Panto Won't Run For County Executive

Easton Mayor Sal Panto has no plans to run for Northampton County executive next year, according to published reports.

Panto said that while he's been mentioned as a possible candidate to take over for executive John Stoffa, he has no interest in trying for the job, the Morning Call reports.

"I don't want anybody thinking I dropped out because someone else is in the race," Panto told the newspaper. "I was never in the race formally myself. Other people had me in there."

The story lists Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and former county executive Glenn Reibman as Democratic front-runners in the race. Stoffa is not seeking re-election.

Panto said the only job he'd consider taking outside the city is superintendent of the Easton Area School District, according to the Express-Times.

Panto has a master's degree in education, and speaks often of his time as a teacher.

The district chose not to renew Superintendent Susan McGinley's contract earlier this year. The board recently hired consultants to help them in their search for a replacement, but hasn't begun interviewing candidates.