What should have been just another boring municipal election has turned into what many are calling the election to take back Northumberland County. All elections are important but this one is extremely important because it is the voters’ opportunity to stop a political power grab and maintain the checks and balances needed for efficient and ethical government.
When Commissioners Steve Bridy and Vinny Clausi slashed the salaries of 4 of the 5 row officers, while maintaining Controller Tony Phillips’ salary, they claimed it was not for political purposes.
Because it was such a small percentage of the county budget (and for the reasons listed below), it is hard to believe the purpose was anything other than political. Voters need to ask themselves, will these slashed salaried positions yield truly competent and independent candidates that are not controlled by some shadowy, political influence.
Consider the following:
- Because the cuts were not across the board, and Phillips’ salary was spared, the actions of Bridy and Clausi seem less than sincere.
- The cuts were made just a few months prior to election day, with 4 of the 5 offices up for re-election, forcing the issue of salary above the real issues of ability and credentials.
- These salary cuts make it easy for the wealthy to financially back (and control) candidates for these offices, and inevitably, control our county operations. This could mean less qualified candidates who are likely to serve at the will of the county’s elite instead of the will of the people.
- In a recent press conference related to the row officers’ lawsuit against the county, both Clausi and Bridy “implored” voters not to support the incumbents (with exception of Tony Phillips who Clausi endorsed in a paid ad in the local papers).
- In addition to financing political ads for Phillips, Clausi had paid for ads in support of Republican candidate for Prothonotary, Justin Dunkelberger. In fact, Dunkelberger’s records only show $250 in expenses for the general election which leads voters to wonder, who has bankrolled his campaign?
The concern is the concentration of power. It is not new for sitting commissioners to endorse candidates for county office. What is different here is that two of the commissioners have attempted to disrupt the democratic process by devaluing certain positions (of their choosing), making it easier than ever for the elite to control these offices, and publicly calling for the overhaul of all these officers in exchange for their endorsed (and in some cases, financed) candidates.
Challenging incumbents is an important part of our democratic process. But what is happening here seems to be two county commissioners who want complete control over the county’s operations.
Hopefully, Northumberland county voters are paying attention and won’t allow this to happen.