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Home rule stymies politics, says expert

RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent

The Luzerne County Government Study Commission moved its meeting venue to Hazleton Area School District for Wednesday night’s meeting. The meeting was another step in the commission’s trek toward finalizing a report to recommend for or against adoption of a home rule charter for Luzerne County.

The commission members questioned John Stoffa, executive from Northampton County, which is one of the six home rule counties in Pennsylvania.

According to Stoffa, operating a county government under a home rule charter is a better system “if you want to get rid of politics.”

Similar to the current process in Luzerne County, Northampton County converted from a commissioner form of government to home rule resulting from a “bunch of interested citizens” who wanted to make change back in 1974, Stoffa said. The home rule charter was formally adopted in 1978 and has since then served as the “bible” for the government, he said.

One of the aspects he touted as advantageous is appointing row officers as opposed to electing them. According to Stoffa, the appointment process draws “top flight” candidates for positions. Currently, he is in the process of seeking a new sheriff.

Stoffa added that recruitment of qualified personnel is made more difficult by elections because of the potential of losing a position after a four-year term. The instability scares applicants off, he said. The only elected officials in Northampton County are the district attorney; Stoffa, who currently seeks another term; the controller; and the nine members of council. All other administrative posts are appointments.

“I love it,” he said.

He pointed to the “complex decision-making process” involved in home rule government as a downside. Even “simple things” must be brought to the electorate, Stoffa said, which often “drags things out.”

In addition, the county has a nine-member council of part-time officials that pores over every detail and meets twice per month. He often has to wait a month before they can agree on something, he said.

Like so many other officials who faced the commission, Stoffa emphasized whatever form of government adopted in Luzerne County will be “only as good as those who serve.”

Commission Vice Chairwoman Veronica Ciaruffoli asked Stoffa if home rule offered better checks and balances. He said it does with respect to the budgeting process because the council scrutinizes budgets “page by page.”

Stoffa emphasized his employees earn their positions based on a strict “merit system.” He added that Northampton County government employee system is designed similar to a corporate structure.