Though she was opposed by three Democrats, Allison Frantz was confirmed as Northampton County's new director of human services by five Republicans at the Jan. 23 County Council meeting. One of these yes voters, Glenn Geissinger, had to phone in from the Virgin Islands. Lamont McClure was absent as well.

Frantz will be paid $95,921, with room to move up to $124,975. She is currently administrator of HealthChoices at Lehigh County's Human Services department, where she supervises a staff of four.

During confirmation hearings and again before council, Frantz stressed that she would emphasize the fiscal component of her department. She acknowledged she has no experience with veterans' affairs, little knowledge of the county's nursing home and never participated in union contract negotiations.

Lehigh County's director of human services position is vacant, too, but Frantz submitted no application there.

"Lehigh County is my past; Northampton County is my future," she said, identifying herself strongly with a John Brown philosophy of tight fiscal management.

Noting that the Human Services Department consists of 992 employees, 827 of whom are full-time, Werner questioned Frantz' supervisory skills.

"This position should not be viewed as on-the-job training," he observed. Council member Scott Parsons also questioned Frantz' management skills, indicating he would support the appointment at a lower salary.

Council member Mat Benol, who supported Frantz, asked her to keep a close eye on costs at the centralized human services building in Bethlehem Township. Located on Emrick Boulevard, that building is scheduled for completion in March.