NorCo Council Approves No-Tax Hike Budget for 2020

Exec Lamont McClure (L) and Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron with 2020 Budget

Northampton County property owners have been spared a tax hike next year. Executive Lamont McClure  unveiled a $445 million spending plan for 2020 during a presentation this morning at the 911 Center on Gracedale's campus. His budget keeps the tax rate at 11.8 mills, where it's been for the past five years. A home assessed at $75,000 will receive a tax bill next year for $885.

In a news release sent out moments after the vote, McClure congratulated County Council. "A no tax increase budget for a second year in a row is an accomplishment Council can be proud of," he said. "We’ve cut the budget nearly 6% without reducing vital services. We are investing $3 million to preserve farmland, environmentally sensitive land and investing in parks. In our fight against warehouse proliferation our administration has already invested $6 million. Finally, we are keeping our commitment to maintain Gracedale as a County-owned-and-operated facility and, once again, Gracedale will not require any money from the County’s general fund to operate.”

McClure is spending 5.6% less than he did last year. Part of the reason for that is because the county is no longer paying a triple net lease for its human services building, located in Bethlehem Tp. It now owns it. In addition, thanks to a refunding of county bonds, the annual debt service has dropped.

Council member John Cusick was the sole No vote, and for several reasons. He voiced displeasure at the County's inconsistent approach to hotel tax grants, warned that there now is a structural deficit at Gracedale and was strongly opposed to a 9.2% payhike for Gracedale Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King. Her wages will jump from $102,291 to $111,704 next year, while most Gracedale workers will see raises of three per cent or less. Cusick said he was unable to remember ever awarding a wage hike that high, and argued it is unfair to other Gracedale workers. He added that Gracedale's rating is unchanged and its census is in danger.

Council members Matt Dietz and Bob Werner joined Cusick in opposing the raise, although they later supported the budget.

McClure argued that, even with the raise, Stewart-King is underpaid compared to Administrators at other nursing homes like The Gardens of Easton ($147,000), Moravian Hall Square ($132,000) and a nursing home that pays $175,000.

Budget Administrator Doran J Hamann

"We don't want to lose this person," said Council member Bill McGee after being told what other Administrators make. Council member Kevin Lott added that Stewart-King "came up through the ranks." Council member Lori Vargo-Heffner noted that Stewart-King has made changes that include electronic health records and is turning morale around. Vargo-Heffner added that Gracedale's residents sometimes include the "toughest people" because "[w]e will not turn people away."

The budget as approved spends $2.6 million of the county's reserve, or rainy day, fund. This is to help pay for new voting machines mandated by Governor Tom Wolf's Department of State. The county expects to get 60% of that money back.

The budget also includes a 2.5% raise for its career service, or nonunion workers. Union workers are paid in accordance with separate contracts, and most bargaining units will see a 2% raise next year.

This is the last budget prepared by Budget Administrator Doran J Hamann. This Lehigh University MBA retired in November after 40 years of service to Northampton County. He nevertheless attended last night's meeting and the numerous budget hearings preceding it.

NorCo Council: Extend OSHA Protections to Public Workers

What if I told you that private sector workers have more workplace protections than our police officers, firemen, corrections officers, road maintenance workers, and other public employees in Pennsylvania? That's a question State Rep. Patrick Harkins has asked his Harrisburg colleagues. Most private sector workers are protected by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA). Public sector employees, however, are on their own. Harkins has proposed legislation that would extend OSHA protections to government workers as well. His bill is languishing, however, in the House's Labor and Industry Committee. At their October 3 meeting, Northampton County threw their support behind Harkins' proposed law, which is called the Jake Schwab Worker's Safety Bill.

Schwab, a mechanic with the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, was fatally injured at work in 2014 by an exploding air bag. He had been using the wrong tools and was working at a garage that had gone nine years without safety training. His public sector employer is exempt OSHA protections.

Every Democrat in the Lehigh Valley delegation to the state house has agreed to sponsor this legislation. But not one Republican.

Jim Irwin, a former Gracedale employee who now works for AFSCME District 88, argued that worker safety protection should be the same for everyone. He said the proposal, first made four years ago, has never made it out of committee because of cost.

"What's the cost of someone's life?" he asked.

Council President Ron Heckman talked about his own experience, pre-OSHA, working one summer at a cast iron foundry. He and his co-workers donned leather gloves they would purchase themselves, and would wrap a wet handkerchief around their faces. By the end of the day, the entire room was a fog. "OSHA changed that," he said. "They actually got masks."

Heckman went on to say that the government often passes laws applying to the private sector, but exempts itself. "I think that stinks," he concluded.

Council member Kevin Lott recounted that he once observed borough workers dig inside a trench about three feet over their head, with no protections. "Our public sector workers are second class citizens," he complained. "You need to set standards."

Northampton County's resolution, which is non-binding, was passed 8-1. The sole No vote was from Council member John Cusick.

Cusick said he "supports worker safety," but the statewide organization representing counties is opposed to this legislation. He suggested that this group, called CCAP, should first be asked to change its platform.

Council member Bill McGee, who introduced this resolution, told Cusick he would contact this county government advocate, which is known as the County Commissioners' Association of Pa.

"Marsy's Law" On Ballot in November

When you vote in November, you'll be asked to approve an amendment to the state constitution, called Marsy's Law, to give crime victims many of the same rights that apply to criminal defendants. They will have the right to be present at every proceeding. This has passed both houses of the General Assembly in two consecutive sessions, and it's now up to voters.

These will include constitutional rights to:

* be treated with fairness and respect for the victim's safety, dignity, and privacy;
* proceedings free from unreasonable delay and a prompt and final conclusion of the case;
* have the safety of the victim and victim's family considered when setting the bail amount and release conditions for the accused;
* reasonable and timely notice of public proceedings involving the criminal conduct;
* be present at public proceedings involving the criminal conduct;
* be heard at proceedings where a right of the victim is implicated, including release, sentencing, and parole proceedings;
* receive notice of any pretrial disposition of the case, with the exception of grand jury proceedings;
* provide information to be considered before the parole of the offender;
* reasonable protection from the accused and those acting on the behalf of the accused;
* reasonable notice of the release or escape of the accused;
* refuse an interview, deposition or other discovery request made by the accused;
* full and timely restitution from the person or entity convicted;
* the prompt return of property when no longer needed as evidence; and
* confer with the government's attorney.

Twelve other states have adopted this constitutional change.

Who could possibly be opposed to crime victims? This is opposed by both the ACLU and conservative publications like Real Clear Policy.

If someone accuses me of rape or an assault, the whole purpose of a criminal trial is to determine whether the accuser is actually a crime victim. As noted in Real Clear Policy,

"While considerate treatment of victims is important, and it can make sense to take steps to assure them (e.g.) better notice of proceedings and return of their lost property, it is dangerous to let the conduct and timing of criminal process itself depend too much on their wishes. Interests of evenhanded justice counsel against letting patterns of conviction and punishment depend too much on whether the complainant in any particular case is angry, energetic, articulate, or for that matter present at all. The function of criminal prosecution cannot be to validate the victim’s suffering. It must instead be to ascertain the truth as best as possible and impartially carry out the legal consequences on the guilty.

"In short, there are very good reasons why the Framers included in the Constitution and Bill of Rights many protections for criminal defendants, but relatively few for victims. We forget that wisdom at our peril."

Of course, this measure will pass overwhelmingly. Then it will create bottlenecks in our courts.

Lisa Scheller Expands LCCC Scholarship Program

I got to know Lisa Scheller during her days as a Lehigh County Comm'r. I was pretty rough on her because that's the way I roll, and after all, she is an evil Republican. She never seemed bothered by my diatribes. She always answered my emails. I was actually sorry to see her leave Lehigh County's Board.

In the real world, she's President and Chairman of Silberline Manufacturing Co., Inc. In case you don't know, this Tamaqua - yes, I said Tamaqua - corporation is a world leader and global supplier of high-quality special effect and performance pigments. She has both math (University of Colorado) and engineering (Lehigh University) degrees. Just a few months ago, she was honored by Schuykill County's Chamber of Commerce as their Entrepreneur of the Year.

But her story goes beyond her government service and business acumen. She is a recovering heroin addict who lived on the streets. Unlike many others, she has gone public. In fact, she established the Hope and Coffee shop in Tamaqua, her hometown, for fellow addicts.

When I received word that Lisa would be making an announcement at Lehigh County Community College yesterday, a 36 minute drive from Nazareth, I felt I owed it to my fellow addict.

She announced a scholarship program for Lehigh County and Tamaqua high school students enabling them to take college-level courses in the junior and senior years and receive both a high school diploma and associate's degree. This scholarship is available to students eligible for free or reduced lunches.

Currently, 56 students from Allentown School District alone are enrolled in a scholarship Scheller made available to technical school students. She's expanded the program so that it applies to all high school students.

In her remarks, Scheller said education "opens so many doors" for people who were "not put here to be something, but to be someone."  She stressed a country of "educational haves and have nots is a threat to democracy." 

Scheller is mulling a run for the Congressional seat held by Susan Wild in the Pa. 7th District. It's rated by Cook Political Report as "likely Democratic," but 2020 is far off.

Morganelli Establishes Community Policing Award in Bethlehem

Mary Mowrer

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli has established the Gordon B. Mowrer Community Policing Award in Bethlehem. The Fraternal Order of Police will annually recognize a police officer who has contributed to a strong police and community relationship that year with a contribution to the charity of that officer's choice. The program is funded with a $2,000 donation from the drug forfeiture fund.

Mowrer served as Bethlehem's Mayor from 1974-1978, and as Acting Mayor in 1987. He passed away in 2016 at age 80.

Though credited with preserving Bethlehem's historic downtown, Morganelli hailed his former mentor as a pioneer of community policing. He established thee teams (Adam, Baker and Charlie) responsible for different areas of the City so that police officers and the community they served would know each other. His changes resulted in a dramatic reduction in crime.

According to Morganelli, the Mayor was so enthusiastic about building a positive police presence that he would often ride along with officers.

His city vehicle, a black Pontiac, was equipped with a siren, and Morganelli said theMayor used it a few times to give stern warnings to red light violators. This was confirmed by one reporter at Morganelli's announcement, who confessed he was once stopped by the "Main Street Mayor."

George Mowrer, son of the late Mayor, said he often rode along with his father. His widow Mary said her husband often bolted on date night when he heard a siren or saw police lights.

"He really made Bethlehem a safe community," added Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez, whose late father was a police detective. Police Chief Mark DiLuzio said Mowrer was the Mayor who made sure officers were equipped with bulletproof vests.

McClure Unveils NorCo's 2020 Budget on Thursday

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure will unveil his 2020 Budget for Northampton County on Thursday, 10 AM, at the 911 Center on Gracedale's campus. The current tax rate, set at 11.8 mills, has remained the same for the past five years.

Lehigh County, which released a $514.6 million budget earlier this month, has proposed a tax hike. It is unknown whether McClure will hold the line.

Under Northampton County's Home Rule Charter, it must be a balanced budget. Proposed expenditures must be no greater than the anticipated funds available.

County Council has until December 16 to adopt or amend the budget. If it fails to do either, McClure's budget will be automatically adopted. County Council can also reject the budget, but that will also mean it is automatically adopted on December 16.

NorCo COs Deny They Refused To Discuss Schedule Change

When Lew Donatelli's father passed away in March, his sister asked him to organize pictures his mother had taken over the years. He found five drawers filled with hundreds of them. When he began looking through them, he noticed something odd. He was absent from  most of these family celebrations and milestones. Not because he wanted to be. He had no choice. He is a Northampton County Corrections Officer (CO).

I recently met with Donatelli and Russell Attanasio, another CO who happens to be the union president. They were both on the negotiating team in the latest contract talks, which resulted in a binding arbitration award. They both want to respond to a recent NorCo op-ed, published here, concerning the manpower crisis and high turnover at the jail.

They are both long-time county employees, hired at a time when there was little turnover or overtime at the jail. They routinely were awarded step increases (4 1/2%) as they gained experience. A veteran officer received a lot more money than a new hire.

Times have changed.

According to these senior officers, the changes began with former County Executive Bill Brackbill. Pencil pushers is the county realized it was cheaper to mandate overtime at a 24/7 facility than make new hires. That practice continued and actually increased after Brackbill left. Last year, for example, both officers were mandated to work a second shift at least 25 times.

They met with me in response to two stories about the manpower crisis at the jail. I attributed the problem to low salaries. The county, in a separate unsigned op-ed, responded that salaries are comparable to what is paid elsewhere, and the real reason for the turnover is the union's unwillingness to change its schedule.

This was news to the union.

They want to correct this claim and what they say are other errors in the county response.

1) The Union Never Refused to Discuss Scheduling. - The County insists that overtime at the jail is "the Result of a Schedule Which the Union Does Not Want To Change." It argues this refusal led to $1.73 million in overtime in 2018. It even slurs corrections officers for taking vacations, which are no greater for them than the rest of the county workforce. "The facts demonstrate that the schedule that the COs work needs to be reformed to be fairer to all the COs and not just the most senior COs," claims the county.

Sounds good. Complete nonsense.

Donatelli and Attanasio were both astonished by this accusation because a change in scheduling was never brought up during any of the negotiation sessions with the county. Only two matters were discussed, health benefits and wages. Scheduling came up with the current administration for the first time during arbitration, along with proposed changes in 30 of 43 articles in the union contract.

Scheduling did come up once before, on August 12, 2015, during a meeting at the jail under former Executive John Brown. The County broached the subject of either 12-hour shifts or a 5 day on, 2 day off schedule.

These veteran correction officers had one question about a 12-hour schedule. What happens if you have to mandate someone? Wouldn't this mean an officer could be forced to work 36 hours straight?.

That was the last time a schedule change was broached.

How about five days on, two days off? "We'd have to be the two biggest dummies in Northampton County to say No to that," said Donatelli. Pointing to his and Attanasio's seniority, he said they'd be guaranteed every weekend off. But they are the two biggest dummies in Northampton County. They think this would be unfair to fellow corrections officers, and said there's a need to have some senior officers covering shifts.

As things stand now, these senior officers work every other weekend just like everyone else. They both resent the county's misrepresentation about them, and rightly so.

They both agree the real issue is retention.

They have always been willing to discuss changes in the schedule.

The County, if truly interested in solving the manpower crisis at the jail, could ask the union to discuss this matter

2) The County Saves Money By Paying $1.73 million in overtime. - A study of the jail conducted under former Executive John Brown concludes it should be manned by 44 more officers than the 203 currently assigned. But guess what? Those additional officers, at an average of $66,000 per year with benefits, would cost the County $2.7 million. So the County actually saves $1 million per year by mandating overtime instead of hiring people and paying them what they are worth.

This might be fiscally prudent. But it balances the budget on the backs of the county worker.

3) Does County Want Corrections Officers to Work With No Vacations? - In its op-ed, the County makes this complaint about corrections officers: "Data shows that the average CO at the prison works 1611 hours out of a 2080 hour work year. This means that the average CO is not available for 25% of the year, causing holes in the schedule." This language also appears in the statement of the County's Partial Arbitrator. The implication is guards are shirkers who only work when they feel like it.

The truth is that corrections officers, like everyone else who works for the county, get vacations and personal days, and those increase as they gain seniority. The "holes" are the result of earned vacations at a jail without enough officers.

Unlike everyone else at the county, these officers have to request vacations a year in advance.

Does the County want corrections officers to give up vacations and holidays?

If so, how long before other county workers are told to forget theirs as well?

If the data shows that there are holes in the schedule, doesn't this necessarily mean that more officers are needed?

This was an unfair argument.

4) The County Misrepresented Average Corrections Officer Salary. - The County contends the salaries paid to COs in NorCo are comparable and even better than elsewhere. It asserts, "In 2017 as of the expiration of the most recent labor contract, the average base salary for COs in Northampton County was $54,984. This excludes any overtime and bases average salary on where the County had the most COs—at seven years of service." Once again, this sounds good. Once again, it's completely untrue.

The average salary, in fact, does include overtime.

In fact, the average base salary in 2017, exclusive of overtime, was well below what was portrayed. It ranged from a low of $35,000 for new hires to $56,000 for officers with 18 or more years of experience.

The data used by the County is flawed.  This means that all the conclusions about how NorCo COs compare to other counties is equally flawed:

Donatelli and Attanasio wish to make clear they believe the County acted honestly, but erred and relied too heavily on written arguments made by labor lawyers..

 5) Addressing Turnover. - Both Donatelli and Attanasio agree the County is doing everything it can to attract officers in a job regarded by most as a "stepping stone." A class of 11 new guards just graduated on Friday. There still is a 25% turn over every year. Both argue this problem will persist until wages improve and salary compression stops.

Under the plan proposed by Executive Lamont McClure, officers would have received a step increase in the first year (4 1/2%) followed by two per cent raises in years two and three.

The problem is that anyone hired in 2018 is getting nothing. In the third year of the contract, these three-year veterans would be making no more money than someone who just walked in the door.

"We want the scale to function so that you move through the steps," they said. Right now, they claim it's impossible to reach the top step.

Since these veterans are already at the top of their scales, they are arguing for junior officers, not themselves.

Perhaps the County should listen.

If Amazon Can Afford $15 Per Hour, Why Not the Public Sector?

For about a year, Amazon has been paying all of its US employees (FT,PT and seasonal) at least $15 per hour. Target expects to follow suit by next year. In July, the US. House voted 231 – 199 to raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2025, though it's unlikely the Senate will agree. Northampton County requires contractors on county projects to pay a prevailing wage. It enacted a responsible contractor ordinance under which workers receive a living wage. But it has ignored its own employees.

The chart below shows that Northampton County's rank-and-file custodians receive an average of $13.04 per hour to clean our messes. Seventeen of 21 are paid less than $15 per hour. One of them earns just $10.74.

The County claims the actual wage is higher because it pays $9.62 per hour for health insurance for each employee. It adds the union contract approving these wages was overwhelmingly approved. "The issue of these folks being underpaid did not come up at the bargaining table," notes Deputy Administrator Becky Bartlett.

It should have.

Last year, Senator Bernie Sanders proposed legislation that would give employers a choice: "pay workers a living wage or pay for the
public assistance programs low-wage workers are forced to rely upon."

I would include public employers in that category.

Executive Lamont McClure is balancing his fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayer against his sincere desire to pay employees what they are worth. Unfortunately, it is usually the employee who loses.

But so does the taxpayer.

The pittances paid might help balance a county budget and prevent a tax hike. but nationwide, these low wages actually cost taxpayers $152.8 billion per year, according to a 2015 study from the University of California, Berkeley Labor Center.

If people were paid more fairly, there would be less turnover and a happier workforce.

NorCo Custodian Wages by BernieOHare on Scribd

NorCo 911 Responds to Bath Concerns

A week ago today, Northampton County Council member Matt Dietz raised three concerns brought to his attention by Bath firefighters about the 911 Center. First, they were missing callouts. Second, they said 911 was giving bad directions for some emergencies because a bridge is out in their response are. Third, they argued that the closest fire company or EMS should be dispatched to an emergency, regardless whether it is in the municipality. Dietz raised these issues at a Council meeting because, ironically, Bath was having trouble getting an answer from 911. He wanted to alert his fellow Council members and wondered whether this could be a symptom of a more widespread problem related to the recent consolidation of Bethlehem City and the County.

Below is 911's response to Dietz concerns, which the County was kind enough to forward to me.

You know, a little knowledge can be dangerous. I found that out after publishing my story. What ensued were 52 comments, many from people far more knowledgeable about EMS than I. They include Peter Melan, Ben Miller, Bath Mayor Fiorella R. Mirabito and East Allen Fire Chief Jon Kopishke. One of the things I learned is that proximity to an emergency is only one of several factors considered in determining how to respond. I learned it is the fire chief in the affected municipality who decides on a response plan, which is entered into 911's computer aided dispatch (CAD). Finally, it appears that the dropped calls experienced by Bath are a localized issue unrelated to the consolidation. Had the problem been more widespread, I would have learned that pretty quickly in the responses.

Having said that, the county's 911 center is due for some changes since the first EMS call was made in 1968. Governing explores some of these changes, and I will address them in a separate story, proving again that I know nothing.

NorCo EMS Response to Bath Concerns by BernieOHare on Scribd

Congrats to SGT Laubach on His Pregnancy

Unless you have a reserved parking spot, it can be pretty tough to find a parking spot around Northampton County's Courthouse. It sits atop a hill, too, which means those who arrive late get plenty of aerobic exercise as they scale the mountain. Executive Lamont McClure has reserved a few spots for expectant mothers at the main parking lot. That's actually a very good reason for getting pregnant. I have tried, but have thus far been unsuccessful. In that vein, I wish to congratulate SGT Jason Laubach, a Deputy Sheriff on his recent pregnancy.

Deputy Sheriffs are assigned the responsibility of enforcing the parking rules at the county courthouse. Most offenders get warnings. Anyone who parks in a judge's spot, however, is subject to summary execution.

I have written before about county employees parked in the "30 minute" spots reserved for courthouse visitors. I have stopped short of naming names. But SGT Laubach is an exception.

SGT Laubach's white pickup

Is this because he is a hypocrite who fails to follow the rules he is paid to enforce? Not at all. I'm naming him because his pregnancy is nothing short of a medical miracle. The world should know.

I hope I'm invited to his baby shower.

When I inquired about this, someone in the Sheriff's office told me SGT Laubach was actually in a 30-minute spot, not one of the spots reserved for pregnant people.

If that were true, it would mean Laubach is mocking the very rules he is paid to enforce. So it's pretty clear to me that SGT Laubach is in a family way.

I hope he names the baby "Little Bernie," after me.

Transcript of Trump Call to Ukraine Prez

You can read it here. He did ask a foreign government to help him and his personal attorney dig up dirt on Biden and Biden's son.

NorCo Custodian - "We Are the Dogs"

Part of Northampton County's workforce consists of its custodial staff. Every County Executive I've seen, no matter what his other flaws might be, has always been good to them. Unfortunately, this attitude has failed to trickle down to an officious Deputy Sheriff. Recently some custodians were on their way to the judges' private chambers to do some cleaning. They planned to use the elevator, but were stopped by a Deputy who told them they had to wait for some judges who were coming down. He told them to stand off to the side. Now I understand that the security of judges is important. After all, the courthouse is full of criminal defendants, disgruntled litigants in domestic matters, and worst of all, politicians. But then this deputy crossed the line, and told these custodians they had to avert their eyes as the judges paraded by.

"We are the dogs," said one of them to me.

Fortunately, one of them must have told Executive Lamont McClure what had happened.

Suffice it to say this deputy has stopped demeaning custodians.

I'd like to end the story here, but the truth is that custodians are paid like animals.

I spoke to one custodian yesterday who has been with the county for 14 years and is paid $14 per hour. Another started with the county seven years ago at an hourly wage of $10.50. Now she gets $12.50 an hour.

I guess they are the dogs after all.

Northampton County Council recently adopted a responsible contractor ordinance and has prevailing wages language in all of its construction contracts. It endorsed a Tara Zrinski-sponsored Green New Deal resolution that would guarantee a $15 per hour minimum wage. It includes two business agents for trade unions. Yet they have never said a word about full-time county workers being paid less than evil Amazon has agreed to do.

This is first class hypocrisy.

No full-time county worker should be paid less than $15 per hour.

Jacko the Monkey Stars in NorCo DA Debate on PBS-39

PBS has stars like Big Bird and Kermit the Frog. As of Monday night, you can add Jacko the Monkey. He was featured prominently during the debate between Terry Houck and Tom Carroll for NorCo DA.

You can see it yourself on PBS' Facebook page.

Though Carroll was an Assistant DA in NorCo from 2005-2007, he had to resign after he had the brilliant idea of placing Jacko the Monkey on the desk of a black female assistant DA..

As you know, Jacko has posted his own op-ed here, denying any wrongdoing. In fact, he tells me he warned Carroll this would be taken the wrong way. Carroll didn't care, either because he's a bigot or an idiot.

It was funny watching him try to minimize what he did. He claimed he knew this would come up and called Sesame Street headquarters "the lion's den." Then, after some prodding, he claimed he had done it to cheer her up.

"Do you consider yourself astute and aware?" asked PBS host Monica Evans.

"At this point, you made your point," said a flustered Carroll. "I came here today to talk about the issues that are facing the District Attorney's Office ..."

Evans countered that a DA deals with a lot of different people. "If you don't understand the significance and how offensive putting a monkey on an African American's desk can be, I think that's a point to note."

Carroll then claimed, "This is an agenda driven by the left, like you do with everything else, to misdirect the issues."

At the time, Houck happened to be Carroll's boss.He said the black assistant was shaken to the core.He concluded that Carroll either displayed extraordinarily bad judgment or was a racist. Carroll was given two options - resign or be fired.

Sitting in the audience was Tom Carroll supporter Tricia Mezzacappa, who is facing trial for filing a false report with Pennsylvania State Police. She is accused of trying to frame a black male who lives across the street.

So he's got the bigot vote.

Deadly Mosquito Virus Detected in Monroe, Carbon Counties

The Pittsburgh Tribune reports that a rare and deadly virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, has been detected in Erie, Monroe and Carbon Counties. It's called eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and has a 30% fatality rate among humans who are infected.

The infections detected so far were of pheasants, horses and a wild turkey. Fortunately, no humans.

Governor Tom Wolf recommends those outdoors to use DEET-containing insect repellents and cover exposed skin with lightweight clothing.

Symptoms of EEE appear within 3-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, and consist of a high fever, stiff neck, headache and lack of energy. Inflammation and swelling of the brain can ensue.

In New Jersey, EEE has been detected in 13 counties, and three people have been infected.

Carroll's Upscale Campaign Signs

If you're fortunate to live or work near Broad Street in Bethlehem, your senses were no doubt assaulted yesterday morning by a garish display of Tom Carroll for DA campaign signs.

His black and white campaign signs look more like mug shots than a way to draw votes. I'd say they look like they were put together by a cub scout pack, but that would be an insult to cub scout packs everywhere.

I believe it was Jacko the monkey

Tom obviously fared poorly in his funeral fundraiser.

No union sticker.

Though I'm unsure, I see no disclaimer. This is required by our campaign finance law. As a candidate for District Attorney, he should give at least some thought to following the law.

But thinking is hardly Tom's strong suit. In a Democratic majority county, he does need some Democratic votes to win. Yet on his DA Facebook page, he recently slammed Democrats. "The Democrat Party has shown its hand with Beto saying hell yes they will take our guns," he declares, illogically assuming that the position of one person is the position of the entire party.

The Problem With Instant News

In recent days, there have been hundreds of news accounts detailing claims that Donald Trump has sought the assistance of Ukraine's President in an effort to embarrass Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden over the business dealings of the latter's son in that part of the world.Trump admits this, but denies offering anything in exchange for what appears to be an illegal in-kind campaign contribution from a foreign national. Many claim that Trump has finally crossed the line, while others insist that Biden and his son are no-good crooks. Trump is doing what Quintus Tullius Cicero, younger brother of the more famous Cicero, recommended 2,000 years ago, i.e. reminding the public "of what scoundrels your opponents are." But unlike Cicero, he's doing it in a way that makes him look like the scoundrel.

The one thing I can conclude about all this with absolute certainty is that Trump must worry that Biden will be the nominee of the Democratic party.

I certainly hope so.

Can we really draw any other conclusions? Not yet.

That's the problem with instant news. Both tribes are guilty of bending or even creating facts to fit their preconceived notions.

Assuming Trump actually asked Ukraine to investigate Biden in exchange for foreign aid, that fails to fit into any of the normal bribery statutes. Bribery applies to public officials, and foreign nationals are not considered public officials for purposes of US law,evenif they are the Presidents of their own country.

Also, the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act only comes into play if it relates to an intelligence activity, not some ham-handed attempt to cajole a foreign leader to help smear a political rival.

I think we need to give this some time to develop before reaching conclusions.

Should NorCo 911 Dispatch Closest Emergency Responder?

NorCo 911 Center

On September 10, John Pequeno's Upper Nazareth home, located on the 3300 block of Rising Sun Court, was destroyed by fire. No human lives were lost, but Pequeno did lose a pup named Marshall, whom he referred to as his "fur baby." "The rest of what was lost was mostly just stuff," he said. Nine different fire departments ultimately responded. Pequeno has been so touched by their heroic efforts that he organized a fundraiser for what he calls the Rising Sun Fire Brigade. As commendable as these volunteers are, the Rising Sun inferno may very well have highlighted a major problem in the way Northampton County's 911 Center responds to fire calls.

Bath's Volunteer Fire Department is located just 1.2 miles (4 minutes) away from 3300 Rising Sun Court, an Upper Nazareth community with no public water. Despite its close proximity, Northampton County Council member Matt Dietz reports Bath Mayor Fiorella ‘Fi’ Reginelli-Mirabito told him her Borough's volunteer firefighters received no initial fire call.

In contrast to Bath, Upper Nazareth's Volunteer Fire Department is located 6.2 miles (14 minutes) away from 3300 Rising Court. This was the first department dispatched, followed by Nazareth's Vigilance Hose Co. That department is located 5.3 miles (13 minutes) away from the blaze. According to Bath Borough Manager Bradford Flynn, Palmer Tp's fire department was dispatched to the Rising Sun inferno before Bath finally received a call. Palmer Tp's fire department is 6.6 miles (12 minutes) away. 

Wouldn't it make sense to dispatch the closest fire department?

Dietz met recently with Bath firefighters, and reported to Northampton County Council at their September 19 meeting. He felt it important to note three concerns they have about the 911 Center. He adds they tried calling the 911 Center, but received no answer until some recent emails. These are their issues:

(1) Closest department should be dispatched to an emergency. - During callouts, it's only logical to dispatch the closest emergency vehicle. According to Dietz, vehicles with longer response times are instead being dispatched. He said there could be an emergency call from the west end of Pen Argyl, right next to Plainfield, and Wind Gap emergency vehicles would be sent. Dietz said 911 should consider dispatching  the station closest to the emergency, regardless of mutual aid agreements.

This sentiment is echoed in a September 18 email to Dietz from Bath Borough Manager Bradford Flynn.

"Over the past four years, I have personally witnessed or know of instances where Bath’s Fire Department or EMS Provider/Bethlehem Township EMS is not being initially dispatched to working structure/dwelling fires or life threatening ALS calls respectively within their immediate reach. This unnecessarily delays patient care, protection of property, and degrades the overall public safety mission in our area. In my opinion, the days of mutual aid agreements designed and executed by and between neighboring fire chiefs should be stream-lined through automated systems. Northampton County 911 should have the capability of using CAD systems and GPS resources to synchronize emergency incident locations, linking the location with Fire and Rescue Services to an appropriate 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Alarm, etc. protocol within a designated geographic footprint."

Mutual aid agreements among the county's municipalities need revision.

(2) Bath firefighters are missing callouts on their older radio system. - They believe this problem affects other municipalities, too.

"That's not something that we're seeing broadly and is not something that's been brought to our attention," responded Administrator Charles Dertinger. He added the 911 Center is still using both its new and an older radio console to respond to emergency calls. "The new one has not had all of the bugs knocked out of it yet," he explained.

This would mean that Bath's issue is because of their own equipment, and would have been an issue before the switch to a consolidated 911

"It's their equipment that the County programmed for them,"  countered Dietz.

He's concerned about this issue even of it only applies to Bath. "Saying it's not broad and someone dies in Bath because it's a localized issue is not a good answer," he said.

Detinger wondered why this issue is only being presented now .Dietz responded the 911 Center was contacted several times and only answered a few days ago.  Because of this lack of a response, Bath officials reached out to Dietz, their elected representative on Council.

Dertinger vowed to look into this concern.

(3) Bad Directions.  - In response to a recent cardiac arrest, 911 was dispatching emergency vehicles the wrong way because a bridge in the Bath area is out. Dietz questioned whether 911 is aware some bridges are being repaired or replaced, making alternative routes necessary.

Dietz felt it was important to alert his fellow Council members, the Administration and the public He also said he will be contacting other municipalities as well as 911.

Council member Tara Zrinski then switched the topic to the airport's escalators. "Not that 911 isn't really important," she said with what appeared to be a bit of misplaced sarcasm. "No one wants to die in Bath," she added.

"No one wants to die anywhere," countered Lori Vargo Heffner, who was filling in for an absent Ron Heckman as Council President.

"Council doesn't care that we're fixing escalators," said Dietz after the meeting,. He added they do and should care about 911, a core county function.

NorCo Council Spends 13 Minutes Discussing County Business

It was a short-handed Northampton County Council last night. Council President Ron Heckman, along with John Cusick and Bob Werner, were absent. Peg Ferraro participated by phone, so there was only a six-person quorum.

The first 15 minutes of the meeting were wasted by Tara Zrinski, who must want very badly to be a State Representative. First, she had yet another proclamation, and then paraded three people to promote a National Infrastructure Bank, which she claims is "everything we need." She also insisted on giving a speech to endorse it. Trade union reps Kevin Lott and Bill McGee also supported it. The resolution passed 5-1, with Peg Ferraro voting No.

Thankfully, there was no misinformation or fear-mongering about the Penn East Pipeline.

With 20 minutes totally wasted, Northampton County Council finally started to address county business.

It first adopted a proposal for the county to be able to hire through its own career service, as opposed to a state civil service system that has been unable to send names to fill crucial vacancies in departments like Children, Youth and Families. This was adopted 6-0,, and without the discussion that preceded a national infrastructure bank and proclamation.

Then it adopted an employee referral incentive policy for Gracedale. Employees who refer to vacant positions at Gracedale will get $250 for a RN and $100 for any other Gracedale hire. "Great idea," said Peg Ferraro, as this measure passed 6-0.

It updated by-laws for the Mental Health, Early Intervention and Developmental Programs Advisory Board.

It authorized several purchases of sensitive land.

Its final item of real business was the approval of four contracts.

County Council spent 13 minutes total on actual county business.

Then Council member Tara Zrinski wasted more time discussing what had happened at a committee meeting that had just been conducted.

Council member Matt Dietz had a legitimate county issue. He informed Council there have been some issues with the 911 transition in Bath, which sounds to me like a fairly significant county problem, especially during hurricane season.  This was discussed for a grand total of nine minutes before Zrinski switched the topic to the airport, where the escalators are fixed and more snacks are available. Liaison reports dragged on a few more minutes and the meeting mercifully ended.

This Council has misplaced its priorities.

No one attempted to kill the retroactive payraise for probation officers.

Should NorCo Float Taxable Bonds?

Most of NorCo's financing is done through tax exempt bonds. What about taxable bonds? Scott Shearer, Managing Director at PFM, pitched the idea to Northampton County Council last night.

Currently, the County has a $66 million bond series with a call date in 2022. The current interest rate is around 4.81%. Under changes to our tax law, it is impossible to refund (refinance) them with tax exempt bonds until the call date. But they can be refunded with taxable bonds and at an interest rate under three per cent. The county would save $3.2 million. The County could wait until the call date and save more or less, depending on the interest rate.

"Taxable bonds are nothing new; we've done it before to pay off the swaption," noted Council member John Cusick. He added that changes to the tax law have actually made tax exempt bonds more desirable. But Shearer countered that demand for taxable bonds is also high.

"We're not supposed to gamble with the money of the public," cautioned Council member Bob Werner.

Council member Tara Zrinski asked for a worst case scenario. Shearer said that if the County waited until 2022 to refund, it could realize greater savings than $3.2 million. He recommended that the bind ordinance be drafted in a way that the bond would be issued only if a specified savings of $3.2 million were realized.

Council will consider this possible refinancing in October.

NorCo to Consider Referral Incentives For Gracedale Hires

Exec Lamont McClure

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure advised County Council at last night's Finance Committee meeting that he would like to offer an employee referral incentive under which county workers will be paid for referring people who are hired at Gracedale. According to Governing, these bonuses exist in 61% of the private sector, but only in 13% of the government workforce.

McClure told Council his administration is already "working mightily" to staff Gracedale. "We're standing on our heads," he remarked.

Under this program, employees who refer someone who is hired at Gracedale and who completes probation will get a bonus - $250 for an RN and $100 for all others.

Human Resources will keep track of when referral fees are due.

Northampton County already offers professional development for employees who wish to be CNAs, LPNs or RNs.