Ron Heckman was unanimously elected president at Northampton County Council Jan. 6 meeting. He was the only person nominated. A social worker, Heckman previously served two terms on county council. He spent another eight years under former Executive Glenn Reibman as director of Human Services. He also worked in Lehigh County’s administration.

The usually loquacious council member was uncharacteristically laconic after his election, when most Presidents deliver inaugural addresses. “I will work hard to earn your confidence,” he said to fellow council members.

Lori Vargo Heffner, who has just one year of experience, was also unanimously elected vice president. She is a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey. Republican John Cusick tried to nominate Bill McGee, but McGee declined.

Heffner made no friends on the court last year when she objected to a position at the Juvenile Justice Center. She torpedoed the appointment of an Allentown Diocese assistant superintendent to the county’s Drug and Alcohol Board. She was a proponent of a county grant for the restoration of a church steeple at Easton’s United Church of Christ. That grant failed.

Council also voted unanimously to appoint Bethlehem attorney Chris Spadoni to serve as solicitor.