Zrinski's War Against Plastic Straws

I told you about Super Shrink, aka Lori Vargo Heffner, yesterday. With less than a year on NorCo Council, she has demonstrated a mean streak, if not outright hostility, toward others. It was on full display at Thursday night’s Council meeting, with picayune objections to staffing at the Juvenile Justice Center. That's nothing compared to Eco Warrior Tara Zrinski. She had three nonbinding resolutions supporting solar power, the green new deal and a single use plastic bag and straw ban. The first two resolutions easily passed. "I'm all for the sun," said Council VP Ron Heckman. But the third was tabled at Zrinski's request. This is so she could summon her fellow environmentalists to pressure Council this Thursday.

Who Is Tara Zrinski?

Zrinski believes "white males can get away with anything, shrouded by privileged [sic] and protected by the entourage of patriarchy, the ultimate fraternity."

She got away with perjury. (See NorCo Docket 2007-9468, Court Order dated 12/16/08, Paragraph 14).

Zrinski has spent most of her first year in office running for something else. She actually skipped out on a finance committee discussing county plans to borrow $26 million so she could attend a political rally for congressional candidate Susan Wild. She comes to committee meetings late or phones in, even though she's in town and could easily attend. After missing most of a meeting, she then will ask questions that have already been asked and answered.

Her Statement of Financial Interests, filed 3/20/18, fails to list any sources of direct or indirect income. At LinkedIn, she claims to be an adjunct professor at both Northampton Community College and LCCC.  Neither school lists her on their current faculty roster. She states she was a Tesla energy adviser between June 2017 and March 2018, and is currently a "Project Manager" with SunPulse Solar. She's getting money somewhere. But she fails to list either source on her Ethics Statement.

Between 2000 and 2008, she was listed as an Independent, and only voted in one municipal race in 2003. In 2008, she became a Democrat, but skipped voting completely in the municipal races of 2009, 2011 and 2013. When John Brown was elected Executive, she failed to vote at all. When Gracedale was on the chopping block, she cast no vote.

She might be passionate about the environment, but her interest in local government is very recent.

Zrinski's Interest in Solar is Self-Serving

Throughout this year, Zrinski has already introduced eight environmental resolutions, including the three she pushed on Thursday. Council has gone along with her, too. But  they are growing weary. Council members John Cusick and Ferraro voted "present" to Zrinski's solar energy resolution. Cusick and Council member Matt Dietz voted "present" to Zrinski's green new deal resolution, with Ferraro saying No.

Earlier that evening, Council member John Cusick had stated that before we "save the planet," we should have voting machines with paper trails. This may have set Zrinski off. She actually insisted on reading her solar energy resolution in its entirety. But that prompted a question from Council member Peg Ferraro after Zrinski finished her recitation.

Ferraro: "Wow! What is your involvement with solar energy?"

Zrinski: "I'm a solar energy consultant,and so I consult people on solar energy for either residential or commercial.

Ferraro: "You could be a salesperson ...

Zrinski: "I could, but that's not why I'm pushing this at all.

"I'm very interested in the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change. That's why I have that job. Previous to that job, I was an adjunct professor of philosophy, and I also counsel people. I include that in my employment now because I want to help people transition to renewable energy. Not because I want the money from it. But because I am very passionate about solar proliferation and renewable energies in general. If I could put hydropower plants everywhere, I'd do that too."

Obviously, the solar energy resolution is self-serving. The more people who "transition" into renewable energy, the more green of another kind goes into Zrinski's pocket.

Plastic Bag and Straw Resolution Is a Terrible Idea

According to the American Meteorological Society, man-made climate change is responsible for 15 extreme weather events in 2017. It's very real. But other than preserving open space and following green guidelines in its own building projects, county government has very little control over plastic or greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed ban on single-use plastic bags and straws is idiotic.

First, despite Zrinski's claim that this is only a recommendation, she's being dishonest. As she makes clear on Facebook, "[t]his resolution will then serve as a template for distribution to the municipalities who then will have the authority to enforce it." So she wants a ban, despite what she has told Council members.

Second, the American Chemistry Council reports that environmental impact of plastic is about 25% that of green alternatives.

Third, a plastic straw ban would make it impossible for some disabled people to drink at all. "Nondisabled people ask what we did before straws existed, and I have harsh news for them: We died. Or we lived in abusive, grim, isolating institutions where we didn’t need straws because we got 24-hour attendant care."

Fourth, as pointed out in Real Clear Politics, plastic straws "make up less than four percent of the plastic waste stream? Shouldn't activists focus on reducing the environmental impact of the other 96 percent? Let's also address the fact that China, the world's biggest polluter, along with third world nations with little to no interest in sustainability, won't be curtailing its massive contribution to marine pollution anytime soon."

Fifth, the research is flawed. The notion that we use 500 million plastic straws daily comes from a nine year old's school project. According to Reason, the US is responsible for just one per cent of the plastic pollution in our oceans, and only a minuscule amount of that comes from plastic straws.

Sixth, as Peg Ferraro observed, "I don't appreciate gov't telling us what to do all the time. Maybe I'm being crude, but the plastic bag problem is like a pimple on a whale." Zrinski wants a ban with no consideration at all of what this will cost many of the small businesses that use them.

The real reason Zrinski is pushing this ban is what she said herself. She wants to be recognized as a leader. Never mind that this ban is a solution in search of a problem. This is just a virtue-signaler. The handful of municipalities that have adopted this just want the world to know how noble they are. Real nobility would consist of volunteering to help sweep our waterways of garbage. If Zrinski and her brigade of eco-warriors did that, they might actually accomplish something.

RCN Service Down

My ISP is RCN. Around 8 pm, I lost internet service here in the Lehigh Valley. Projected restoration is 11:30 pm. If you see no story from me, this is why. 

Super Shrink: I Have a Master's Degree!

Northampton County Council, on Thursday night, adopted a no-tax-hike budget. There was some disagreement about amendments and the capital plan, but the budget itself was adopted unanimously. The numerous budget hearings preceding this vote were trying, but it all paid off when the budget itself was adopted in a little over an hour. This is a first for me as a county observer who remembers meetings that went until 1 am. After this amazing feat, you'd think Council would want to pack it in for the night. But you are not an "outstanding elected official," like Lori Vargo Heffner and Tara Zrinski both think they are. They have the major awards and everything. Thanks to these newbies, who have yet to serve a year in office, the meeting droned on another hour over nonsense.

Let's start with Super Shrink, Lori Vargo Heffner. She has a  master's degree, you know. She's basically a counselor in Jersey for people with issues, whether it's drugs, depression or whatever. She has an MA, LPC, EdM and LCADC. The EdM is something everyone who wants to get a teacher's certificate eventually needs to get. The MA is for counseling psychology. The other crap just means she has a license. ... In Jersey.

She's hardly what I'd call an expert on anything. Let me explain why. I remember my dad once went to a very highly recommended "counselor" with a pocketful of degrees. This guy was going to cure my father of smoking three packs of Pall Malls every day. Part of this expert's repertoire was hypnosis, which fascinated me.

In three sessions at $350 a pop, my father would become a nonsmoker. My father dutifully went and paid this guy the money. He was very happy that he was finally doing the right thing.

At the end of just three sessions, my dad had the hypnotist smoking. ... Pall Malls.

I am somewhat amazed at the negative and sometimes hostile tone Heffner takes with people. Not long after she was elected, I saw that hostility directed at Dr. Brooke Tesche, who had been nominated to NorCo's Drug and Alcohol Advisory Council. This is a volunteer board. Heffner hinted that Dr. Tesche, a Deputy Superintendent with the Diocese of Allentown, might use her role to recruit students to a new Catholic high school for children who are drug or alcohol dependent. She even hinted that Dr. Tesche might be lining her pockets.

Last time I checked, Catholic schools only recruit athletes.

Heffner raised enough of a stink that Dr. Tesche's nomination was killed.

Perhaps you think that Heffner was concerned about the separation of church and state. Nope. Heffner was the biggest cheerleader on Council for a $20,000 church steeple grant, described by congregants at a public hearing as a "beacon of hope and faith." You can't get much more religious than that. Heffner, who was on the selection committee, tried all kinds of arguments. She tried arguing that hotel taxes aren't really public funds. She even argued that denying this grant would be discrimination. Fortunately, the grant was tabled, and since only Council can approve these grants, the money will remain in "future grants."

In addition to being hostile to people, she's awfully picayune. Get this. She actually objected to the minutes of a General Purpose Authority because the references to her hyphenated her name.

A few weeks ago, Super Shrink was incensed when Court Administrator Jermaine Greene proposed promoting the Assistant Director of Treatment at the Juvenile Justice Center to Director of Treatment. She conveniently waited until Greene was out the door and then claimed this position is illegal because the person in it is not qualified like she is. The matter was tabled. When Greene asked what the hell was going on, she responded with a memo containing three questions. He answered them. She continued with two more.

Greene came to Thursday night's meeting and brought Dr. Robert Gill, an MD, and Dr. Susan Krause, who has more than a Master's degree, with him. In addition to those two, there are two other doctoral level interns who assess juveniles in treatment. This saves the county money. It also enables the treatment to take place here, instead of center state. The recidivism rate for sex offenders is six per cent.

That wasn't good enough for Super Shrink, MA, LPC, EdM and LCADC. She wanted an overview of treatment and detention. Then she wanted the two doctors "to walk her through treatment," something she could have done had she ever visited the place like Greene suggested.

"I think I can do a clinical assessment and overview without having to put in 12 hours," she huffed. .

I'm a clinician myself," she later said.

And so the psychobabble went, back and forth:

SuperShrink: "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah."

The other shrinks: "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah."

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Super Shrink said, "I don't want to get picayune at this point at 8 pm on a Thursday night."

Too late

Now Jermaine Greene has to redraft his resolution and brink it back to the next Council meeting. But Super Shrink should only be a small part of the story. Eco Warrior Tara Zrinski has had the last straw. She has summoned her social justice warriors to descend upon the next Council meeting en masse to demand an end to plastic straws and bags in Northampton County. Never mind the myriad of other issues facing local government, from homelessness to recidivism to fair wages for county workers. This is one sanctioned perjurer on the warpath. What's silly about her recommended ban is that she expects municipalities in the county to use it to adopt real bans.

I will bring you the Eco Warrior and Plastic Straws tomorrow.

NorCo Budget Includes 14 Position Upgrades

As part of the new budget that goes into effect next year, Northampton County Council has approved 14 position upgrades. These are people who will be receiving raises above and beyond the two per cent annual increases for career service employees.

Some of these are getting just one additional step. Executive Lamont McClure has no obligation to seek Council approval for single step increases. But I like the increased transparency. This keeps both Council and the public informed. Also, these modest increases are a start on correcting pay disparity in Northampton County.

Unfortunately, there is all too often a "What about me?" reaction when some, but not all, people are recognized. That was on display Thursday night when a human services worker objected to step increases for recent hires. He neglected to point out that more senior workers like himself received a step increase the previous year. When one complains about the good fortune of others, he is really just condemning himself to misery.

- Two persons are being promoted from Auditor II to Lead Auditor in the Controller's office from CS25-B ($54,855) to CS28A ($62,978). Given the educational requirements and salaries for similar positions elsewhere, this is long overdue. Both Bucky Szulborski and his predecessor, Steve Barron, have always had high praise for the very professional staff in that office.

- One person is being promoted from Recruitment Specialist (CS17-B, $37,955) to Recruitment Specialist and Data Entry Specialist (CS19-A, $39,822) in Human Resources. The person in this position was saddled with all kinds of important duties but was not being compensated.

- The Payroll Administrator II is being promoted from CS22-A, $45,723 to CS22-C, $49,931. This is the person who makes sure everyone gets paid.

- The Deputy Director of Administration is being promoted from CS24-A ($50,130) to CS24-B ($52,386). Becky Bartlett does an outstanding job of keeping the public informed of what is happening in Northampton County.

- The Director of Community and Economic Development, Tina Smith, is going from CE05-A ($87,100) to CE05-B ($91,020).

- The Register of Wills, Gina Gibbs, will be increased from from CS27-B ($60,145) to CS27-C ($62,851). This corrects an inequity in which she missed a step increase.

- One Assistant Public Defender will see a salary increase from CE04-C ($79,117) to CE04-D ($82,678).

- Director of Public Works Mike Emili will go from CE06-A ($95,499) to CE06-B ($99,796). Emili is a seasoned engineer who worked in both the private sector and for Bethlehem. He has been incredibly busy with the county's P3 project.

- Recycling Coordinator Serena Davis will see a salary increase from from CS23-C ($52,283) to C23-D ($54,635).

- Ass't Director of Nursing from CS29-H ($82,179) to CS31-G ($94,204).

- Ass't Director of Nursing from CS29-C ($68,912) to CS31-B ($72,304).

- Gracedale Business Office Manager from CS25-B ($54,855) to CS25-C ($57,323).

- Gracedale Lead Accountant from CS28-A ($60,266) to CS28-B ($62,978).

NorCo Council Holds Line on Taxes in 2019

Northampton County Council has unanimously approved Executive Lamont McClure's $455 million spending plan for next year. It holds the line on taxes, keeping the tax rate at 11.8 mills  There's been no increase in county taxes since 2015, when a half mill tax hike was approved by a previous Council under former Executive John Brown.

This vote occurred during the sane part of last night's County Council meeting, before SuperShrink Lori Vargo Heffner and Social Justice Warrior (and solar panel salesperson) Tara Zrinski embarked on their bizarre crusades.

What this budget means is that a homeowner or business with property assessed at $125,000 will see a county bill of $1,180. In addition to county taxes, these property owners must pay school and municipal taxes. These combine to make Northampton County's total property taxes among the highest in the nation. According to Tax-Rates.org, Northampton County ranks 129th of the 3143 counties nationwide in order of median property taxes.

The county has no authority to impose an income tax.

It's an ambitious spending plan. Executive McClure plans to purchase the County's Centralized Human Services Building, located on Emrick Boulevard in Bethlehem Tp.  The purchase price is $14,468,731. It is currently being leased at a cost of $1.05 million per year. It is also a "triple net" lease, meaning the County must pay taxes, maintenance costs and insurance. The real estate tax bill alone is $190,000 per year.

Though the County has sufficient funds on hand to complete the purchase, Executive McClure intends to borrow the money. The reason for this is that the state currently reimburses the county for 80% of the cost of the lease, and will continue to do so if the County borrows money to complete the purchase. There will be no reimbursement if the County has no debt. This state funding can be leveraged.

In addition, Executive McClure intends to build an $11 million state of the art forensic center, where autopsies and toxicology tests are performed to help solve murder crimes. A location has yet to be established, although Executive McClure has told Council that he is leaning towards a site on the Gracedale campus near the 911 center.

Council has already authorized a $26 million bond, which is structured so that it will actually decrease the county's debt in he long run.

With bond proceeds and money on hand,  McClure will be able to pay for a controversial $38.5 million public private partnership project under which nearly county bridges are being outright replaced or repaired over the next four years.

There will be no county contribution earmarked for Gracedale, the county's nursing home. In fact, Executive McClure intends to replace Premier, the County's outside administrator, with in-house staff who are certified. This will save the County $450,000 per year. Part of the budget package includes approval of a $119,000 per year Administrator.

The budget maintains the County's commitment to open space, devoting $3 million to a farmland preservation, the purchase of environmentally sensitive lands and park projects.

The budget includes a 2% COLA for nonunion employees as well as step increases for nonunion employees hired in 2014, 2015 and 2016. last year, a step increase was awarded to more senior nonunion workers. Employees hired in 2017 or 2018 are excluded. According to Fiscal Affairs Director, a good number of employees hired in 2017 are being upgraded. The Executive will also eliminate gap insurance and co-pay for employees. He expects this to increase the bottom line of every worker.

The budget grants no increase to union workers because they are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Administration sources have stated that eight union contracts either are or are close to being ratified.

Northampton County and Bethlehem are in the process of consolidating 911 service. Executive McClure predicts it will take place between April and July.

It is a true balanced budget. There is no deficit spending of cash reserves. .

The lion's share of McClure's budget (51.2%) will fund Human Services, which serves 80,000 people.

The budget fails to address salary compression among county employees or low wages in many positions. But Executive McClure told Council, "You can't move forward until you put the past to rest." He said that leveraging state money to buy the human services building, construction of a forensic center and razing the Milides building to create 104 parking spaces is good government. "You're governing," he told Council.He is hopeful the state will grant funding for a "safe" crosswalk for people who need to use the courthouse. "I watch senior citizens struggle every day to get in the front door," he observed.

The budget includes the elimination of some positions that are no longer needed. Council VP Ron Heckman  was careful to ask whether other jobs were found for those employees. In all but one case, another job has been found or the person is retiring.

The budget also calls for six additional corrections officers on the theory that this will reduce mandated overtime at the jail, which guards complain is very stressful. Council member John Cusick voted No to these additional positions because there is "no corresponding reduction in overtime" in the budget.

Cusick was also the sole No vote to a $119,000 in-house nursing home administrator. "Premier [a third-party administrator] did an outstanding job and I would prefer that we retain them," he explained. Council member Matt Dietz agreed that Council needs to "stay on top" of what happens at Gracedale. Council member Peg Ferraro said she is "very leery" of the return to county employee serving as the Gracedale administrator. But Council VP Ron Heckman said Gracedale is a "tighter operation now" than it was in previous years.

Cusick also voted against some minor budget amendments because they failed to include the cost of new voting machines with a paper trail, which the state has mandated. While doing so, he derided three nonbinding environmental resolutions that Council member Tara Zrinski wanted heard after the budget. She would later insist on reading a solar energy resolution in its entirety. "Before we save the planet, we need to provide the voters of Northampton County with a state of the art voting system," Cusick pointedly remarked.

Finally, Cusick voted against the Capital Improvements plan for next year because it fails to include a new voting system, yet includes a county expenditure of up to $1.5 million for a for-profit alternative energy company. Cusick complained "it funds a project that is not a core function of county government."

That takes care of the budget, which is Council's most important function. Unfortunately, the meeting was marred by Lori Vargo Heffner's picayune objections to the courts' request for a Director of Treatment if the Juvenile Justice Center  She played word games for a lengthy period with two doctors that Court Administrator Jermaine Greene presented.

But Supershrink was nothing compared to the meaningless environmental resolutions that Social Justice Warrior Tara Zrinski wanted heard. These include a resolution condemning the use of plastic bags and straws at commercial establishments. They also include a resolution endorsing the use of solar panels. Zrinski became downright combative when Council member Peg Ferraro suggested that she was more than a little self-serving. Zrinski sells solar panels.

As Zrinski brayed about the disastrous use of plastic bags and straws, Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron quietly removed a plastic straw from his plastic WaWa cup and hid it in his suit pocket. He later tried to give it to me,

Council member Peg Ferraro, usually the voice of reason on Council, finally had enough. "I don't appreciate government getting involved in our lives and telling us what to do all the time," she complained. "I don't mean to be crude, but this plastic bag problem is like a pimple on a whale."  She noted the county has much bigger problems than plastic bags and straws.

I will present the SuperShrink and EcoWarrior stories in more detail on Monday.

The meeting mercifully came to an end. Council VP Ron Heckman threatened, "Over the holidays, I'm going to read Joseph Stalin's Guide to Good Government.

Irresponsible Allentown

One of the reasons former Allentown mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski got away with political corruption is that City Council, which was supposed to be a check on him, failed to act as a check on his excesses. This irresponsibility has continued. At Monday night's meeting, when Council should have been taking a hard look at a proposed major tax hike with meaningful amendments, Council members Cynthia Mota and Candida Affa instead were engaged in a private discussion - in the middle of a vote no less - on a serious budget amendment. As the video taken by citizen Lew Shupe makes clear, it looked as though they were performing oral sex on Council President Roger MacLean. While two council members blatantly violated the Sunshine Act, a city solicitor turned a blind eye. This is just as the Solicitor's office did for Fed Ed, when not involved in bid rigging. A complacent press sat there without noting or objecting to the violation, just as it did with Fed Ed's political corruption.

Because of this simulated oral sex, the city video of one of the most important meetings of the year has been withheld. One citizen who was there tells me that many city officials were snapping pictures of the event and having a good time. Obviously, they are concerned they have been caught in an embarrassing act.

The video of last night's meeting, in which city council irresponsibly rejected the budget with no meaningful alternative, is posted. No explanation was offered for Monday night. But hypocritically, a sexual harassment policy was recommended by a Candida Affa committee.

A meaningful budget amendment would eliminate all pay hikes.It would remove the managing Diorector. It is the Mayor's job to be the managing director. It would remove all the do nothing Mayoral assistants. It would look at waste in every department while preserving public safety.

Just as with Fed  Ed, City Council is failing to act as a check on the Mayor. The Solicitor's Office is ignoring blatant violations. And the press is failing to report to you.

One American Hero Salutes Another

DeSales and Fairleigh Dickinson - Great Places to Eat

My grandson is a freshman basketball player at DeSales. Last night the team played and beat Fairleigh Dickinson in Madison,NJ, in their first conference game. DeSales is 4-4 overall. Because of my time on the road last night, I have little to tell you today. But I thought I'd fill you in on my pre-game routine.

I get there early. Then I eat dinner at the cafeteria. I have a close friend who goes to hospitals or bars offering free happy hours so he can get off cheap. He does not know about college food. I have to tell you the food is both outstanding and cheap. I've feasted on paella, shrimp lo mein and grilled steak. If you're a calorie counter, the selections list the calories.

I walk to the eating hole from the rec center. At DeSales, it's pretty close. At Fairleigh Dickinson, it's a hike. At Salisbury U, I got lost.

At Fairleigh Dickinson, it's all-you-can eat. Last night, I could have shut the place down.

In my wandering, I came across the statue you see above. it kinda' looks like me, although I'm a bit more muscular. Anyway, do any of you know what this statue is? I'm trying to find out. I know Ulysses was an archer and my guess would be him.

BAPL Conducting Fundraiser For Kids

This is a great idea. Bethlehem Area Public Library, in conjunction with Kindness is Magic, is selling Christmas ornaments made from old library books at $5 a pop. All proceeds will be used to pay schoolchildren library fines and pay down student lunch debt. They are being sold at the library.

Why Allentown City Council Video Is Unavailable

The video from Allentown City Council's December 3 budget hearing is unavailable. There's no technical difficulty, but one segment of the meeting is pretty embarrassing. In a blatant violation of the Sunshine Act, Council members Candida Affa and Cynthia Mota huddled in the middle of a vote on whether to reduce the wage hike for nonunion employees from three per cent to two and a half. Assistant Solicitor Frances Fruwirth and Council President Roger MacLean said nothing as Affa and Mota whispered to each other in the middle of a public meeting like little school girls. It was an illegal executive session smack dab in the middle of a public meeting. Then MacLean joined in this chat. Then things got really bizarre.

MacLean pulled his seat back, and the heads of Affa and Mota kept getting lower and lower until it looked as though both of them were giving him oral sex.

"I feel like we're married," MacLean later said to Mota.

They all had a nice laugh. No one seemed to mind that the Sunshine act went out the window. Neither the Solicitor or the reporters covering this - whatever it was - objected.

It starts around 2:05:00 in the video and goes on for a good 90 seconds.

Updated 9:49: Thanks to Lewis Shupe for shooting this video.

NorCo Council Considers Personnel Changes, Step Increase, at Final Budget Hearing

NorCo jail

I've experienced my fair share of both root canals and budget hearings in my time here on planet earth. They are both long and painful. Northampton County Council finished their final budget hearing last night. I've been to most, either in person or online. They've been trainwrecks. Ron Heckman, who has been presiding over NorCo Council since Ken Kraft jumped ship, has conducted unnecessarily lengthy meetings and has actively encouraged tedious discussion that at times borders on lunacy. I only lasted about an hour today before I quietly rolled the hell out of there with a pounding headache. And this is as things should be. When Council members struggle or talk about something to death, I know they are being transparent. Quick meetings with little discussion make me suspect all the decisions are being made in the back room. I have to credit Council President Ron Heckman for these disastrous meetings. I torment him because he loves to talk. But he has given us all an opportunity to see how the sausage is made. It's painful, but it's also good government. Ken Kraft was much quicker as Council President. I do miss his more organized approach. But government is sloppy, no matter how organized you try to be. Ron Heckman embraces the madness. I'd rather have Kraft as my dentist.

The biggest news, at least for nonunion employees, is Executive Lamont McClure's proposal to give step increases to employees hired in 2014, 2015 and 2016, provided they are not already at the top of their payscale and received no step increase last year.

The rationale for this is to correct a gap that was created last year when former Executive John Brown agreed to a step increase for longer term nonunion workers. McClure said he is hopeful this step increase will help the county retain qualified and talented workers.

A step increase translates to a salary increase of about 4 1/2 per cent. If McClure is combining this along with his proposed two per cent wage hike, some nonunion workers will be doing quite well.

This step increase would have no application to employees who just started this year. But it also has no application to employees hired in 2017. This makes little sense to me. It also bothered Council members Bill McGee, Matt Dietz and Ron Heckman. McClure told Council he would provide figures for the cost of a step increase for workers hired in 2017. A decision will be made Thursday night.

In addition to this step increase, McClure is proposing the elimination of some positions, and addition of others.

Eliminations.

Deputy Purchasing Manager, Pay Grade CS 26-09-I, salary $79,445. - This position was held by Terry Beidleman, who retired last month. Administrators concluded there is insufficient work to justify this position.

Voting machine custodian, Pay Grade RU-25-07-G, salary $61,346. - This position is or was held by Dave Zawick. Administrators concluded there is insufficient work to justify this position.

Community and Economic Development Finance Specialist, Pay Grade CS-23-03-C, salary $52,283. - This position is or was held by David Hughes. As the county has assumed control over internal operations at the General Purpose Authority, this position can no longer be justified.

Community and Economic Development Specialist, Pay Grade CS-23-01-A, salary $47,876. The county has assumed control over internal operations at the General Purpose Authority and the Gaming Board is abolished. - I am unsure who is impacted by this elimination.

Nursing Home Fiscal Administrator, Pay Grade CS-33-03-C, salary $83,046. - This position is or was held by Peter Koorie, and is no longer necessary as the county resumes administration of the nursing home itself. Zrinski chuckled for some reason as this matter was considered.

Additions.

Agricultural Technician, Pay Grade CS-22-01A, salary $45,723, in Conservation District. - Moved forward with no discussion.

Six corrections officers, Pay Grade PR-01-01-A, total salary $207,193. - Council member John Cusick is opposed, saying there is more of a need to fill vacant positions than to create new ones. he noted that in 2008, there were 271 positions. It dipped n 2012, but has been consistent. He noted there is no additional jail space and there is no need. Cusick added that Lamont McClure, as a candidate, said there was no need for additional spending in corrections.

Executive McClure responded that these new officers are needed as a matter of safety for both the corrections officers and the inmates.
He said this would also reduce overtime in a place where mandated overtime has been a problem and is very stressful to officers.

There are currently seven vacancies.

Cusick noted there was $1.9 million in OT at the jail this year, but he sees no significant decrease in OT wages for next year. Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron said he expects the OT to decrease, but is budgeting for it to play it safe.

Cusick was the sole No vote on the increase in corrections officers.

Vector Control Specialist, Pay Grade RU-25-01-1, salary $45,763. - This was moved forward with no discussion.

Deputy Director, Human Services, Pay Grade CS-31-01-A, salary $69,054. - This was moved forward with no discussion. But after the vote, Cusick asked Executive McClure if this is an exempt position. "It is not," responded McClure. he explained the Charter only permits one exempt position for each Director.

Clerical Technician I at Gracedale, PT, Pay Grade CS-11-01-A, salary $13,778. - This was moved forward with no discussion.

Fiscal Technician at Gracedale, Pay Grade CS-16-01-A, salary $34,686. - Council member Peg Ferraro asked what the difference is between this position and the eliminated position of Fiscal Administrator. Barron responded that the Fiscal Administrator was a liaison with Premier, the privatized nursing home administrator. He added that the new position will be taking in the new Medical Assistance cases to keep the revenue flowing at Gracedale. It should minimize accounts receivable. This position was moved forward.

Nursing Home Administrator, Pay Grade CS-38-06-F, salary $119,009. The County is returning to an in-house Administrator. Council member Cusick thanked Premier for the job they did. He said he has "grave concerns" that the in-house Administrator will lack Premier's expertise. Cusick is opposed to this position. Council member Peg Ferraro said she will vote for the position because Premier is gone, but is "very leery" about it. Council member Ron Heckman said he had concerns, but that Council is much more willing to act as an overseer.   

Executive Lamont McClure said that increased morale is one benefit, and that Premier is willing to return if the need arises. "We're going to be fine and that's why we're ding what we're doing," he said.

The County was paying Premier $450,000 per year.

John Cusick was the sale No vote.

Dead Trees and Fallen Leaves Dominate Bethlehem Tp Meeting

"Butch" Grube, in his trademark hat,
at a recent meeting. 

Though a tax hike is looming, Bethlehem Tp Comm'r John Gallagher was focused on flora at the December 3 meeting,. Dead trees and leaf removal were the hot topics of a 40-minute meeting that should have lasted 10.

Gallagher actually had Public Works Director Richard "Butch" Grube summoned to explain why it's taking his crew so damn long to pick up fallen leaves. He's getting lots of complaints from neighbors."A lot of people think the public works crews are goofing off," he complained.

Grube explained that Bethlehem Tp has 120 miles of roads and five machines to seep up fallen leaves, two of which are currently out of service. He told Gallagher that leaves came down late this year, and then dropped all at once. To make matters worse, he's been hampered by the weather. His crew was unable to pick up leaves after the recent freak snow storm, which Manager Doug Bruce called "the largest storm in the Lehigh Valley in November." In addition to the snow, rains have slowed leaf collection. Wet leaves are difficult to sweep, Grube noted.

After hearing these explanations, Gallagher suggested that Grube post a schedule on the Township web page so residents have some idea when their area is being swept.

Grube responded that doing so will make residents even more angry if the trucks are delayed. President Mike Hudak agreed with this and began to say something, but Gallagher cut him off.

No Commissioner joined in Gallagher's suggestion that a schedule be posted.

In addition to fallen leaves, Gallagher was the sole No vote on a change order for the removal of two dead trees at  Housenick Park. They are both on slopes leading to the creek. the total cost, as a change order to work already being done by T and M, is $5,000.

This was too much money, according to one resident who claimed he had trees removes from his own property for far less money. "Personally, i thought it was a good price," responded president Mike Hudak. He recently had seven trees removed from his property and it cost $2,000 for one of the larger trees. 

The resident, who has never been to Housenick Park, demanded directions and even wants someone to escort him to the trees in question. He suggested that Commissioners give him $5,000 and let him get rid of the trees.

"Five thousand dollars for a tree and a half seems pretty high," said Commissioner John Gallagher. He was the sole No vote to the change order.

The Rise of the Mosquito

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the deadliest animal on earth. Many of you may think of a menacing great white shark, raging rhinoceros, ferocious grizzly bear, ill-tempered hippo or a sneaky snake. Everyone hates snakes. But the biggest killer by far is the tiny mosquito. It takes 725,000 lives a year. One child every 30 seconds. It is also responsible for Up until now, mosquitoes have been considered only minor irritants here in the U.S. That's about to change. Thanks to rising temperatures, expect to see the rise of the mosquito. Pestilence, one of the four horsemen mentioned in Revelation, is on its way. But is there any cause for concern here in the Lehigh Valley. The answer seems to be Yes. 

Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), has just released final counts for its surveys of West Nile Virus (WNV). With the wet weather, 2018 was one of the worst years to date for mosquitoes carrying the virus. A sampling of Northampton County mosquito pools turned up 83 positive results compared to only 17 reported in 2017. In Lehigh County, there were 151 positive results compared to just 74 last year.

“We take any threat to public health seriously,” said NorCo Executive Lamont McClure in a statement informing the public of these results. “Northampton County is committed to preventing the transmission of West Nile Virus to humans. In 2019 we will reopen our Vector Control Department. Since 2016, the County has contracted with the Penn State Extension services for West Nile and Zika Virus. As of December 31st, Penn State will no longer run those programs.”

Across Pennsylvania in 2018, there were 115 human cases of WNV recorded, with 8 deaths. The DEP reported a total of 107 avian cases and 108 veterinary cases of the virus. No human, avian or veterinary cases of WNV were reported in Northampton County. But in Lehigh County, four people were infected. 

WNV was first detected in the U.S. in 1999 and affects birds, humans, horses and other mammals. In humans, 80% of the cases are asymptomatic and 20% involve non-neuroinvasive illness. Less than 1% of cases result in conditions such as encephalitis which can cause paralysis and even death. There were nationwide epidemics of the virus in 2003 and 2012.

Adult mosquito surveys are conducted from May through October, testing them for mosquito-borne diseases. Field Techs focus first on standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, taking samples to test for the presence of the virus. Spraying does not take place until an action threshold, a high enough percentage of positive mosquitoes indicating a threat of humans, is reached.

This August, high numbers of positives were detected in the Lehigh Valley so spraying began in hot spots. Safety precautions are taken for any application of pesticides. Public notices are sent out in advance to residents, people with immune problems, and apiaries. Spraying is limited to targeted areas and done at night to avoid affecting honeybees; streams, ponds and rivers are avoided to prevent contamination of waterways.

Successful control of the mosquito population requires community effort. Homeowners should drain any source of standing water on their property, including turning over buckets and pools and tossing unnecessary items and trash. Toys, pots, cans, tire swings and plugged gutters make for excellent mosquito breeding habitats. Mosquitoes can breed in as small a space as a soda bottle cap.

The Lehigh Valley may wish to consider the approach being used by a Google company called Verily to rid Fresno of mosquitoes carrying infectious disease. For the past two years, the City has sent white vans into problem neighborhoods to release, of all things, millions of mosquitoes. They are male mosquitoes. Male mosquitoes don't bite. And these particular mosquitoes are shooting blanks, i.e. are sterile. When they mate with a female, she is unable to produce offspring. The result is less mosquitoes.

After two years of Debug Fresno, Google reports a 95% reduction in mosquitoes carrying infectious disease in Fresno. A similar project in Innisfail, Australia, resulted in a 80% decrease in mosquitoes.

The Lehigh Valley News Desert

Morning Call columnist Bill White left the newspaper Friday after 44 years. "I was accepted Wednesday afternoon for a company-wide voluntary buyout, which unfortunately carried a Nov. 30 severance date," he blogged. In his Sunday farewell column, he explains that he tried to use his "power," as the newspaper's only opinion columnist, to do good. Like Spidey. I believe he largely succeeded. While I sometimes disagreed with his opinions, he was always fair-minded. I never cared for his eating expeditions during Musikfest or his Christmas light safaris. I loathed his television reviews, especially "Dancing with the Stars." But he wrote well and never took himself too seriously. No matter what the topic, I still read him. Also, he cast a glaring spotlight on local government and leaders. For the past few years, his has been the only spotlight in the Lehigh Valley, aside from the blogs.

Ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes is said to have pissed on people who insulted him, shit in the theatre, and masturbated in public. Those antisocial behaviors might be more properly ascribed to a bottom-feeding blogger like myself than someone who dances with the stars. But like Diogenes, White carried a lamp into the dark caverns of local government, looking for an honest man. More often than not, it was in vain.

Some of you, especially those among you who are Trump supporters, will trash White because he detested the guy or because he failed to take disgraced Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski to task sooner than he did. This is unfair. The primary focus of White's opinion pieces were local, where he cast a jaundiced eye on both Republicans and Democrats. Although I think he should have been more critical of the corrupt Mayor than he was, he did actually check into one of my early stories about Fed Ed's non-tipping habit, as well as his refusal to even respond to the plight of mostly minority shop owners who were going out of business along Hamilton Street.

White's departure comes at a very bad time for local news. He is not the only person who was cashiered. While the emergence of Donald Trump has created a surge of interest in news, it's national news. People are glued to cable networks and national newspapers, but the situation is much different locally.

Just last month, Ken Doctor at NiemenLab painted this stark picture:

2018 may prove to be a turning point. The year has already been marked by an unforeseen acceleration of decline in the core local daily newspaper business, both in advertising and in circulation. At the same time, the hushed whispers of a local news emergency have grown louder. There’s talk — both public and private — of the need to raise huge amounts of money in order to address a crisis a decade in the marking.

The Express Times, at one time my favorite local daily, is just a shadow of its former self. The Morning Call appears to be following that model. There might be five honest-to-goodness reporters left.

The result?

News deserts.

As Doctor explains, "The print product itself — in most, but not all, cities and towns — continues to shrink, a 'news' paper in name only. Too little news, too little understanding of the community, too distant from readers’ concerns of today. Newspapers in name only."

While we blame the newspapers for shrinking, the real problem is us. We've become so polarized that all we need to know about a person is his party. The inquiry ends there, even on a local level. Never mind what's actually happening. We think watching Fox, CNN or PBS will tell us everything.

As a result, we get the government we deserve, and it's pretty bad.

What's also very sad is the loss of community. I really look forward to reading about the different high schools as they play football, basketball and baseball. Some of you might enjoy reading about other sports or other extracurricular activities. It's a shot in the arm to these kids when they are recognized, especially by affable Keith Groller. He seems to know every kid. Although both dailies are doing their best to cover high school sports, it's getting harder for them. They are spread too thin.

While I have no regard for the corporate-owned news, the answer lies with us. If we demand local news coverage, we will eventually get it.

Should Pa Relax Absentee Ballots Law?

Under Pa.'s 87 year old election code, absentee ballots must be returned to the elections office by 5 pm on the Friday before the election. Absentee ballots received after that time are excluded, even if received before the election. Should that law be relaxed? State Rep. Tina Davis thinks so. In nearby Bucks County, she lost a state senate race against incumbent Sen. “Tommy” Tomlinson by a scant 74 votes. Because at least 216 absentee ballots went uncounted, she claimed her constitutional rights were violated. A Bucks County judge named Jeffrey Davis, not to be confused with Jefferson Davis, disagrees. He dismissed the lawsuit.

This question is the subject of a lawsuit by the ACLU. I understand there's a public interest in ensuring that every vote is counted. But in my view, there is an equally important public interest in a swift and certain count. When there are delays, as happened in Florida, public confidence in the entire system is undermined.

NorCo Sheriffs Bag Bobko

Northampton County Sheriff’s Department Criminal and Field Operations Units have apprehended Christopher Michael Bobko, 41, for failing to return to West Easton's Work-release facility on Saturday, November 17th. He was at-large until Wednesday, when he was picked up without incident at Fulmer Rd in the Nazareth area.

Last year, Bobko was charged and eventually entered a negotiated plea to receiving payment in advance from three different people for work he never performed. He also faces a trial for drunk driving and related summary offenses.

“We would like to thank the law enforcement professionals in the Sheriff’s department for their work in apprehending Mr. Bobko,” said Executive Lamont McClure. “Our Work Release programs are an important part of reducing recidivism, but the public has every right to expect that those enrolled follow the rules.”

Bobko now faces charges of Failure to Return and most likely, state prison.

One of the summary charges he faces is driving under suspension. I wonder how he got to Fulmer Road from West Easton.

McClure Leaning Towards Forensic Center at Gracedale Campus

Although I was at a basketball game and hence unable to attend yesterday's budget hearing, I watched the video. Executive Lamont McClure informed NorCo Council the proposed forensic center may very well be located at the 911 Center at the Gracedale campus. Council member Peg Ferraro said she'd rather see it at St. Luke's Anderson campus, but McClure said the county would not own the land. "I think you're probably going to have the finest forensic center in the state," he predicted.

McClure also said public works will be quite busy next year with the P3 bridge project, construction of a forensic center, purchase of the human services building and renovating county parks. He also said there is a need for inmates with mental health issues to be able to move around, and is considering the construction of space that permits that to happen.

During a discussion of bridges, McClure complained the county spends the same money as Lehigh to fund regional organizations like The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, but only gets 1/3 of the federal dollars. He said part of the reason for that is the county failed to be the "squeaky wheel." He noted that needs to change.

Public Works Director Mike Emili told Council member John Cusick that the county is resuming a vector control program. Penn State Extension was doing it, but has decided to stop.

He told Council member Matt Dietz that major renovations are planned at Wy-Hit-Tuk Park, located at the southern boundary of the county in Williams Tp. It is a park that has been neglected for many years and underutilized, according to Emili. "I'd be surprised if 10% of the county residents know about Wy_Hit-Tuk Park," remarked Council VP Ron Heckman.

Maintenance barns at Louise Moore Park will be replaced long term, but not next year.

Over $334,000 has been budgeted for the demolition of the Milides building next year, along with the establishment of crosswalks.

In 2019, the county will repave the parking lot for the 911 building.

At the Courthouse complex, roof repairs are planned over judges' chambers. "We have a lot of problems with leaking," said Emili. He added exterior repairs are planned on stone walls at the courthouse. Public works will also repair steps in front of juvenile and probation building and repair a concrete handicapped ramp at the criminal administration building.

For the jail tier renovations, $200,000 is set aside. Cusick wondered whether this fund is adequate, and Emili said it's adequate for the engineering.

At Gracedale, a bathroom project is planned in 2019. Broken tiles pose a slipping threat. Four floors with 15 rooms each are slotted for repairs this year. In addition, the nurse call system improvements will continue.

John Stoffa Report

I talked to former NorCo Executive John Stoffa on Monday. Although he has blocked my cell, I got through using someone else's phone. He sounded very cheerful and complimented Lamont McClure. He also admitted that he's still ugly, but not as ugly as me.

Easton School Board Kills Angle Nomination as NCC Trustee

Northampton Community College is governed by a Board of Trustees that currently includes 14 members. There should be 15. Bangor's former School Board President, Pam Colton, was a trustee, but her term expired in June. Unanimously, the Bangor Area School Board selected Ron Angle to succeed her. But his nomination was killed. All school boards contributing to the college have a say. All but two had no problem with Angle. Bethlehem and Easton did. Because they kick in more money than other school districts, their No votes outweighed everyone else.

As you might imagine, Bangor's School Board resented having their choice rejected. Though Angle is an ornery bastard, he's their bastard.. That's who they want to sit on the Board of Trustees. So unanimously, the sent his name in again. Once again, this choice was fine with all but two school districts. Bethlehem said No, and at Easton's School Board meeting last night, the motion to nominate Angle died for a lack of a second.

Robert Fehnel, an Easton School Director, is the Chairman of Northampton Community College's Board of Trustees. The trustees, who enjoy their lobster dinners and filet mignons, are concerned that someone like Angle might spotlight what's really going on.

what's really going in is that Northampton Community College is sitting on a ton of money. Yet all the school districts it serves have to kick in every year. Bangor is paying close to $500,000. Other school districts pay more. This money was certainly needed when the college was first formed in 1967, but is it needed now. Angle has questioned this funding formula, along with former school director Bob Cartwright. Given the importance of education, this funding may still be needed. But you need people who will ask the tough questions.

A last night's school board meeting, there was no discussion of agenda matters. Items were lumped together and voted on together. This is because they were discussed in the back room or possibly at a committee hearing. When Angle's nomination came up, there also was no debate. Though one member did nominate him, it's pretty clear to me that Fehnel blackballed him in private discussions.

Ron was there, dressed in suit and tie. He spoke in support of his nomination, saying he would bring his knowledge of finance to the community college. One board member actually laughed at him.

Under state law, "The composition of the board of trustees shall be representative of the geographical area to be served by the college and shall include members of the professions, business, industry and other organizations or lay persons." Thanks to the weighted votes of Bethlehem and Easton, the slate belt is being denied representation. The board is also short of entrepreneurs. It's also short of true fiscal conservatives. The college hypocritically brags that it promotes "diversity and inclusion," but that pious platitude has no application to conservative viewpoints.

McClure Taps Emrick Foe For Staff

Northampton County Exec Lamont McClure has hired Amy Cozze to join his staff in Northampton County. He told me she will split her time between working for Public Safety Director Kenm], but Kraft at the jail and Administrator Charles Dertinger. I neglected to ask her salary will get that information.

Cozze is a lifelong LV resident who earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Business Administration. She then worked at Deerfoot Auto Parts, a successful family-owned auto recycling and service business located in Wind Gap. She also started her own cake bakery in Nazareth.

You may remember her as a candidate for State Rep. She ran against incumbent Joe Emrick. He smeared her at the end of the race with a negative mailer and TV ad attacking her for sending "foreign substances" to the Nazareth police. It was apparently the result of Cozze and a business colleague using glitter while making decorations for some event in Nazareth. Glitter tends to stick to everything, and it got stuck to a few paid parking tickets.

Though this was completely innocuous, Cozze received threatening calls. Someone even let the air out of her tires.

It was a cheap shot, typical of Emrick.

Unless McClure is creating a new position, no Council approval is needed for this hire.

Cozze, along with Becky Bartlett and Tina Smith, is McClure's third hire of someone in the Nazareth area.

He did offer me a job as Solicitor, but I wanted too much money.

Updated 3 pm:  Ms. Cozze is working for Administrator Charles Dertinger and Director of Court Services Ken Brown, not Ken Kraft.