Three cabinet appointments from Northampton County Executive John Brown sailed through council's Personnel Committee and county council last week. Under the county's Home Rule Charter, a majority vote was needed for confirmation.

These appointments were first announced late on Thursday, July 10. Brown selected Luis E. Campos as director of administration (salary $87,838); James W. Hunter as director of fiscal affairs (salary $87,838); and David Dalrymple as sheriff (salary $91.422).

Prior to that, Brown had been criticized at several council meetings for waiting so long to fill his cabinet. On July 2, council member Scott Parsons told Brown "the process is taking too long." Fellow Democrat Lamont McClure agreed, and added that Brown had failed to provide "the blocking and tackling of county government."

July 16 Personnel HearingIronically, the same council member who told Republican Brown that he was taking too long yesterday complained at the July 16 personnel hearing, "You didn't give us that much time." Democrat Bob Werner agreed, condemning the last minute notice on a Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., though the appointments were actually announced a week earlier."I just think we need a little more time to review things," Werner said, calling it a professional courtesy.

Part of their ire was undoubtedly the result of the absence of Democrat Ken Kraft, chair of the Personnel Committee. He was unable to make the meeting as a result of a work conflict, and Council President Peg Ferraro elected to run the meeting without him instead of postponing the matter.

Lamont McClure, the fourth Democrat, was absent.

Hayden Phillips told complaining council members that he had zero difficulty reaching the conclusion that these are excellent appointments, and suggested a Google search would tell them everything they need to know.

All three nominees attended the July 16 confirmation hearing, and were present the following night, when council considered them for confirmation.July 17 ConfirmationOn a beautiful July evening, while most people watered flowers or went for walks, the council chamber was packed with vocal supporters from Latino, law enforcement and banking organizations. They were there to ask council to confirm Brown's appointments.

Wilson Borough Police Chief Steven Parkansky was there for Dalrymple, a retired major from the New Jersey State police. "The county executive could not have picked a better man than this one," declared this cop, who worked with Dalrymple on several cases. Thomas Fisher, Dalrymple's basketball coach at Phillipsburg HS, spoke on behalf of his former player. Noting that Dalrymple's father and sister were also New Jersey state troopers, he said he can't imagine a more qualified person.

Jim Hunter had lots of support from fellow bankers. Rocco Del Vecchio, president and COO of Lafayette Ambassador Bank, praised Hunter's work ethic. Upper Mount Bethel Township Manager Bob Cartwright drove 25 miles to urge council to confirm Hunter, pledging that he'll give 150 percent. He credited Hunter with finding the financing for a local food pantry that feeds 400 people.

Maria Montero, executive cirector of the PA. Commission for Women as well as The Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, addressedcCouncil with both English and Spanish salutations. She spoke glowingly of Campos as an important addition for the Latino community. She was echoed by Allentown City Council President Julio Guridy, who told council he first met Campos when the nominee was studying for his master's degree at Lehigh University. "I am proud to call him my friend and peer," he remarked.

Aside from a few jabs at Hunter's golf game, there were no negative remarks about any of the nominees.

Some questions were raised about Dalrymple's ability to follow Pennsylvania's firearms laws, which are for less restrictive than those in New Jersey. Second Amendment advocate Ed Reagan remarked that a sheriff should not be appointed by an executive and council but elected.

Northampton and Luzerne counties are the only two counties in the state that appoint, rather than elect, their sheriffs.

During his confirmation hearing, Dalrympke said, "It's not my job to interpret or make laws. It's to follow laws."

Council member Scott Parsons asked Brown whether state law required a sheriff to reside within the state and was assured there is no such requirement.

Brown was also asked whether the courts agreed with his selection, and he answered that they both interviewed Dalrymple together, and believes he was President Judge Stephan Baratta's first choice as well. Council president Peg Ferraro said she spoke to Judge Baratta and he was "fully in favor of his appointment."

Council member Mat Benol, who grew up near Dalrymple and delivered newspapers to him in Phillipsburg, told those concerned about his residency in New Jersey that Phillipsburg and Easton are basically the same town, separated by a river.

The Hunter and Campos nominations passed by an 8-0 vote. Sheriff Dalrymple was confirmed by a 7-1 vote with Lamont McClure voting no by phone. He did not elaborate on the reasons for his vote, but is an advocate of an elected sheriff.

Council member Ken Kraft, another advocate of an elected sheriff, was absent as a result of a business conflict.

After the meeting, a relieved John Brown called a news conference to express his appreciation to his new cabinet members and their supporters. He explained he took his time, "to ensure we had the best candidates for the positions, and I look forward to working closely with them. The citizens of Northampton County can be confident in the leadership of these individuals." Northampton County can be confident in the leadership of these individuals."