Northampton County Council members voted unanimously at their March 5 meeting to require seven working days notice before approval of any future appointments by the county executive.

This new ordinance, proposed by Republican Hayden Phillips and Democrat Bob Werner, is a reaction to several of Executive John Brown's cabinet selections. Council was provided with little advance notice, and part-time Council members argue they need more time to research nominees.

Five Council members must confirm the executive's cabinet appointments, as well as his picks for the county's numerous boards and commissions.

Prior to the vote, Controller Steve Barron recommended passage, warning council of "five o'clock specials."

In other business, council voted unanimously to hire someone to succeed Frank Flisser as NorCo Council Clerk. After reviewing numerous applicants over two months, council decided to stick with the person they already know. Linda Zembo, council's executive secretary for the past 15 years, is council's new clerk. She will be paid around $87,838, almost double her previous salary. But her responsibilities double as well.

The council clerk drafts ordinances, conducts research for council members, tracks administration expenses and acts as a bridge between council and other branches of government.

Zembo will be just the second person to hold this position. Flisser was able to hold on to this at-will position for 37 years before he retired in December. Though Flisser was known for his poker face, Zembo managed a brief smile when council appointed her. Flisser, who trained her, is undoubtedly smiling, too.