FROM SAUCON VALLEY TOGETHER(Lower Saucon Township, PA) Councilwoman Priscilla deLeon and residents Victoria Opthof-Cordaro, and Laura Ray announce they will run for the three open seats on Lower Saucon Township Council in the 2023 election.
deLeon, a retired radiologic technologist, is seeking re-election of the seat she has held since 1988. She is running to restore integrity, civility, and confidence on Council. She pledges to revive the relationship developed over decades with Hellertown Borough through the Saucon Valley Partnership she helped create. She supports rejoining with and fully funding the Hellertown Area Library. “The 3-party Contract should have been negotiated to have HAL as Lower Saucon’s home library last year. I am also enraged on the amount of money paid to the township solicitor and special council regarding Library services. ($63,345.61 up until 11/30/2022).” Councilwoman deLeon pledges to continue working to preserve Lower Saucon’s natural and historical resources and is strongly opposed to the rezoning of 275.7 acres for landfill expansion in the township. deLeon’s record over 35 years on township council is a testament to her dedication and service to Lower Saucon Township. She looks forward to continuing her work for all residents.
Victoria Opthof-Cordaro is an attorney and community activist who while managing the care of her 2 special needs children has championed community causes to improve the quality of life for residents in Lower Saucon Township. She championed the campaign to keep Lower Saucon’s library services with the Hellertown Area Library, and to save 275.7 acres of Rural Agricultural forested land from being rezoned for landfill expansion. Opthof-Cordaro serves as one of Saucon Valley’s consumer representatives for Local Task Force 20 and is a member of Saucon Valley’s Special Education Alliance and PTO. She volunteers with the Autism Society of the Lehigh Valley and the Colonial IU20 Parent Support T.E.A.M. Through her work with the FamilieSCN2A Foundation and state elected officials, she lobbied to have Pennsylvania recognize February 24th as National SCN2A awareness day by the Governor’s office and the State House of Representatives. In announcing her candidacy, Opthof-Cordaro pledges: “Local government should protect our community resources, including library services, open space, and natural and historic landmarks. I will rebuild our community relationships, and serve the residents of Lower Saucon with integrity and respect. I will uphold the values our community expects of our elected officials. I pledge to work for all Lower Saucon Township residents in restoring confidence in local government, renewing community partnerships, and protecting our open space and natural resources.”
Laura Ray is a lifelong resident of Lower Saucon Township, holding an MBA from St. Joseph’s University with 25 years of experience working in Information Technology (IT). She serves on Lower Saucon’s Environmental Advisory Council, where her accomplishments include helping create the open space referendum program voters overwhelmingly supported in three elections. Ms. Ray served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Saucon Valley Conservancy, on the board of the Lower Saucon Township Historical Society, on the Saucon Watershed Steering Committee, and as Treasurer and President of the Saucon Valley Jaycees. “Having witnessed the unnecessary degradation of the community relationship with Hellertown over the past two years has motivated me to seek a position on the Lower Saucon Township Council. I promise to work on restoring library services in a non-litigious manner and work towards repairing the community relationship with Hellertown Borough.” Having served on the Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) for over 16 years Ray firmly believes that preserving open space and protecting our environment is a key feature that makes Lower Saucon a desirable place to live with a sustainable tax base. “If elected I will honor my oath to act in the health, safety, and welfare of all residents and expand community engagement and communication with township residents.”
deLeon, Opthof-Cordaro and Ray announce their candidacy together to show the community they are committed to using their diverse backgrounds and skills for a collaborative, transparent and future forward Lower Saucon Township Council.
Between the Library and the shared compost center, it does appear LST is bailing on regional agreements and cutting services to the community.
ReplyDeleteI just read a 2021 WLVR article that suggested the Landill PAC poured $75 THOUSAND DOLLARS to support GOP candidates that swept the election. Theses challengers will need grass roots financial support.
ReplyDelete3 female bleeding-heart liberal environmentalist - what could possibly go wrong
ReplyDeleteExactly. One who has been on council for 30+ years. Another has failed twice previously to get on council. And all 3 support raising taxes.
DeleteMinor correction, but Opthof-Cordaro has only run for council once before. Lots of people lose their first election, and it doesn't seem very charitable to criticize someone for dusting themselves off and trying again.
DeleteGame on. Williams Township learned how difficult breaking the landfill money addiction is. Plainfield is struggling with this, as well. Nobody likes trash mountains. But shutting them is stunningly expensive to tax and fee payers. This is grass roots politics dealing with real world issues. Good stuff. This election will have significant consequences.
ReplyDelete@ 8:35 - Fuck You!
ReplyDeleteI've been following this Lower Saucon drama closely, it has been playing out ever since Banonis and Carocci joined council and started with their efforts to badger former councilwoman Kristin Stauffer like she was on trial at every moment.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have a few far fetched theories over what it might involve, I'm convinced that Banonis and Carocci have some end game result in mind for all of this current shit-stirring that has not become obvious to anyone yet. I actually don't think it has anything to do with the landfill or the library, though the consistencies between their campaign funding and their positions towards landfill matters were predictable.
Drama between Hellertown and Lower Saucon is nothing new - has existed for generations. All in all, Hellertown cannot go toe-to-toe financially against Lower Saucon. Egos on both sides are equally as toxic.
Delete10:46 Good example of the left-wing.
ReplyDelete