Lehigh Valley Ramblings

NorCo Council Discusses Executive's Limitations on Political Hires

2026-07-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Last week's meeting of NorCo Council's "Governnace" Committee was basically an autopsy of its decision to hire a well-qualified fiscal director, but with a lower starting salary than the Executive wanted. Under county law, the Executive lacks this authority when making a political hire. She's required to go to County Council first. Because the salary was too low for the nominated director, she turned the job down.

Council member Jason Boulette had proposed giving Executive Tara Zrinski the authority to negotiate a higher wage, but she rejected this olive branch, insisting incorrectly that she has this authority.

Under county law (Home Rule Charter, Administrative Code and Career Service Regs), the Executive has the power to hire a career service employee at a higher starting rate but lacks this authority for "exempt" (political) positions. Several years ago, former Executive John Brown was chastised when he exceeded his authority to grant raises to political appointments.

Council member Jeff Warren, who previously said he has a "significant" problem with the word "oversight", objected to "constraining" the Executive, even thought that should be an important part of his role. He instead said that "we have seen, unfortunately, members of this body over the years use this dais as a way to constrain the executive."

That's exactly why County Council exists. It's why there are three branches of government. But I guess Warren subscribes to the Donald Trump unitary executive theory.

Council member Kelly Keegan was even more absurd. She started off by suggesting they all should just "take a step back and say, 'You know what, the County Executive is trying to do a good job.'" She called County Council's insistence on following county law "an intentional, vindictive asserting of authority because we can."

Neither Warren nor Keegan have been on Council very long. If they were, they would have seen how then County Exec John Brown flouted the law to give a big raise to a political hire, which would have gone unnoticed but for then Controller Steve Barron.

And that's the point. These constraints exist to prevent the Executive from playing favorites or rewarding political appointees.

Council member Jason Boulette has suggested an ordinance that will give the Exec the authority to make a political hire at a higher rate, but Administrator Mark Aurand said the county wants some time to review it.

Carson Confirmed as "Continuum of Care" Director in NorCo

2026-07-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

By an 8-1 vote, Northampton County Council confirmed Thomas Carson as the Director of the newly created "Continuum of Care" department in NorCo. He will start in mid-August with a total compensation package of nearly $150,000, including benefits.

He is currently the Executive Director of Victory House, a 35-bed facility in Bethlehem that primarily assists veterans.

The sole Council member to vote No was Tom Giovanni, whose skepticism is understandable. Carson is arguably unqualified based on the job description approved by County Council, which I mentioned yesterday. He has zero experience managing a large program or facility. But he impressed Council member Dave Holland, who knows Gracedale, has a nursing background and is himself a former nursing home administrator. Holland appears to know Carson professionally and spoke highly of his passion for the underserved.

Carson himself was able to endure some tough and well-prepared questions from Council member Nadeem Qayyum. Though unable to answer them all, Carson was polite, well-spoken and never got defensive. He also expressed, not just a willingness, but a desire to reach out to members of County Council.

Two weeks ago, Council President Ken Kraft predicted that County Council would shoot down this nomination, even though we had no name at the time. He was insinuating that the current County Council would be obstructionist. He was wrong, but don't be fooled by the 8-1 vote. This was really a very close call, but County Council deferred to the Executive.

Hopefully, she'll remember that.

NorCo Gets a "Clean" Audit for 2025

2026-07-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Under NorCo's Home Rule Charter, an independent certified public accountant appointed by County Council must audit the county's financial records every year and report back. County Council received that report on Wednesday from Jennifer Cruverkibi of MaherDuessel. She issued an unmodified (clean) audit opinion for 2025, which is the highest level of assurance available.

She reports that the county's overall financial equity declined by approximately $9.9 million, ending 2025 at $164 million. Long-term debt increased by $15.4 million, ending the year at $93.7 million. This increase is the result of a new bond issue that was used to refinance existing debt and fund capital improvements that include a new parking deck at the courthouse complex. The county has only used 5.67% iof its legally auythorized borrowing capacity.

Government revenues increased approximately 6%. Only 26.1% of county revenue comes from taxes. Most revenue is in the form of federal and sate grants.

Where does the money go? About 85% goes to Human Services, the courts and corrections.

The county ended 2025 with a fund balance of $20.8 million. This includes an $8.5 million rainy-day fund. This does exceed two months of operating expenses, which is recommended by the Government Officers Finance Association.

This report is available online

Victory House's Exec Director Nominated to Lead NorCo's Newly Created Continuum of Care

2026-07-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thomas J Carson, currently the Executive Director at Victory House, has been nominated by Executive Tara Zrinski to lead Northampton County's newly created Continuum of Care Director at the newly created Continuum of Care Department. The position, which was just approved by County Council on June 18, has a starting salary of $109,632. With benefits, it amounts to $148,249. The position is "exempt," meaning that Carson will be serving at the pleasure of whomever is Executive.

Victory House, which Carson has led for a little over four years, is considered a safe haven for homeless men, especially veterans. According to the 990 filed by that nonprofit for 2024, Carson's combined salary and benefits there was $102,442. So he's looking at a very nice pay raise if confirmed.

This nonprofit operates on an annual budget of about $1.8 million, with its financials posted on the website in a reassuring sign of transparency. The lion's share of its revenue coming in the form of payment for program services. which include transitional housing, Those run the gamut from transitional housing to recovery, mental health and employment assistance.

Carson has been employed there about 10 years. He has a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation.

In response to tough questioning from Council member Nadeem Qayyum, Carson conceded he has no experience or education in nursing, labor relations or as an Administrator. He said he would provide an open line of communication with front-line workers and "building a culture in which people can express their opinions ... ." He said he views a continuum of care as a big umbrella that can provide help to those who most need it.

According to the job description approved by County Council, the Continuum of Care Director provides executive leadership for the development and integration of a comprehensive continuum that includes skilled nursing care, personal care services, behavioral health services, affordable housing, supportive housing, tiny home communities, and other innovative housing and service models. The Director will lead long-term planning, project development, intergovernmental coordination, and funding strategies to support sustainable growth and high-quality services for residents across the continuum." He must have a bachelor's degree in public administration, healthcare administration or a related field. He must have 7-10 years of senior or administrative experience in those areas and be experienced in managing large programs or facilities.

Council member Dave Holland told Carson that he was unperturbed by Carson's inexperience in nursing or nursing home administration, adding that is why there is a separate administrator. He said Carson does have experience "in everything that we want this continuum of care to be. "Most of it looks like veteran-related, ... but that comes along with the other components we're looking at - the mental health, substance use developmental disabilities ... ."

Holland concluded with the observation that Carson has a passion for serving the underserved.

Carson agreed, saying that he works with the homeless, the mentally ill, the addicted, those with PTSD or just those who've fallen on hard times.

Carson told Council that he would like to work with them to make the continuum of care a success.

Council member Jason Boulette advised Carson that he will be able to do that with the newly created Gracedale Oversight Committee.

Northampton County Council will vote on Carson's appointment tonight. Unless a candidate has character issues or is unqualified, Council historically has deferred to the Executive on cabinet appointments.

NorCo Council Member Jeff Warren Has a Problem With the Word "Oversight"

2026-07-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Northampton County Council member Jeff Warren would like to be the next State Rep. for the Nazareth area and is running against incumbent Republican Joe Emrick. Given the public disenchantment with everything that President Trump has done (and failed to do), he just might win. It's gonna' be a tough year for Republicans. But if Warren's brief stint on County Council is any indication, he will be a disappointment.

At last week's Council meeting, Warren was among those who voted to establish an oversight committee for Gracedale, but only after a motion to table failed. He explained, "I have a problem with the word 'oversight.'"

Excuse me? Why does he think Council Committees exist? Is he aware that the Home Rule Charter provides that Council, and not the Executive, is the "governing body"? Does he realize that Council retains all "residual" powers not expressly granted?

Warren has viewed his role as nothing more than a rubber stamp for the executive branch.

What oversight will he provide as a State Rep? He doesn't evven like the word.

So Much For Freedom of Navigation

2026-07-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz was just another in a long line of complete disregard of international law. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who might be the only sane member of Trump's cabinet, made very clear that the United States is opposed to charging tolls to use an international waterway. "That’s the law. It’s an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway ... . That’s existing international law. That’s the way it is in international waterways all over the world and that’s the way we’ll expect it’ll be here.”

Infortunately, President Donald Trump, who has little regard for any law, national or international, is now imposing his own toll. "The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World.”

Actions like this make us no better that Iran.

UPDATED 2:12 PM - In the story you see above, I point out that Trump is violating international law with a proposal to impose a 20% toll on oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. This would also increase our gas prices even more than they've already risen since he attacked Iran, stopped, attacked, stopped, attacked, etc. I am assured by the Trump cult that "Trump is playing 4-D chess while peasants like Boonie lose to chickens playing tic tac toe at the county ... ." Trump has now reversed himself, something you don't do in chess or even tic tac toe.

Enacted State Budget Shortchanges Counties

2026-07-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

The County Comm'rs' Ass'n of Pa, known as CCAP, has issued this statement in response to the enacted state budget for 2026-27

Counties recognize that this year’s budget required difficult decisions, and we appreciate the efforts of those legislators who continue to champion critical county services. While the budget includes important investments such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, crisis stabilization centers, and transportation infrastructure—it fails to address the counties’ two most pressing priorities: increased county mental health funding and sustainable 911 funding.

“Counties are on the front lines of delivering state-mandated services” said Dr. Kyle Kopko, CCAP Executive Director. “We administer elections, operate 911 systems, and provide a wide range of human services. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth continues to expect counties to do more without providing the funding necessary to keep pace with rising costs. This places the financial burden on property taxpayers across Pennsylvania.”

Counties also recognize the importance of responsible spending and continue to face the challenge of doing more with less every year. However, by not adequately investing in the services counties are mandated to provide on behalf of the Commonwealth, this budget will likely force county leaders to make increasingly difficult decisions in the months ahead.

The absence of additional mental health base funding for a second consecutive year is concerning. While counties appreciate the investments made by Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly to date, the need for additional base funding has only intensified. Demand for services continues to rise, provider costs are increasing, and counties are being called upon to expand crisis response and behavioral health services—all without the sustainable, long-term investment necessary to support the community-based system. This gap places continued strain on counties and the residents who rely on these critical services.

The same challenge is true for 911 services. Counties remain focused on investing responsibly in Next Generation 911 technology, cybersecurity, staffing, and system upgrades, but the current surcharge has not kept pace with the true cost of operating these systems. “Every Pennsylvanian expects 911 to work when they call, and counties continue to grapple with the recruitment and retention of this specialized workforce and appropriate technology to meet the needs of our residents” Kopko said.

The budget’s late passage continues a troubling pattern that complicates planning for counties and all levels of government. “These fiscal challenges are not the Commonwealth’s alone—they are shared by counties, local government entities, and the 13 million Pennsylvanians we serve,” said Kopko. “We must work together to ensure that Pennsylvania does not continue to miss budget deadlines and jeopardize critical services for all Pennsylvanians.”

Governor Shapiro Signs $50.8 Billion State Budget For 2026-27

2026-07-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Better late than never. Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday signed a budget deal that will find state government for the next fiscal year. Like last year, it fails to provide additional funding for mass transit. It fails to increase the minimum wage, which would create additional revenue. But the rainy-day fund has gone untouched.

This budget includes $920 million more for education, and get this, $125 million in economic development grants.

It will be very helpful to wealthy developers. For the rest of us, not so much.

House Majority PAC Poll Has Brooks Ahead of Mackenzie in Pa. 07 Congressional Race

2026-07-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Bob Brooks certainly is a flawed candidate but a House Majority PAC poll, conducted between June 29 and July 2, has the Democratic nominee ahead of incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie in the Pa. 07 Congressional race, 47-43%. The same poll gives President Donald Trump a favorability rating of 44% and an unfavourability rating of 51%.

Dem House Nominee Bob Brooks Ran Lawn Care Business With No Workers's Comp Insurance

2026-07-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Washington Free Beacon, a right-wing online news source, appears to have Pa. 07's Democratic Congressional nominee Bob Brooks in their gunsights. Last month, it reported that Brooks, a former union firefighter, considers professional firefighters who act as volunteers in their community, are "scabs" and "shitbags." Well, I'm sure Easton appreciated all the volunteer firefighters who responded to a recent fire in Easton. So do Northampton and Lehigh County, which offers small rebates to volunteer firefighters on their property taxes. Now it has a new story, this time about Brooks and his lawn care business.

Brooks has touted his lawn care business in his Congressional race in an attempt to portray himself as an ordinary guy. But according to the Beacon, he cancelled his worker's comp insurance in 2017 and had no insurance for workers who might get injured for four years. Moreover, during that period, his own son was working for him and managing six-man crews.

Pa. law requires worker's comp insurance for all employees, part-time or full-time, family or not.

This is the latest shoe to drop from a flawed candidate who was picked by the national party, not regular voters.

Brooks' opponent in November is incumbent Ryan Mackenzie.

I will be voting for neither.

Allentown Seeks Interim City Controller

2026-07-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

From Allentown City Council: Allentown City Council is continuing to accept applications from qualified residents interested in serving as the City's interim Controller.

Applications will now be accepted through the close of business on Monday, August 17, 2026, providing additional time for interested candidates to apply following the postponement of the previously scheduled July 1 special meeting due to scheduling conflicts affecting quorum.

Pursuant to the City's Home Rule Charter, applicants must be qualified voters residing in the City of Allentown and must have been registered members of the Democratic Party for at least 30 days prior to the vacancy, which occurred on May 27, 2026.

The Allentown City Controller serves as the City's chief fiscal officer, providing independent financial oversight on behalf of more than 130,000 residents. The Controller is responsible for reviewing City finances independently of the Executive and Legislative branches, conducting financial and performance audits, reviewing the annual budget and providing recommendations to City Council and the Mayor, monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations, assisting with independent audits, overseeing the operations of the Controller's Office, and promoting accountability and transparency in the expenditure of public funds.

Individuals with backgrounds in accounting, auditing, finance, budgeting, public administration, government oversight, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Experience managing financial operations, interpreting financial information, conducting audits, or working within governmental or nonprofit organizations is beneficial.

Interested individuals should submit:

A current resume; and
A statement describing their qualifications, relevant experience, and the value they would bring to the Office of City Controller.

Applications may be submitted by mail or email to:

Allentown City Council
Attn: Tawanna Whitehead, Deputy City Clerk
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101

Email: Tawanna.Whitehead@allentownpa.gov

Documents submitted as part of this application process will become public records. All applicants will be subject to a background check.

Following the close of the application period, Allentown City Council will publicly review all qualified applicants and conduct interviews during a Special City Council meeting in August before voting to appoint an interim City Controller in accordance with the Home Rule Charter.

The position of City Controller carries an annual salary of $76,000.

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the Allentown City Council Office at 610-437-7555.

Attached is the job description for the position. Per the Home Rule Charter, the responsibilities of the City Controller are to:

A. Have financial oversight of City finances, independent of the Executive and Legislative branches and shall review all expenditures of the Mayor, City Council and City Boards, Commissions and Agencies;

B. Review the Annual Budget before approval by City Council, and make nonbinding recommendations to the Mayor and to City Council for consideration, if he or she deems it necessary;

C. Be present or represented at all Council meetings;

D. Perform audits, including performance audits, of the City and any City department, office, authority, board or commission. In the performance of such audits, the City Controller, to the fullest extent allowable by law, shall be given access to any and all information and documents reasonably and actually necessary for the completion of such audits. The Controller, in conducting such audits, shall in all respects comply with Section 171.02.B (Confidential Information) of the City Ethics Code and Section 140.17 (Employee Conduct and Work Rules), Part H.12 of the Personnel Code prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information in violation of federal, state and local laws. All information and documents made available to the Controller to conduct such audits and any reports resulting therefrom shall be subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

E. Report, to the Mayor and to City Council, on the progress of the implementation of any recommendations as found in the Annual Audit and Management Letter;

F. Assist in all audits conducted by independent auditors;

G. Assure the accurate and timely completion and submittal of audit reports along with appropriate follow-up recommendations;

H. Furnish to City Council, the Mayor, and others, as appropriate, periodic reports of audits conducted;

I. Interpret and communicate audit policies and procedures to all City management and staff;

J. Direct internal financial security and loss investigation activities;

K. Prepare an annual budget for the office of City Controller and operate the office of City Controller within approved budget limitations; and

L. Issue any subpoenas in order to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of City Controller.

Zrinski Spurns Olive Branch Resolution That Would Give Her Authority to Negotiate Salary for Fiscal Director

2026-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

At last week's Northampton County Council meeting,Executive Tara Zrinski spurned what I will call an "olive branch" resolution that would give her authority to negotiate an appropriate salary for a Fiscal Director. The county has gone without a Fiscal Director since Zrinski assumed office in January. In June, she nominated Deb Watlington, a CPA with 30 years of accounting experience, as the county's new Fiscal Director. County Council conformed her, but at a lower starting salary - $109,632 - than the $125,108 proposed by Executive Tara Zrinski. As a result, Watlington withdrew.

Zrinski chastised Council, insisting that she, and not Council, has the authority to set the pay. She complained of an "increasingly adversarial dynamic between council and the administration, particularly when it manifests in ways that complicate routine governance functions. It's neither warranted nor productive. Effective government requires mutual respect, adherence to defined roles, and a shared commitment to outcomes over objects."

She went on to argue that negotiating a salary for the Fiscal Director is her role, and her role alone. So she was unwilling to accept an olive branch resolution prepared by Council member Jason Boulette that would have given her the authority to negotiate a salary.

After her lecture, and despite Council President Ken Kraft's attempt to stop him. Council member Dave Holland asked Council Solicitor Matt Deschler whether Council had acted appropriately by setting the salary at a lower rate than that negotiated by Zrinski.

"Council acted appropriately." responded Deschler. "I can expand, but that's my conclusion."

Kraft acknowledged that while Council did have the authority to reduce the salary, "it was a rotten thing to do."

Boulette later withdrew his olive branch resolution. He would have hired Watlington at the salary proposed by Zrinski.

In an email, he explains that his resolution was "a fair compromise. My resolution reaffirmed that County Council is the body with the power and responsibility to set the salaries and wages of employees, but temporarily extended to the Executive the ability to negotiate with potential hires at Step 4 for the Director of Fiscal Affairs position. I believe I could have gotten 5 votes for this resolution.

"I was disappointed the Administration attacked the resolution as strongly as they did. They made it clear that they did not want the temporary authority this resolution would have extended to them, so I pulled it.

"I disagree with the Executive's position that Council can only approve or reject nominees without any say in their salary. The Home Rule Charter clearly gives us this power. My resolution will not be the end of this discussion. We will go into this matter more thoroughly at my Governance Committee meeting on July 15th."

Former NorCo DA and County Council Member Don Corriere Has Passed Away

2026-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Don Corriere a former Northampton County DA as well as a former member of County Council, has passed away. He was 87.

Corriere, with his ever-present cigar, was fixture at the courthouse until recent years. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he served on County Council from 1976-1980 and was President of the governing body during his last two years in office. He was then elected District Attorney in 1980, a position he held for 12 years.

He is survived by his wife Carol, and children Michael, Julie and Christina. His son Michael has also served on County Council and is currently an Assistant County Solicitor.

As District Attorney, Corriere went after corruption in Bethlehem Tp government, which resulted in the prosecution and conviction of several township officials, including the township manager. His office also prosecuted and convicted Joseph Henry for the rape and murder of Jeanne Clery, a fellow Lehigh University student. Henry was sentenced to death but dropped appeals in exchange for a sentence of life in prison without parole.

Physically robust, Corriere was gardening at the time he suddenly passed away.

I have no information about his arrangements.

Zrinski Issues Apology Over "Friends of Gracedale" SNAFU

2026-07-08T08:22:54.840-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have chosen to do that here and now.

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

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

Gracedale Administrator Morton Is Both Defensive and Inaccurate in Report to NorCo Council

2026-07-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

Last week, Northampton County Council was slated to receive an update on Gracedale from Himan Services Director Sue Wandalowki. Since the nursing home has been removed from her portfolio, I questioned why she, and not Administrator Michelle Morton, would be talking about the beleaguered nursing home. Wandalowski apparently got the message and deferred at least temporarily to Morton until the subject of finances came up. That's when she interjected herself.

Before I get to that, let's talk about what Morton herself had to say.

The first thing Morton told County Council was that the state DOH had visited the facility that very day all F-tags had been lifted, including those for the latest elopement as well as a belligerent resident who is pocketing prescription drugs. These are issued for deficiencies in compliance with regulations that ensure resident safety.

She then went on to say that though Gracedale will self-report deficiencies when they happen, there have been no substantiated complaints since began her job in March 2025. A review of DOH visits reveal, however, that complaints were, in fact, substantiated on 6/25/25, 10/17/25 and 5/14/26.

She addressed the5/14/26 elopement in which a resident wandered away and had to be returned by police to a home that was unaware he was AWOL.

"I want everyone to know that the elopement for which ... a violation occurred [was] because a resident was taken off campus by another resident family member, who drove that resident to Easton and dropped the resident off. So that's certainly not something that I think anyone would have predicted or anticipated, that someone would take someone else's resident, not even their own family member off site."

Um, that's why you do periodic head counts. That apparently wasn't happening as it should have been. Shouldn't a nursing home be doing this before people start wandering off?

She spoke about the agency nurse who documented that she had administered medications to the AWOL resident: " I do wanna point out what that particular nurse, that was, like, a one time individual.It wasn't a systemic problem of that people, you know, false documenting. It was one nurse who was documenting."

Isn't that why some agency clearinghouse was established so that these nursing journeymen are properly vetted before they are unleashed on unsuspecting residents? Morton noted that this nurse's license has been reported but failed to state whether any background check at all was performed. When pressed on the matter by Council member Jason Boulette, Morton replied, "I'm not gonna go in every detail of the plan of correction. It is available online if you would like to look it up."

She acknowledged that the census, which should be at 520 in order for the nursing home to break even, was down to 470. But in response to questions from Council member Dave Holland, she initially denied that the home is in the red. When he asked her about a financial report from Acting Discal Director Barnadon Dunstane showing that Gracedale was in the red after its first quarter, she at first denied it. "No, that is not true. We are not spending 100% of budget." Then she said that the home has a lot of "Medicaid pending" residents

That's when Wandalowski, who is supposed to no longer have any responsibility for Gracedale, came to Morton's rescue. She said that Gracedale has 9 residents receiving one-to-one care, 24/7. "That is a budget buster," said Wandalowski. She did acknowledge that the home is over budget.

A Warning From Above (or Below)?

2026-07-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

In the post you see below about Gracedale, I am highly critical of Gracedale's so-called administration. But as I pecked away on my keyboard, s strange thing happened. My hands began to burn like they were on fire. It's almost as though Council member Kelly Keegan pulled out a voodoo doll of me and started burning my effigy's hands. Was God punishing me for being so mean? Was Satan giving me a sample of things to come? I actually had to walk away for a few minutes until the fire went out.

After some research, I think it was neither the Almighty nor Beelzebub. It was cycling. I sometimes grip my handlebars too tightly, and the burning sensation was my circulation returning to normal.

"Friends of Gracedale" Has an Enemy - NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski

2026-07-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Friends of Gracedale is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organized to raise money "to enhance the quality of life and care to those in need at Gracedale." It exists for the residents, not the county. It was formed at the suggestion of former NorCo Council members Bob Werner and Scott Parsons, who actually discussed this with Northampton County Council back in 2017. It is used to purchase items for the residents, like Christmas gifts.

When it was first formed, its tax-exempt status was briefly revoked when it screwed up a tax return (known as a 990). The group is run by volunteers, some of whom are retired Gracedale workers. That revocation was lifted within a few months after the error was corrected, and all donations and gifts are tax exempt, including those made during the revocation.

You can see the IRS Determination here:

IRS Determination Friends of Gracedale by BernieOHare

No harm, no foul, right?

Not according to NorCo County. Solicitor Missy Rudas has sent not one, but two certified letters to Friends of Gracedale demanding that it stop raising funds and "cease and desist" from using Gracedale as part of its name.

Here's her latest missive:

In this letter, Rudas contends that her determination is based on a review of the IRS website. Missy is not stupid, so I can only conclude that someone at Gracedale or in county administration misread the webpage and subsequently misinformed her.

In my own review of the IRS website, which took 5 minutes, the IRS determination that Friends of Gracedale (posted above) is clearly linked. So are the tax returns for years 2020-2024 (they are 990-N returns because the gross receipts are very small).

I was unaware that the NorCo Solicitor's office enforces the federal tax code. That would be news to the IRS. That office should have done its research a little better.

I suspect what really is going on here is a what amounts to a hostile takeover. Executive Tara Zriski has created a Continuum of Care department, and part of that department will be raising funds for what amounts to a massive Gracedale Village that will include housing, medical offices, assisted living, and a refurbished nursing home.

That's fine, but that's a county project. Friends of Gracedale exists for the residents, not for county development.

Zrinski Addresses a Senior Center Crisis

2026-07-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

On Thursday,NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski updated County Council on the recent decision to close the Northampton Borough Senior Center. She has a "sustainable operating plan" to keep the facility open as a community-based organization.

Northampton County operates 9 senior centers, while Lehigh operates 11.

Zrinski reported that there is a statewide funding crisis for senior centers. This is the result of both the end of federal American Rescue Plan and declining state funding combined with rising costs for meals, transportation, staffing, and other services. A dozen senior centers across Pennsylvania have already closed, with 40 more slated for termination.

Statewide, there's an estimated $50 million statewide funding gap for aging services, and they include far more than senior centers.

The Department of Aging's responsibilities also include:Meals on Wheels (the county cleared a wait list, but 13 more have applied); Emergency food assistance; Health and wellness programs; Transportation; Home modifications; Medication management; Personal emergency response systems; Cooling centers during extreme heat; and In-home personal care services (there are 62 people on a personal care wait list).

Zrinski pointed out that "When you have people at a senior center, and you have people on a care wait list, people waiting to be bathed, people waiting for in-home services, and you think, 'Well, we have able-bodied seniors and we have people who cannot change themselves. Who do we provide services to first?"

Could the county make up the $1-1.5 million shortfall? According to Zrinski, no. She cited and waved a 1991 Council resolution barring the administration from funding more than is allotted by the state.

The budget at Northampton's senior center includes $90,000 for meals, $11,000 for rent and $8,000 for operating expenses. This excludes the cost of a 27-hour per week part-time employee.

So though the county will continue to pay rent until the end of the year, it is unable to support the senior center.

She's suggesting the formation of an autonomous community group that can provide volunteers for a newly organized nonprofit like Neighbors in Need. to provide a safe setting fand social interaction or seniors.

After she finished her presentation, Council member Jeff Warren fawned over it, claiming that Zrinski is thinking "outside the box," a phrase that she herself later used to describe her plan.

I'm a bit more skeptical. If Zrinski wanted to think outside the box, she could ignore a 1991 County Council resolution that has no binding effect on her or future County Councils. She could ask County Council to rescind the resolution. She could also consider merging two senior centers on south side Bethlehem that are within a stone's throw from each other. One is located at the Rooney building, and the other at the Hispanic center/ Frankly, at a time when we should be more inclusive and have even established a Human Relations Commission, why would we want to have separate senior centers for those who speak Spanish and those who don't? With the money saved by this merger, it might be possible to continue the senior center in Northampton.

Over Zrinski's Objection, NorCo Council Approves Gracedale Oversight Committee

2026-07-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

Despite a tongue-lashing from Executive Tara Zrinski that they were stepping on her toes, NorCo Council voted last night to establish a Gracedale Oversight Committee proposed by Council member Dave Holland and supported by fellow Council members Lori Vargo Heffner, Tom Giovanni, Jason Boulette, Theresa Fadem and even Jeff Warren. It was opposed by Council members Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan and Nadeem Qayyum. Qayyum had argued in support of the committee, so I think he probably intended to vote Yes.

Zrinski, who had just finished chiding Council over their refusal to go along with her choice of a Fiscal Director at the salary she wanted to pay, amazingly claimed that County Council has no authority to provide oversight of her administration and was crossing the line into actual administration. She argued that Council's sole role under the Home Rule Charter is to adopt legislation, enact a budget and confirm appointments.

This is nonsense.

Northampton County's Home Rule Charter specifically grants 13 specific powers to County Council, including the power to require periodic special reports, conduct investigations and even issue subpoenas. In short, it has oversight authority. The Home Rule Charter also clearly states that all residual powers of the county are vested in County Council.

In contrast, the Executive has no residual power. She does have administrative authority over day-to-day matters, but is specifically required to present information regarding the business and affairs of the county as Council might request. That is the whole point of County Council Committees.

The problem with government, on all levels, is that the Executive branch has grown too strong. This is how we end up with statewide lockdowns or executive orders that bypass the legislature. There has been too little oversight.

Zrinski's fear, as I understand her, is that County Council would be taking over the administration of Gracedale. Nothing in Holland's resolution (you can read it here), remotely suggests any such intent. It specifically states it is being formed because Council "has a unique duty of oversight to ensure that Gracedale residents are receiving medical, respite and rehabilitation care under the auspices of Northampton County in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations."

Something wrong with that?

When asked by Council member Kelly Keegan why this Committee was needed, Holland noted that Council has just established a new department for Gracedale, and it makes sense to have a standing committee for that department as it does for others. Without it, there would be no oversight of Gracedale at all.

Kraft argued that Gracedale could be included as part of Human Services and accused Holland of "overreaching." But as Boulette pointed out, Human Services includes a wide array of different departments, from Aging to Children and Youth, and even Veterans Affairs. He noted that in a committee earlier that day, Gracedale was covered for just 15 minutes. He and Vargo Heffner both argued that Council does have the authority to provide oversight. "I see nothing wrong with the term 'oversight,' "said Vargo Heffner. "People could be uncomfortable with it, and I don't think it implies that anybody is going to be telling anybody else what to do." She added that every Council Committee is, in fact, an oversight committee.

Fadem made the point that an oversight committee is necessary because Gracedale is "in crisis mode. They have a Provisional II license."

Next week, I'll fill you in on the other matters considered by County Council last night during its regular and committee hearings.

Happy 4th!

Father Who Left Unattended Child in Car Charged With Homicide

2026-07-02T16:40:16.223-04:00

Below is a news release from the NorCo DA:

Father Who Left Child Unattended in Car Charged With Homicide by BernieOHare

NorCo Council to Consider Gracedale, Fiscal Director Salary and Senior Centers Tonight

2026-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Tonight, Northampton County Council will be discussing Gracedale, the Fiscal Director Salary and Senior Centers.

Gracedale - An Update is scheduled during the Human Services Committee, and it is supposed to come from Director Sue Wandalowski. Why? Just weeks ago, Gracedale was removed from her portfolio, so why is the mouthpiece? And she herself has stated in several of her defensive presentations that she's no expert. She is defensive and inaccurate when it comes to the nursing home. The person who should know what is going on is the Administrator, but she has only rarely spoken.

When the full County Council meets, they will consider the establishment of a Gracedale Oversight Committee, which hopefully will be headed by Dave Holland, a former Administrator at both Gracedale and in Monroe County.

That's overdue, especially after the latest visit from the Department of Health that included: (1) another resident (I think we're at four, but he's called Resident 1) who wandered off and who had to be brought back by police; (2) an agency LPN who documented having provided medications and performed tests on the resident while he was wandering the streets of Nazareth, a pretty neat trick; and (3) a biker resident (he's Resident 2) who never should have been admitted and was hoarding meds like oxycodone and bringing in booze and a knife.

One of my readers, a "local healthcare expert," had this to say:

A friendly review from a local healthcare expert… resident 1 was not assessed properly and should have been on a locked unit based on the resident’s mental health status. There was poor or likely no communication between the aide, lpn and nursing supervisor. The lpns and nursing supervisors are very weak as demonstrated by the various severe deficiencies. Resident 2 should never have been admitted to Gracedale. It was obviously done to fill a bed. No plans were developed to manage the resident’s substance abuse disorder. He belongs in a rehab facility, not a nursing home. The bed is better left empty than admitting a trainwreck violent resident who Gracedale is likely not even able to bill for. I am sure he is there for free care. Dumb. Who wants grandpa living with a drug user biker with dangerous behaviors. And get rid of the smoking. Very few nursing homes allow it. It is a risk for a variety of reasons and takes staff away from care to supervise smoking. Lastly, I see that Gracedale is already partially under the direction of a nursing home management company - CHR. That nugget is in the last sentence of the plan of correction and should be communicated to the general public. The state directed them to use a state authorized company to train the staff as the state determined the home (really the county) is unable to do so. And by the way, the plan of correction is overly complicated and just not doable for any nursing home. So many steps in these processes that no nursing home could comply with. After the plan of correction is completed, run it through quality assurance committee to develop more simplified processes that are doable. Shrink the home down to 350-400 residents, get somebody in there like CHR or other qualified outsourced professionals to run the operation, and rebuild from the ground up. Crazy things can and do happen at every healthcare facility whether it be a hospital or nursing home. It is people taking care of people. You must have systems to deal with those situations. Gracedale has no systems. I hope the county officials read this for the benefit of the poor souls who live there.

Senior Centers. - The state recently cut $400,000 from the county's budget, which is used to fund senior centers. There might be more cuts if and when the state legislature adopts a budget. This will be discussed in the Human Services Committee.

Fiscal Director. - Last week, the county lost out on a CPA with 30 years of accounting experience because they insisted on setting the pay at a much lower salary than the Executive wanted to provide. It's true that County Council. with some limitations, sets the salary. So Council will be asked to give the Executive authority to negotiate a salary with a proposed hire.

NorCo Council Member Jason Boulette's Facebook Page Includes Explanations of His Votes

2026-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Jason Boulette is one of four new members of Northampton County Council. I want to draw your attention to his Facebook page. Of course, much of it is self-promotional, which is to be expected from someone who must periodically seek public approbation. But I like his occasional "Transparency Tuesday," in which he explains his votes and gets occasional feedback from other Council members and, of course, the public. In Lehigh County, Ron Beitler does much the same thing. He's a bit busy now with Controller Mark Pinsley's proposed intangible property tax, which is disguised as a "wealth tax."

Bethlehem City Council Lacks Quorum at June 16 Meeting

2026-07-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Only three members of Bethlehem City Council (Colleen Laird, Bryan Callahan and Hillary Kwiatek) bothered to show up for its June 16 meeting. This resulted in a lack of a quorum, and the result of this is that no business could be conducted.

Public comment was still received for nearly an hour.

Pa. State Budget Late Again

2026-07-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania's General Assembly has done it again. It has failed to adopt a budget by the June 30 deadline. In fact, the state senate has actually recessed until next week. Since 2015, the state budget has been late 9 times. The last budget was adopted 135 days late.

Pa. DOH - Gracedale Had Yet Another Elopement, a Dishonest LPN and a Resident Who Probably Does Not Belong There

2026-06-30T00:17:56.992-04:00

Although NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski should be commended for an ambitious if expensive plan to save Gracedale, the fact remains that the beleaguered home in serios trouble. It was downgraded from a regular to a Provisional I license late last year, and that has recently been downgraded to a Provisional II. Gracedale is the only nursing home in the state with a Provisional II license, and as Council member Dave Holland has warned, this could result in serious repercussions. The state could bar the home from accepting new residents, could stop Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement or take over the facility with more competent management than it has had.

This downgrade is undoubtedly due to a DOH inspection on May 16, which you can read for yourself here. It is a damning indictment of the home's management. For the fourth time, a resident just walked out of the facility and was gone for five hours before a police officer called at 1 am. An agency LPN falsified her reports. And another resident who for some reason is allowed to come and go as he pleases as per his doctor, appears to be bringing in booze and drugs and is getting loaded, high or both.

In a recent report to NorCo Council, Exec Tara Zrinski claimed that the root cause of all these issues occurred because the county was too lax about who it admitted. She said all that changed when Michelle Morton came aboard as Administrator.

Zrinski is wrong. The resident who took a powder (he's called Resident 1) was first admitted to Gracedale in December 2025. At that time, Michelle Morton had already been administrator for nine months.

On May 13, Resident 1 decided to wander off at around 5 pm. Though two CNAs noticed that Resident 1 was missing and reported this to an agency LPN responsible for this resident. She did nothing to alert anyone that he was missing. She instead documented that she had given him prescribed medications, even though he was not there. She also reported bogus blood glucose levels and then scratched them out, falsely claiming that he had declined the test.

In the meantime, Resident 1 had somehow made it from Gracedale to outside of Nazareth's police station, about 1.5 miles away. A police officer noticed him milling about around 10 pm and called facility to see if anyone was missing.

Once again, Gracedale allowed a resident to just walk off. What's worse, an agency LPN falsely documented that he had received prescribed medications and falsely reported blood glucose levels.

Resident 2 was admitted to Gracedale before Michelle Morton's time, and I have to wonder why on earth he was admitted. He had a history of drug and alcohol abuse."I am a biker," he told one nurse. That's what we do; we drink, smoke, play pool, and party." He also had a habit of pocketing narcotics provided to him for "pain." For reasons that mystify me, his doctor allowed him to go on "independent leaves of absence," during which he could have been selling those pocketed meds, which include oxycodone. He would return to the facility smelling of booze and would be belligerent and exhibit violent behavior.

After one of these episodes, a nurse cleaning his room found the following items in a wrapped up blanket: " 12 to 15 marijuana vape cartridges, one bottle of Smirnoff vodka, two 12 ounce (oz) empty bottles of Fireball, one 12 oz empty bottle of Southern Comfort whiskey, a large hunting knife, a wallet with $43.00 and cards, and a container of Resident 2's untaken prescribed medications, which were identified by the pharmacist as six allopurinol 100 mg tablets (prevents and lowers uric acid levels), one atorvastatin 20 mg tablet (used to lower cholesterol), two duloxetine 60 mg capsules (antidepressant), eight gabapentin 400 mg capsules (pain medication), two loratadine 10 mg tablets (allergy medication), 36 melatonin 5 mg tablets (natural sleep aid), one multivitamin tablet, 27 oxycodone 10 mg tablets (opioid), 11 of which were partially dissolved, two ropinirole 1 mg tablets (used to treat restless leg syndrome) , tablet of trazadone 150 mg (antidepressant), two vitamin D3 capsules, one Tylenol 325 mg tablet, and two Tessalon Perles (cough medication). The police confiscated the vape, cartridges, and knife."

This guy is a walking pharmacy!

He was also caught on one occasion snorting what he said was antifungal powder.

The DOH concluded that Gracedale failed to prevent Resident 2 from pocketing medications that were administered, returning to the facility intoxicated more than once, and having narcotic medications, illegal marijuana vape cartridges, alcohol, and a weapon in a room shared with other residents. This is an Immediate Jeopardy situation, meaning that residents are at risk of serious injury, harm, impairment, or death, requiring immediate corrective action.

DOH was responding to one complaint and two reported incidents, which tell me that Gracedale, to its credit, turned itself in.