Let’s show what nonpartisan teamwork can do
A new year brings new possibilities, and with it, a new chapter for Lehigh County. However, it would be foolish to say this past year was without its challenges.
A whirlwind election. An everchanging COVID-19 variant. Hesitancy in what or who to believe.
We are living in an age of muddy political waters, and an element of uncertainty lies within the public’s trust in their government. Whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, or another political affiliation, we ultimately are all working toward the same objective — and that is providing the best life for our Lehigh County residents.
As we take on 2022, we need to restore faith in one another, and look toward the future through a nonpartisan lens. This is the year we launch forward as one community, one Lehigh County.
I am calling upon all Lehigh County residents to join the Lehigh County Initiative. This is a call to look past one’s political party and act for the benefit of one another and our community.
We can start by being neighbors again, to look past our political differences, and work hand in hand to build up Lehigh County as an example for others to follow.
Let us show the nation what true nonpartisanship cooperation can do.
Now, more than ever, Lehigh County is getting recognized.
Out of thousands of counties in the nation, Lehigh County was invited to sit at the 2021 County Executive Roundtable, hosted by the National Association of Counties. alongside state, federal, and world leaders to discuss leading issues and to give our input on what we need in our communities.
We are becoming an active voice in our efforts to secure viable funding, programs and solutions to where our county residents need it the most.
This is an incredible opportunity for Lehigh County as we join the conversation, not just through applications or letters to Washington, but by physically sitting at the table where decisions are being made.
I am proud to work alongside not just my administration, but the municipality partners and leaders who challenge me and create genuine partnerships for the greater good of our government.
We welcomed three new members to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners who will not only bring fresh insight, but also innovation and leadership. Our commissioners, regardless of political affiliation, are a true example of vigilance and commitment to the success of our county.
Working together, side by side, we can achieve so many great things as our community continues to grow and evolve.
For instance, I am incredibly excited for our partners at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on receiving a $21 million RAISE grant for the Riverside Drive Project and opening our county to endless economic possibilities.
These are the type of grants that you see in New York or Los Angeles. But here in our own Lehigh County, we received the funding to build toward a bigger future. It will be exciting to see its development revolutionize the way we connect our cities, townships and boroughs on a broader scale.
This would not have been possible without the collective support of our partners who voted for this project’s funding. We all came together, regardless of the politics, for something we simply believed was right.
It is stories like this that keep me hopeful, especially as we continue to live with COVID-19.
Cases are on the rise in Lehigh County, and we are currently one of the leading counties to suffer from high case numbers. This is another reason why I am urgently asking everyone to put aside their differences, disregard the politics, and get vaccinated.
This virus has changed the world we live in, but it does not have to change our way of life. I ask everyone to listen to our medical professionals and trust the science.
In the end, we all have the same goal, and that is to make Lehigh County the best it can be.
It is through these endeavors that we are setting higher expectations for Lehigh County, not just within the commonwealth, but throughout the nation. Our drive as a county, our collective purpose, boils down to one thing and that is the needs of our residents.
There will always be more than just two sides to an issue.
There is an abundance of facets, corners, circumstances that must be considered. And, as county executive, I rely on those from all backgrounds to make these issues known.
Through the Lehigh County Initiative, we can be the leading example. All we need to do is look past the politics and focus on the people.
We have an amazing team of officials from all backgrounds looking out for what is best for our community. But to see the fruit of our efforts, we all must put aside our differences and work together.
The eyes of the nation are already upon us. Now, we must work together and show everyone how Lehigh County can be the change we wish to see.