of any county agency without first seeking permission from John Brown or Mat Benol. That's what the Controller did, and that is his job. He has in the past found that the Executive himself was abusing his expense reports, and money had to be paid back to the County.

Now Barron is a Democrat who supports John Brown's opponent in the Executive race, Lamont McClure. Without question there are political overtones to what he is doing. But what he is doing is the job the people elected him to do. "If I really wanted to be political, I'd gather this information and just sit on it until September," said Barron. "I told Council about it now because I want to keep staff training and travel expenses in check.If I failed to disclose it now, Benol would be asking, 'Where's the Controller?'"

He's doing his job.

Benol is supposed to provide oversight of the executive branch as well. But he apparently thinks he's a cheerleader.

Chris Pez Waging Write-In Campaign For Allentown Controller

Chris Pez lost an election challenge in Allentown's GOP Mayoral race, and has decided to wage a write-in campaign for the Republican nomination. Incumbent Controller Jeff Glazier, a Democrat, is running unopposed. Pez is a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School and Arizona State University.

Why Council Had Exec Session Before Controller Appointment

Solicitor Susan Wild

Before Allentown City Council voted unanimously to appoint one of their own - Council member Jeff Glazier - as the City's new Controller last night, they went into executive session. This was actually at the request of Solicitor Susan Wild. When they returned, President Ray O'Connell stated the backroom meeting was "to discuss the provisions of the Home Rule Charter, which relates to the interim appointment of the City Controller."

The Sunshine Act exists to promote open government. The legislation specifically provides that "secrecy in public affairs undermines the faith of the public in government and the public's effectiveness in fulfilling its role in a democratic society." Council should be very reticent to meet behind closed doors, especially when appointing a successor to an official who was forced to resign as a result of political corruption.

Under the open meetings law, Council can only meet in the back room (1) to discuss an employment matter; (2) for collective bargaining; (3) to consider the purchase or lease of real estate; (4) to consult with their attorney on a legal matter that involves an "identifiable complaint;" and (5) for privileged matters.

Looking at each of these, you might think this is a personnel matter, but you'd be wrong. If Council were hiring a new Clerk, they could meet in executive session, but not to fill a vacancy in an elected office.

Susan Wild previously previously explained her interpretation of the Home Rule Charter during an open meeting. I believe it's dead wrong, and that a person from either party could be appointed to this vacancy since no one was ever in the Controller's office. But Council has an obligation to listen to their lawyer, not a bottom-feeding blogger. Since she's already discussed this publicly once, why did she request an executive session?

I believe she wanted to make Council aware that her opinion could be challenged in court. There is an "identifiable complaint" in that Steve Ramos or some other Republican could challenge this appointment in court. Because there is a possibility of litigation, she was correct to seek an executive session.

She is doing her job.

Whether I agree or disagree with her on this or that, I must say Susan Wild has been a breath of very fresh air in Allentown. She was put into a nearly impossible situation, and has reacted with integrity and honor. People with my history tend to bring the profession down, but someone like Wild can rescue a democracy in peril.

So some lawyers are good guys. Even if they're not guys.

NorCo Controller: Procurement Practices Need Review

Northampton County's procurement practices, outlined in the Administrative Code, are badly in need of an overhaul. That's the biggest recommendation made by Controller Steve Barron in his detailed annual report on county operations. (You can read it here.)

The County's procurement practices have resulted in two lawsuits within the past two years, pitting Council against the Executive, over interpretations of bidding practices contained in the Administrative Code. Barron calls these provisions "unclear, inconsistent, and in some cases, overly restrictive. As a result, it does not always provide clear and reasonable guidance for the procurement of goods and services."

Given what is going on in Allentown, this should raise all kinds of red flags to anyone interested in good government. Moreover, no one who disagrees with Barron's assessment. Throughout the past year, members of Council and the Administration have both expressed dissatisfaction with the procurement provisions. Yet Council has failed to take action.

Barron is recommending a "comprehensive revision" of procurement practices, which he suggests should be a "cooperative effort between representatives of both the Administration and County Council."

In other aspects of his report, Barron makes the following findings:

1. DA Drug Forfeitures. - "The County Detective should document the procedures for processing Drug Forfeiture Agency Fund transactions."

2. Public Works timekeeping. - "We were unable to reach a conclusion about the overall accuracy of payroll in the Public Works Department due to the lack of adequate documentation, and supervisory review and approval."

3. County's P-Cards. - These are responsible for nearly $1 million in purchases every year. "The Procurement Card Program continues to be an efficient, cost-effective method of paying for purchases without the need for petty cash, small purchase orders or accounts payable checks. Overall the program is working as intended."

4. Tax Claim Agency, (handles tax sales of real estate). - "[T]axes recovered through Upset and Judicial Sales are disbursed prior to obtaining an order confirming distribution from the court, in violation of Section 205 (3) of the Real Estate Tax Sale Law."

5. Hotel Tax Grants - "The Northampton County Department of Community and Economic Development should ensure that these grants are monitored for compliance with Ordinance 484 and the terms of the grant agreements. Monitoring is a valuable tool that could have resulted in the avoidance or correction of non-compliance issues that were experienced by ArtsQuest."

6. Medical Claims - "In 2014, the County spent just under $22.8 million to pay for medical and prescription claims for enrolled employees, retirees and eligible family members, and an additional $1,213,535.66 in administrative fees to CBC for third-party administration and stop loss insurance."

7. Conservation District. - "The application tracking process involves eight different logs covering approximately 113 different data fields. The number of logs maintained results in inefficiencies in the office as it is a duplication of effort."

8. Constables. - According to Barron, they are "overpaid for server fees," payment sheets are not signed, duties are not rotated.

9. Mail. "Savings could be attained by the County in the handling of postage machine leases. Some machines aren’t necessary, such as the one at the Jail and one of the machines at the Human Service building. Mail that could be processed through the Mailroom should flow through there as it will reduce the need for manpower to operate the offsite machines, and correspondence would be mailed at a cheaper rate."

10. Recorder of Deeds. - "[P]erform more frequent random cash drawer verifications."

11. DUI Offendors. - "Offender supervision fees were not assessed on defendants under the supervision of the DUI Office. Defendants under the supervision of DUI are charged a $30 monthly “DUI Parole Fee” which amounted to $307,036 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014."

12. Payroll. - "We identified three instances in which employees did not receive the longevity payment to which they were entitled."

NorCo Council and Controller Debate at Gracedale

In addition to the judicial debate on Thursday, October 29, the Northampton County league of Women Voters are hosting a debate in the Controller's race between Steve Barron and Hayden Phillips. There will also be a debate between the County Council candidates for District Three (John Cuisck v.Lori Heffner) and District Four (Matt Dietz v. Scott Parsons). The judicial debate will be at the courthouse, but this one is happening at Gracedale.

Speaking of Gracedale, Council member Seth Vaughn had proposed a resolution that would study the privatization of the County nursing home. He quickly pulled it after some Republicans complained that this might hurt their campaigns. So we don't know exactly what he was thinking or what the Republican majority will do next year. I think someone needs to ask them about their intentions. .

NorCo Candidate Forum - Controller, Council

NorCo Controller Race Stretching Campaign Dollars

Steve Barron on the left and Hayden Phillips on the right. Dean Browning is referee.  

Northampton County Controller's race pits incumbent Steve Barron, a Democrat, against challenger Hayden "The Colonel" Phillips, a Republican. Both candidates are going to have an opportunity to demonstrate who is best at running a campaign with limited funding. The federal investigation into pay-to-play in Reading and Allentown has made potential contributors think twice. For that, many mailmen will be thankful as election day approaches. So how are the candidates reaching the voters.

Barron appears to be making heavy use of technology. He has been placing Facebook ads strategically that are designed to reach a targeted audience. He also purchased an auto dialer and is using it to reach super voters and for polling.

Phillips appears to be relying heavily on a grass roots effort based on supporters from the Lehigh Valley Tea Party, along with mainstream Republicans.

The Colonel is Running for Controller

(Incumbent Controller Steve Barron, far left; challenger Hayden Phillips, far right; and referee Dean Browning in the middle. Though Barron and Phillips oppose each other, they were kind enough to pose for a picture together.)

As expected, Northampton County Council member Hayden Phillips, filed the paperwork on August 19 to make official his candidacy as the Republican nominee for County Controller. Ron Angle, who won the primary election on the basis of a write-in vote, withdrew from the race on August 7 for personal reasons. Phillips was the unanimous choice of the County GOP Executive Committee. In fact, Angle nominated Phillips as his successor.

Phillips, who refers to himself with some pride as a tea party conservative, has established a reputation for thoughtfulness and independence in his two years on Council. His capital improvements committee has focused on establishing maintenance plans for long-neglected county property. "Say what you're going to do, do it, and prove that you did it," has been his simple but effective mantra.

He sided with Democrats over contracts proposed by Executive John Brown for both business and press relations consultants.

He also spearheaded the one-mill tax hike narrowly approved by Council last year.

Phillips is held in high regard by his fellow Council members. In fact, Democrat Ken Kraft is the one who gave Phillips his nickname as The Colonel. Phillips wears no white suits, but served in the U.S, Marine Corps, and retired as a Colonel in 2003.

Phillips has a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University and a master's in Business Administration from Lehigh. He recently retired as a project manager in the information technology industry.

Incumbent Steve Barron is the Democratic nominee. He is seeking a third term. He is a graduate of Widener University and its School of Law. He is also a certified fraud examiner who occasionally assists the District Attorney in white collar crime.

Barron has the distinction of drawing the ire of both Republican Executive John Brown as well as his predecessor, Democratic Executive John Stoffa. His recent audit of a treatment program at the jail refuted boasts that it was ending recidivism,.One of his audit findings showed that two persons who were supposedly free of new offenses were in fact residents at the jail. This led to the termination of a $5 million contract.

You can read more about this race in a story written by Tom Shortell for The Morning Call.

Ron Angle Withdraws From NorCo Controller Race

Former Northampton County Council member Ron Angle has filed papers to withdraw as the Republican nominee for Controller. In a phone interview, Angle told me his reasons were "personal."  If it were just him, I think he'd stay in the race. But I believe he pulled out to shield his family from the inevitable attacks that always seem to be directed at him.

At the moment, incumbent and Democratic nominee Steve Barron has no opponent. The county party hierarchy does have the authority to name a replacement. I am unaware if that has happened.

On a personal level, I am glad Ron has pulled out. I consider him a very close friend. I adore Ron's wife Sharon, who is as far from politics as you can get. And I really like his sons Max, a natural body builder who may soon be the first Angle to graduate from college, and Ron, Jr., who is battling an illness.

Contrary to Ron's popular image, he is one of the finest and most compassionate persons I've ever met. It always bothered me to see him attacked.

Ron Angle - The Reluctant Controller Candidate?

Like four Bethlehem Township Commissioner candidates, Controller write-in candidate Anthony Catino was MIA from the candidates' night hosted by Republicans on Thursday. Maybe his driving license is still under suspension. But write-in candidate Ron Angle was there. He decided against mounting a primary campaign because Pam Colton was interested. But she got cold feet and circulated no petitions. The end result is that the Republicans have no candidate, and the party has reached out to Angle.  He was asked to say a few words.

"We have no candidate for controller in Northampton County. No one came forward to put their name in, ... So the party has decided I'm their candidate. They've endorsed me. They want me to run. But the decision will have to be made by at least 250 people.That's what's required to get on the ballot.

"Here's what I will say about that. ... A couple of years ago, I told the people the truth in this County about Gracedale. I took an unpopular stand and told you the truth. I didn't tell you what you wanted to hear because it's not my style to tell you what you want to hear. I believe in telling you the truth.

"The last projection is that [Gracedale] will cost you $12 million in a couple of years instead of $5 million.

"I told you the truth, and people throwed me out of office. What a wonderful way for me to go because i wouldn't want to go any other way....

"Somebody needs to be the financial fiscal watchdog of the county. That;s what that office of Controller needs to be. Not somebody who goes down to the union hall every afternoon. ... I can give you a whole list of things that Steve Barron does. But one thing he does not do - he's not the financial fiscal watchdog of the county. I know Northampton County inside and out, and I can tell you what's right and I can tell you what's wrong. As controller, I can't make anything happen. I can merely point out to the Council, the Executive and the taxpayers what is wrong. And there's things that could be corrected. .

"The party seems to want me to be their candidate. They've endorsed me - I didn't request it by the way. I don't know if I've ever been endorsed. I've been thrown out of a lot of places, but never endorsed. If 250 people are bold enough to write my name in, I can assure you I will run one helluva' campaign in the fall against Steve Barron.

GOP Controller Write-In Candidate Has Only Voted Five Times

Last week, I told you about modeling hopeful Anthony Catino's write-in campaign for NorCo Controller. He calls himself a "young conservative." He's 28, and that's like a baby on my book. But is he a conservative? That's debatable. Until June 2014, he was a Democrat.

By the by, he's only voted five times. His record at the polls is as spotty as John Brown's.

But he's pretty good at twerking, I'm told. That might come in handy at a Council meeting.

Catino should have voted as many as 20 times by now. Ironically, he is seeking write-in primary votes, but he himself has only ever voted in general elections in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and last year.

In 2013, when Brown was running for Executive, Catino voted as a Democrat.

In a recent Facebook entry, Catino describes the Controller as "a third leg of government independent of the county executive and council." I see. I guess the judiciary is not a branch of government. He's a little light when it comes to county government.

But that's to be expected from an aspiring model who took this marvelous selfie in drag.. Maybe that's his Easter dress.

NorCo GOP Finds Two Controller Write-In Candidates

Tony Catino, model prospect

Bangor School Director Pam Colton was supposed to be the Republican candidate for NorCo Controller this year. But she never circulated a nomination petition. As a result, on the last day for filing, Republicans had no one to square off against Democratic incumbent Steve Barron. Since he and Lamont McClure have been Executive John Brown's biggest critics, this failure to find an opponent is in itself an embarrassing defeat. Republicans have since come up with two possible write-in candidates, and only one of them can be counted on as a friend to John Brown.

The first write-on candidate considered is Ron Angle, who was endorsed unanimously by the GOP Executive Committee at their March 26 meeting. Ron was very flattered, but should not be. Republicans are just throwing him into the breach for appearances. If they think that he would be a John Brown ally, they are sadly mistaken.

Next year's budget would have to include several dozen body bags, mostly for the people on top.

The other write-in candidate, a newcomer named Anthony Catino, mysteriously appeared on the scene right after the Executive Committee endorsement. He announced on March 29, just three days after Angle was endorsed. On his Facebook page, he calls himself a "Young Exuberant Candidate For Northampton County Controller."
He also appears to have no understanding of the job. One of his earlier Facebook entries, which he has since removed, asserts that his job as Controller would be to help Brown grown the economy.

His Linked-In Profile states his plan in life is "to work efficiently to rise to the top of the business world." He currently works for Tru-Colors Restoration, a reputable home remodeling firm in the Slate Belt.

He is a college graduate, with a business degree from DeSales.

Like most young people, he has had some minor run-ins with the law. On 10/23/13. he pleaded guilty to driving without a valid inspection. That still happens to me at times. But a little more troubling is his 5/12/14 guilty plea to driving while under suspension. That would mean another suspension.

Bus service to the courthouse from Bangor is really lousy.

If his write-in bid fails, he is listed with Explore Talent as a modeling and acting hopeful. So he's got that going for him.

I'm glad he's running. In a democratic form of government, we do better when we have a choice.

Steve Ramos: The Other Allentown Republican

Last week, I told you that Lou Hershman, one of the finest persons I know, is the sole Republican running for Allentown City Council. If you have a chance, take a look at Allentown blogger Michael Molovoinsky's picture of Lou.  That one picture seems to capture many stories and is in my eyes a work of art. I compliment Michael for this and hate him at the same time, because my own photography pales by comparison. But this post is not about Lou. It's about the other Republican running in Allentown.

Republican Steven Ramos is running for Allentown City Controller.

According to his statement, he and his wife Josefina have four children. They are homeowners in Center City Allentown and home school 3 of their children, with one attending the Arts Academy charter school. Steven is also a United States Army veteran and has worked as an Information Technology professional, managing server systems and networks for the past 16 years. He is currently working in a healthcare environment as a Systems Analyst, developing applications to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.

Why is he running?

"I'm running to give our city residents a controller that is independent of the city administration and able to provide an independent review of the city budget, services, and contracts. My initial priorities are having a transparent City Controller's office - making all finalized audits available to the public for their review as allowed by law and providing the proper oversight needed by the residents of Allentown of important boards and commissions that authorize the use of tax payer funds. I will also work to help make clear to our residents what our pension obligations are and what the total cost will be in the long term.”

Benol Seeks Snitches Against Controller Steve Barron

Imagine what would happen if NorCo Council member Mat Benol decided to write to District Attorney John Morganelli's assistants, asking them to discuss whether he has a "basic knowledge of what you do or the standards that guide your decisions and findings." Imagine what would happen if he sent a similar letter to Probation Officers about President Judge Stephen Baratta. Morganelli, for one, has sued the Executive when he felt that the independence of his office was being compromised. If he or the judges caught wind of that kind of inquiry by Benol, he might find himself at the wrong end of an obstruction prosecution. But guess what? That's precisely what Benol is doing to incumbent Controller Steve Barron.

On February 4, Benol emailed all members of Barron's staff, conveniently leaving the Controller himself out of the loop. "I do not understand how someone can be elected to lead your office without a basic knowledge of what you do or the standards that guide your decisions and findings," he complains

"I am not doing this as a reflection on the current Controller," Benol lies. Of course he is. Barron is up for election this year, and Benol is one of three Council members who supported a resolution calling on him to resign for contacting County workers. Benol does precisely what he condemned and warns Barron's staff that they might be "mismanaged and/or misdirected" by Barron, "due to an inability to understand each of your job functions ... ."

He promises to keep their conversations "private and confidential."

And the check's in the mail, too.

Benol is clearly looking for ammunition that Barron's opponent can use. Dissension in the workplace would be red meat.

What Barron's staff did, immediately upon receipt of this email, was to inform him. I believe one member of his staff has responded to Benol, noting that Barron is actually qualified to conduct an audit and has conducted several on his own.

Amazingly, Benol goes on to tell Barron;s staff that he himself has no "background in accounting or finance."  Though he's no expert, he plays one on Council.

Up until now, it's been a toss up whether Mat Benol or Tom Dietrich is the stupidest Council member I have seen.

I think we have a winner.

Allentown Controller: Koval to Seek Re-Election

Mary Ellen Koval is seeking re-election as Allentown’s City Controller, a post she has held for the past four years,

In an announcement released late last week, Kovel takes credit for increasing the number of internal City Hall financial audits. She was able to do more because of a new internship program she started for college accounting and business majors. Koval also claims to have made city government more transparent, by providing residents with an easy way of requesting copies of city contracts through the Allentown Website.

“I have witnessed firsthand the changing tides of the Queen City’s fortunes and I care passionately about Allentown’s future,” Koval said. “That’s why I would like to continue my work as City Controller.”

An East Side native and a graduate of Dieruff High School, Koval has held numerous senior level positions in Allentown government since 1999. She was a special projects manager and then a purchasing agent before running for Controller in 2011.

Prior to that, Koval served as Executive Director of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation for the Lehigh Valley region. Her 15-year tenure with the March of Dimes was marked by a substantial increase in fund raising; proliferation in the number of volunteers; and the professionalization and diversification of the local Executive Board.  

Her email address is mekoval@ptd.net.