Democrats on Verge of Seizing Control in Lehigh County

Fellow blogger Ken Petrini has posted an outstanding series of interviews with ten candidates fighting over five district Commissioner seats in Lehigh County. Currently, Lehigh County's legislative body holds a 5-4 Republican edge. That may change on Tuesday.

There's two reasons why Dems may seize control. First, Sterling Raber - a popular Republican venerated by both parties - is stepping down after an amazing 32 years. So his seat is up for grabs. Second, Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham is pouring money into two races at an unprecedented pace. He appears to have spent $35 thousand on Hillary Kwiatek's campaign against Glenn Eckhart in District 5. Online campaign finance reports reveal Cunningham is investing a similar sum in Jeanne McNeill's war against Tom Creighton in District 1.

District 1 - Jeanne McNeill v. Tom Creighton. (Ken's interview is here.) McNeill's willingness to allow the Executive to finance most of her campaign raises questions concerning her independence. Those are compounded by her husband's employment with Lehigh County, described by Creighton as a conflict of interest. But McNeill appears to be much more personable than Creighton, as indicated by some comments at LVPoliblog from fellow Republicans who live in his district. This is too close to call. Creighton should win, but Cunningham's money and Creighton's record may hurt him.

District 2 - Marc Basist v. Percy Dougherty. (Ken's interview is here.) According to LVPoliblogger Chrs Casey, Marc has sent one positive mailer tellng us he'll "help Don Cunningham get the job done for us." Unless Cunningham plans on dismantling all county unions, that's somewhat inaccurate. In a conversation with Marc a few weeks ago, it quickly became apparent that Marc is easily the most conservative of all candidates. He would like to dismantle all unions. Marc is a very nice guy, but I've got two words for him - switch parties. This is an easy win for Percy.

District 3 - Bob Smith v. Dave Jones. (Ken's interview is here.) I've spent most of the last week writing about how Executive Don Cunningham has poured money into Districts 1 & 5. But if you look at Jones pre-election report, you'll see he raised no money, in contrast to opponent Bob Smith. Both of these candidates are impressive. Jones gave perhaps one of the best speeches I've ever heard about county government, while Allentown School Board Prez Bob Smith has made $2.8 million in cuts without laying off a soul. All the more reason to keep him there, jokes Jones. Registration edges favor Jones, but this is a district where Smith could score an upset.

District 4 - Mike Welsh v. Dan McCarthy. (Ken's interview is here.) This is solid McCarthy country. Amiable Mike Welsh really should have sought a seat on city council and let someone else play sacrificial lamb here to a very capable Commissioner.

District 5 - Hillary Kwiatek v. Glenn Eckhart (Ken's interview is here.) When Eckhart voted against funding Don Cunningham's community policing initiative, Cunningham felt he had been stabbed in the back by someone who had privately pledged his support. It's no surprise Kwiatek has made this a major campaign issue. Payback's a bitch. But contrary to Kwiatek's campaign propaganda, Eckhart has voted to enhance public safety.

Eckhart voted to increase the Salisbury PD by 40% when he was a Commissioner there, and as a Lehigh County Commissioner, he voted to support a regional crime center as well as a communications system to enable police departments to speak to each other.

Plus Glenn has support among Democrats like former Democratic State Rep. Joe Zeller, who tells Morning Call readers about Glenn's involvement in the Salisbury Youth Association. He spent 13 years coaching kids' basketball, and dug into his own pocket to provide security last year when recreation officials decided to end the program early.

Kwiatek herself is a fierce campaigner, intelligent and willing to work. I never attended a meeting where she was absent. But when the votes are counted, I believe Eckhart will emerge victorious.