Council Mum After Resident's Call for Apologies, Accountability

When a borough resident asked for an apology and some accountability from two Nazareth Borough Council members who recently found themselves on the wrong side of the law, she was told, "He who lives in a glass house shouldn't throw stones."

Monday night's eight-member Council -- Councilwoman Cynthia Werner was absent -- remained silent during Korine Behler's impassioned plea.

"What I see is a lack of morals and a lack of leadership," she said. "When you take [a position on Council], there are standards you should be held to."

Behler added that Council members Larry Stoudt and Christian Audenried "made an embarrassment out of Nazareth."

Audenried, who was tapped to replace Rev. William Matz, pleaded guilty Jan. 24 to a summary charge of public drunkenness, according to court records.

One day after Audenried took his newly appointed seat on Nazareth Borough Council, he was found slumped behind the wheel of his car with a bottle of vodka nearby, according to police. His car was parked outside the Giant in Lower Nazareth Township.

Stoudt was charged Oct. 9 with allegedly trying to interfere with a state police undercover investigation. According to a criminal complaint, he allegedly asked Police Chief Thomas Trachta to run the driver's license of a suspected liquor enforcement officer in an attempt to protect the local American Legion post from undercover, prying eyes.

Stoudt has applied for acceptance into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program for first-time offenders.

Behler asked Council to hold the men accountable for their actions.

"When we sit here and act like nothing happened, it doesn't help anyone move forward," she said. "And how can we trust any of you when you’re not holding [Stoudt and Audenried] accountable?"

The only response to Behler's comments came from Councilman Frank Maurek, who asked those in attendance to rise if they've ever done something undesirable.

He angrily added, "He who lives in a glass house shouldn't throw stones."