EASTON, Pa. — A new year, a new political majority on Northampton County Council.
Three newly elected Democrats were among four council members sworn in during ceremonies on Tuesday afternoon at the government center.
Democrats Kelly Keegan, Ken Kraft and Jeff Warren — each of whom won four-year terms — were sworn in during a standing-room-only ceremony in Courtroom No. 1.
The Democrats assume political control of council by a 5-3 majority. It marks the first time since April, when Council President Kerry Myers announced he was switching parties to Republican.
“This is a day of renewal.”Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure
The newly elected council members join fellow Democrats Lori Vargo Heffner and Ron Heckman, who were voted to serve as president and vice president, respectively, following the swearing-in ceremony.
The Republican wing comprises incumbent Thomas Giovanni, who was sworn in Tuesday, John Brown and John Goffredo.
Also, council will also vote this month to fill the vacant council seat of Democrat Tara Zrinski, whose resignation took effect upon being sworn in Tuesday as county controller.
“As county controller, I can be a great voice of the people,” Zrinski said, explaining her decision to leave council. "On council, I need eight people to agree with me."
Given the Democrats’ control of council, the new member will likely be a party member and increase the majority to 6-3.
“This,” declared County Executive Lamont McClure, “is a day of renewal.”
The power shift to the Democrats presumably paves the way for the planned $3.7 million health care center for county employees and dependents.
Last year, the Republican-led council voted down a contract for Integrity Health, of New Jersey, to operate the center, citing costs and questioning the county’s endeavor into health care.
Shortly after releasing the county’s proposed 2024 budget in October, McClure, a Democrat, said that the clinic would become a reality if Democrats won both contested council seats.
“The health care center would be better for our employees and their families,” McClure said. “It would save the county $5 million to $10 million over the next five years.”
Heffner said she is opposed to the health care plan as currently proposed.
“If it's just a health care center, there are other ways that we could do this,” she said. “And again, I know I work for St. Luke's, but I am nowhere near the top of decision-making in any capacity on that issue at St. Luke's.
“But St. Luke's is providing it for Lehigh County. And Lehigh Valley (Health Network) is available. Geisinger is available. There's a whole lot of other health care centers that are available that we could be looking at.
“So they're already doing this and may be able to do it more cost-effectively because they're here. They already have the footprint; we don't have to build the footprint. So, I think all that has to be reconsidered — hopefully fairly.”
Giovanni represents District 4, which includes the northwestern portion of the county and the Slate Belt. He has worked as an information technology consultant and serves as County Council's IT expert.
Kelly Keegan, a Forks Township supervisor, ran unopposed to represent District Two, which encompasses the area around Easton, Palmer Township and Forks Township.
She supports the Integrity Health project.
Kraft represents District One, which covers the southeast quarter of Northampton County, including Bethlehem.
He is not new to county politics, having served on council from 2011-18. McClure subsequently appointed him as a public safety administrator at Northampton County Prison.
Warren represents District Three, which covers part of the county west of Route 33 and north of Bethlehem.
He has a history of public service in the Lehigh Valley, first as a member of Easton City Council in 2007 and then as a member of the Hanover Township Board of Supervisors.
Current county solicitor and Bethlehem attorney, Chris Spadoni, was retained by an 8-0 vote.
Democrat Stephen Baratta was sworn in as district attorney, after serving 25 years as a county judge.
Magisterial district judges sworn in include Nicholas E. Englesson, Alan R. Mege, Douglas Schlegel, Sr., Richard Yetter, Alicia R. Zito and Paraskeve I. Zumas.
