NORTHAMPTON COUNTY-General Purpose Authority is revolving door of people, problems
At their Aug 2 meeting, Northampton County Council members voted unanimously to appoint Administrator Charles Dertinger to the county’s beleaguered General Purpose Authority (GPA). He replaces Executive Lamont McClure, who served for exactly eight days. McClure quipped that he now holds the record as the GPA board member with the least amount of service.
McClure resigned in response to a complaint by GPA Chair Shawn Langen, who argued that a 1941 Pa. Supreme Court decision precludes the executive from service. Rather than litigate the matter, McClure bowed out.
McClure has already won the battle to control the GPA, which he has blasted as a rogue authority. Earlier this year, he was able to appoint two allies to the seven-member board. Then, right before county council was poised to act, GPA Board members Peg Ferraro and J Michael Dowd also resigned. These resignations enabled McClure to appoint himself and council member Lori Vargo Heffner to the GPA, giving him effective control.
On June 21, council adopted a strongly worded resolution calling for the resignations of both GPA Chair Shawn Langen and Norris, McLaughlin and Marcus (NMM), GPA’s Solicitor.
NMM has since resigned. GPA Chair Shawn Langen refuses to step aside. He has also suggested that the GPA, and not council, should fill vacancies on its own board. But Steve Hann, regional solicitor to the Pa. Municipal Authorities Association, has already told him that the prevailing view is that county council, and not the GPA, makes these appointments.
Council member John Cusick said he is frustrated that the GPA’s meetings are constantly being canceled, and asked McClure to start thinking about two other “zombie authorities” - The Higher Ed and Hospital Authorities. The GPA appears to have assumed their functions. McClure said these authorities might have to be kept on life support if they have floated outstanding bonds, but he will end them as soon as he can. He has a good reason to do so. One of these authorities is sitting on $900,000 that could fill the county’s coffers.