2023 Candidates | Northampton County Dems

Judge Daniel D. McCaffery for Supreme Court

Daniel D. McCaffery graduated from Father Judge High School in 1982. McCaffery served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1986 and the U.S. Army Reserve from 1986 to 1989.[2] He earned a B.A. and J.D. from Temple University in 1988 and 1991, respectively.[2][3]

McCaffery's career experience includes working as an attorney with Friedman & Schuman P.C. and as counsel with the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee. He has been affiliated with the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Montgomery Bar Association, the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Brehon Law Society, and the Philadelphia Emerald Society.[2][

Stephen Baratta for DA

Stephen Baratta has a history of governmental service, beginning in 1985 as Solicitor of Northampton County Children and Youth, where he was charged with prosecuting child abuse and neglect cases for the Agency. In 1990, he became an Assistant County Solicitor, where his duties included representation of the Northampton County Department of Human Services. Throughout his career, Baratta has been active in community service, serving on the boards of several community organizations, including the Board of Directors of VIA of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. (a successor organization to both Lehigh Valley Association of Rehabilitation Centers, Inc. and United Cerebral Palsy) and Easton Boys and Girls Club.

Brian Penella for Common Pleas Judge

Brian served as Custody Master for six years in both Northampton and Lehigh Counties. In this role, Brian sat as an independent hearing officer encouraging and supervising the formulation of agreements between the parties. In Lehigh County, Brian would conduct hearings on the record, take testimony, rule on objections, and ultimately issue a decision and opinion with lasting effect. He understands firsthand what it takes to make tough, difficult, and critical decisions that affect families.

In the City of Bethlehem, Brian serves as the Tax Appeal Hearing Officer. In handling these appeals, Brian listens to all testimony given, compiles the relevant financial information, and ultimately issues a decision that is binding on the tax payer. This is the real experience that has prepared Brian to handle any number of matters that may come before him as a Judge of Northampton County.

Tara Zrinski was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tara Zrinski was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She earned a bachelor's degree from Drew University in 1997 and a graduate degree from Moravian Theological Seminary in 2007. Her career experience includes working as an adjunct professor and solar energy consultant.

During my 6 years as a County Commissioner, I’ve served on 5 different Boards within the Lehigh Valley and chaired the Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee as well as the Economic Development Committee.

I have a proven track record of effective leadership and a commitment to the people of Northampton County. I’ve been part of a team that has prioritized workforce development, while protecting your tax dollars and ensuring public works projects are on time and below budget. We’ve not only balanced the budget but lowered your property taxes. I make decisions based on fiscal responsibility and how those decisions impact the community.

Sal Panto for Mayor

Mayor Panto is in his fourth consecutive term as Mayor. In November 2019 Sal Panto, Jr. was re-elected capturing 82% of the votes and sweeping every ward in the city. He also served two terms as Mayor from 1984-1992 when he was elected at the age of 31, the City’s youngest Mayor. He is recognized as a highly effective local government leader and is credited with making Easton a cleaner and safer city. During his tenure, he added 11 additional police officers to the force; hired 5 additional firefighters and 2 additional code enforcement officers to achieve his goal of a “clean and safe” city achieving a reduction in crime and violence each year.

Mayor Panto and his team are credited with bringing fiscal stability to the city. When he took office in 2008 the city was on the verge of filing for Act 47, the equivalent of bankruptcy with state oversight. At a time when the nation was experiencing the worst recession since the Great Depression, Mayor Panto and his team have had twelve straight years with no increase in real estate taxes and have had a year-end surplus every year. His financial management has earned the city an increase in its Standard and Poor’s rating from a BBB in 2008 when he took office to an A-. At one point during his tenure the City earned an A+ rating

Easton City Council

Ken Brown for City Council

Chrystal Rose

Frank Pintabone for City Council