A controversial council member is no longer seated behind the desk of the Northampton County Council.

Ron Angle lost his seat in last fall's election.  Tuesday, Council met to choose its president and vice president for 2012, without Angle.

John Cusick was voted president, and Margaret Ferraro vice president, positions they both held last year.

Cusick laid out his priorities for the county, including making a decision on the swaption and bond refinancing, voting on a treatment center for West Easton, creating an advisory board for Gracedale Nursing Home, consolidating human services and creating an archives building for the township.

Vice President Ferraro stated she looks “forward to working with everyone and ushering in a new era of civility and respect for the benefit of taxpayers who honored us with their votes.”

Cusick won the president position by a 5-4 vote.  Also nominated for that posiiton was council member Lamont McClure.

Ferraro was the only member nominated for the Vice President position.

The next Northampton County Council meeting will be held January 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Northampton County Courthouse.