Brace Yourself! Geoff Brace Takes His Third Swing

He's taken two mighty swing and has had two mighty misses. Will his third attempt at Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners succeed? I'm talking about Allentown resident Geoff Brace, who is set to announce his campaign for Lehigh County Commissioner on January 28, 2013 at the West End Youth Center (848 North 20th Street, Allentown).

I've known Geoff since I began blogging, and he has always been interested in County government.

He first applied for appointment to an at-large vacancy in 2010. Commissioners chose Bill Hansell over him. Barely.

Then Geoff decided to run for the job in 2011, when four at-large seats were up for grabs. He finished a distant 7th (17,153 votes), as Republican won every seat.

Will the third time be the charm? He's running for a district seat this time, as opposed to an at-large seat, and one that includes a retiring Democratic incumbent, Dan McCarthy. Also, the pendulum appears to be swinging in the direction of Democrats. So I rate Geoff's chances as very high.

Brace will be joined at his announcement by State Representative Mike Schlossberg, former State Representative Jennifer Mann, Lehigh County Executive Bill Hansell and Lehigh County Commissioner Dan McCarthy.

“I am excited to bring my campaign for Common Sense to the voters of this district,” remarked Brace.

Jenn Mann is now in it for the money. After getting special tax breaks for the wealthy inside an Allentown business district, she's suddenly left a safe seat at the state house to become an ... a-hem ... consultant. Her successor, Schlossberg, is a Pawlowski toadie who distinguished himself on Allentown City Council mostly by being undistinguished. Once a nice guy, he's become arrogant

So I'm no fan of two of Geoff's supporters.

But I am of current Lehigh County Commissioner Dan McCarthy, who recently announced that he will not seek re-election to his District seat in Center City and the West End of Allentown.

Brace was born on the West End where his late-grandfather was a dentist. Brace and his wife, Sara Jane, are homeowners in Center City Allentown.

Brace now works for State Representative Schlossberg. Lucky him!

That's a step down from his previous experience managing successful non-profit organizations, including the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and Kutztown Community Partnership.

“As commissioner, I will bring my experience serving the people, helping small businesses grow and add jobs and supporting revitalization across Pennsylvania,” says Brace.

Despite the endorsement of Money Mann and Rubber Stamp Mike, Brace will likely be the best of all candidates seeking district seats in Lehigh County this year. In fact, he's one of those rare gems often overlooked by voters. though he's in this for all the right reasons.

Plus he's got a cool name. Geoffrey. Sounds like he belongs in the House of Lords with Wellington.