Ron Heckman and Michael Corleone: `Just When I Think I’m Out, They Pull Me Back In’

How is Ron Heckman like Michael Corleone?

Heckman has had a long career in public office and in county administration. He’s a gentleman, polite, a good listener, but a fierce defender of the independence of Northampton County Council as the governing body of the council.

He dealt with County Executive Lamont G. McClure’s administration respectfully but objected when he thought the Executive branch was trying to move into Council’s territory.

That battle is as old as divided government, and it will continue under Executive-Elect Tara Zrinski and a new Council.

Heckman is not much like the fictional Michael Corleone from “The Godfather,” a ruthless character who respected no rules even when he knew he was doing wrong.

They’re linked by the second Godfather’s comment on being unable to escape fate:

“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!” Michael complained as he tried to leave the mob life behind.

There’s the similarity. Heckman had his career all wrapped up last Thursday, Dec. 11. He gave a moving farewell address, but here they are, pulling him back in.

Northampton County Council wants to override a McClure veto, so it has to meet today. That means Heckman has one last meeting. He retires at year’s end. The details of the veto are lengthy, and here’s blogger Bernie O’Hare’s point of view on it.

So it all means that Heckman, if he chooses, has a few more votes to cast. I suggest he be granted the right to move to adjourn his final meeting, he’s earned it.

Northampton County Council will meet at 5 p.m. today to consider overriding the veto, and a few other items that are routine. The meeting will be held in Council chambers on the third floor of the government center in Easton, and will be broadcast via the Internet.

Thanks again to Ron Heckman for years of service in government. You have just one last meeting. Enjoy it.

Here’s a link to today’s agenda and below, a cut-and-paste version:

Northampton County Council
Agenda
December 18, 2025
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence/Prayer
Roll Call
5:00 p.m.
Approval of the Minutes – December 4, 2025 and December 11, 2025
Courtesy of the Floor
County Executive Report
Old Business
New Business

1. Consideration of a Resolution Overriding the County
   Executive’s Veto of an Ordinance Entitled, “AN ORDINANCE
   AMENDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ARTICLE XIII/SECTION 13.09
   COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATIONS”
2. Consideration of Resolutions Accepting Donations to Area
   Agency on Aging Division:
   a)
   b)
   Lehigh Valley Aging in Place
   Accepting Donations on a Continuing Basis for
   Northampton County Seniors
3. Consideration of Resolutions Accepting Donations to Gracedale:
   a)
   Friends of Gracedale Foundation
   b)
   The Military Order of Purple Heart
4. Consideration of Administrative Code Article XIII Contract
   Resolution: Metz Culinary Management, LLC
   Posted to https://www.norcopa.gov/ALLDEPTS/Pages/Meetings.aspx
   December 17, 2025 4:00 p.m. EDT
   Posted to https://www.norcopa.gov/ALLDEPTS/Pages/Meetings.aspx
   December 17, 2025 4:00 p.m. EDT

Council Committee Reports

Council Liaison Reports

Council Clerk’s Report

Council Solicitor’s Report

Adjournment