Though he assumed office in January, Northampton County Executive John Brown has yet to fill his cabinet. There still is no director of fiscal affairs, sheriff, director of administration or director of court services. At a very brief meeting of County Council July 2, council member Scott Parsons asked what's taking so long.

Brown indicated he is evaluating positions, conducting interviews and explained this is all part of the process.

"I think the process is taking too long," said Parsons. Council member Lamont McClure said the Brown administration has been hobbled because Brown has failed to provide "the blocking and tackling of county government."

"It doesn't do us well to pretend everything is fine," he concluded.

McClure and Parsons are both Democrats, while Brown is a Republican.

In other business, council members Glenn Geissinger and Bob Werner introduced an ordinance that will expand the Gracedale Advisory Board from nine to 15 members. "I'd like to know why," said council member Ken Kraft. But he'll have to wait for two weeks for a formal hearing.