Local Government TV

▼

Friday, August 08, 2008

Lehigh County Has a Few Unsung Heros, Too!

When we think of a government worker, the first image that usually comes to mind is slacker. Images of red tape and bureaucratic mumbo jumbo come to mind. When a public emplyee screws up, it's plastered everywhere. But if truth be told, most of them are dedicated to their jobn and really care about people.

Not long ago, I told you about Lori G. Sywensky, Norco's Community Development Grants Administrator. Thanks in large part to her efforts, Northampton County's homeless shelters will be getting $154,338 this year. Most of it will be for items badly needed, like windows and electrical work. Without people like Lori, who is really committed to her job, those shelters would be getting no help at all.

Lori's achievement got no news ink. Stories like hers put us to sleep. But for many people, she's a life saver.

Lehigh County has its share of unsung heros, too. The rising cost of food and fuel is hurting people everywhere. It especially hurts the poor, who have to decide whether to pay the electric bill or eat. Unfortunately, people right here in the Lehigh Valley are hungry. Lynn Kovich, who heads Human Services, heard about the pressure on local food banks from county officials, and scrounged around until she found $24,000 in her budget. This is in addition to the $24,000 from Allentown Rescue Mission.

Like Lori, you won't see Lynn's name in the paper unless something goes wrong. But lots of low-income families will have a few more decent meals because of her.
at

3 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 8, 2008 at 7:30 AM

    I agree Lynn is always willing to listen and help. She is a true hero in Lehigh County. Good choice.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Blah SocietyAugust 8, 2008 at 6:25 PM

    There should be a blog or something similar dedicated to people like this since the newspapers don't care to report on them.

    Not only would it be a nice tribute to people that do good things, it might inspire others in the Lehigh Valley.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousAugust 8, 2008 at 6:50 PM

    The foodbank gathering spot, Second Harvest is flush with food. It is nice to help but sometimes the food banks cry wolf when it is not necessary. The County needs to look into this before cutting any more checks.

    ReplyDelete

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.