A bipartisan effort that would give Northampton County Council more oversight over executive spending has failed. On Feb. 5, seven members of council voted for an ordinance proposed by conservative Tea Party member Hayden Phillips that would require council approval for any contracts over $25,000. "I just think it's better government," explained Republican Seth Vaughn.

The only council members opposed were Glenn Geissinger and Mat Benol, who have been Brown's most ardent supporters.

Previously, council approval was only needed for contracts that exceeded $100,000. But last year, Brown executed several controversial no-bid consultant contracts, including one for public relations and several cost control deals.

Brown vetoed the ordinance because it would "restrict the ability of the current and future administrations of Northampton County [to enter contracts] in a timely and cost effective way."

Since seven members of council supported the ordinance, and since only six votes are needed to override a veto, you might think this ordinance is veto-proof.

Welcome to Northampton County.

The attempt to override Brown's veto failed by a five to four vote, with Peg Ferraro, Seth Vaughn, Mat Benol and Glenn Geissinger voting no.

Vaughn, who was all for "better government" on Feb. 5, changed course without explanation at council's Feb. 19 meeting. So did Council President Peg Ferraro.

Baffled, Lamont McClure asked Ferraro what caused her to change her mind.

"I don't think I have to answer," responded Ferraro.

"Two weeks ago, you and Mr. Vaughn show courage and vote with Mr. Phillips, and tonight, you and Mr. Vaughn show the opposite of that. A lack of courage."