Editor’s Note: The Morning Call solicited Your Views from the two candidates in the race for the Northampton County executive’s seat, Tara Zrinski, a Democrat who is the county controller, and Thomas Giovanni, a Republican who is a County Council member. The candidates were asked to discuss the main issues they feel are facing the county, and how they would approach them. They were further asked to focus on their plans, rather than attacking their opponent.
Your Views from the Lehigh County candidates for executive will be published Thursday.
For too long, Northampton County has drifted in the wrong direction — bogged down by mismanagement, wasteful spending and a lack of accountability. Working families have to work harder than ever, but they’re seeing less in return. County employees are frustrated, morale is low and confidence in our local government has faded.
As I travel across our county — from Bangor to Bethlehem, from Easton to Northampton — one message rings loud and clear: it’s time for a change.
That is why I am running for Northampton County executive. I’m ready to restore trust, transparency and common sense to county government. My campaign isn’t about politics — it’s about people. It’s about protecting working families, supporting our employees and making Northampton County a place where everyone feels their government is working for them, not against them.
The backbone of our county is our working families — the parents balancing two jobs to make ends meet, the small-business owners who keep our local economy strong, and the seniors who built this community with their hands and hearts. They deserve leadership that listens and fights for them.
On Day 1.
I’ll take a hard look at every dollar being spent. Every program, every contract, every initiative will be reviewed for efficiency and impact. If it doesn’t serve the taxpayers or improve county services, we’ll change it. My goal is simple — a government that delivers results. We can protect working families by focusing on lowering costs, improving access to essential services and ensuring that our county infrastructure is strong, modern and reliable. That means safer infrastructure, and more support for small businesses that keep our communities vibrant.
Government only works when people trust it — and that trust has been broken. NorthamptonCounty residents deserve honesty and transparency from their leaders. Too many decisionshave been made in backrooms, without public input or oversight. That’s not how the government should operate.
I will meet with every department head and employee across county government to ensure they feel heard, valued and respected. County employees are the backbone of our operations — from human services to public safety to our courthouse and 911 center. They deserve leadership that empowers them, not one that leaves them in the dark or fearful about their future.
I’ll also introduce a countywide transparency initiative that puts information directly in the hands of the public. Budgets, contracts and performance reports should be easily accessible to every taxpayer. Northampton County belongs to the people — and they have the right to see how it’s being run.
Gracedale, our county-owned nursing home, isn’t just a facility — it’s a promise. It represents our county’s commitment to compassion, dignity and care for our seniors. But over the past several years, that promise has been put at risk through poor management, low morale and a lack of direction.
I’ve spoken with families who have loved ones at Gracedale and with employees who dedicate their lives to caring for our most vulnerable. They deserve better. Gracedale is not a political talking point — it’s a lifeline for hundreds of residents and a source of pride for Northampton County.
As county executive, I will protect Gracedale by ensuring it has strong leadership, adequate staffing and the resources it needs to succeed. We’ll prioritize patient care and staff support — not bureaucracy or politics. Gracedale should once again be known as one of the finest county nursing homes in Pennsylvania, not a headline for dysfunction.
This election is about more than policies and budgets — it’s about restoring faith in what our county government can be. It’s about leadership that shows up, listens and acts. On Day 1, I’ll bring together our county’s department leaders and employees to set a clear direction. I want to hear directly from them what’s working, what’s not and how we can make our operations better. When employees feel supported and respected, the entire county benefits.
As a lifetime resident of the Slate Belt in Northampton County, I graduated from Pius X high school, attended Northampton Community College and Lincoln Technical Institute for degrees in business administration and specialized electronics. I will be committed to giving my all in leadership from my adult experiences to today’s economic environment.
Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Northampton County has so much potential, and with the right leadership, we can unlock it. Let’s restore pride in our government, protect our families and make our county stronger for the next generation.
It’s time for new leadership. It’s time for accountability. It’s time to move Northampton County forward — together.
This is a contributed opinion column. Thomas Giovanni is a Northampton County council member. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author, and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. Do you have a perspective to share? Learn more about how we handle guest opinion submissions at themorningcall.com/opinions.