Blogger's Note: Below is a statement from Amy Cozze, posted at Lehigh Valley For All, explaining what she wants to be NorCo's next Exec.I. Briefly tell us about your Experience and Qualifications
A proud lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, I have dedicated my professional career to public service, community advocacy, and leadership. With over 20 years of management expertise, including more than a decade as a successful small business owner in Northampton County, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our local economy. From 2018 to 2022, I served as a Northampton County employee in administration, court services, and as Chief Registrar of Elections, gaining invaluable insight into the county workforce, including hiring and management of county employees.
As Director of State Outreach and a senior staff member to Senator Bob Casey, I collaborated with county governments and planning commissions across Pennsylvania to tackle real‐world issues and advance policies that empower local communities. I was frequently on the front lines of emergency management situations, serving as the local federal liaison to FEMA, NTSB, OSHA, and others. In addition to working with all levels of government—municipal, county, state, and federal—I oversaw $144 million in funding for community projects across the commonwealth.
Appointed by the Governor to Pennsylvania's Bipartisan Election Law Advisory Board, I worked alongside leaders from across the state to ensure secure and efficient elections. My oversight of four flawless elections in 2020 and 2021 at the county level is a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in the public sector. In 2020, amid a pandemic, I ensured that all 154 polling locations remained open and fully staffed with over 900 well‐trained poll workers. I am the only candidate in the race with election administration experience.
I hold a degree in Psychology and Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as an AA in Human Resources Management. As the mother of two wonderful boys, I believe in leading from the front, setting a strong example, and working tirelessly to ensure Northampton County thrives for future generations.
II. Briefly summarize what you plan to do about:
1) Addressing the housing crisis
One of the most frustrating challenges I faced as the Lehigh Valley Regional Manager for Senator Casey was the lack of engagement from county leadership when I reached out with funding opportunities or offered assistance with grant applications for critical initiatives—particularly for affordable housing. Time and time again, I saw resources go untapped, dollars left on the table that could have been used to improve the lives of Northampton County residents. It was disheartening to witness how much potential progress was lost simply because no one was actively pursuing these opportunities.
As County Executive, I will take a proactive approach to securing funding and ensuring that Northampton County is leveraging every available resource at the state and federal levels. I will strengthen partnerships with municipal governments and nonprofits to invest in affordable housing projects, making sure we are not just increasing our housing stock but making homeownership an achievable reality for working families, seniors, andyoung professionals alike.
Being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars means fighting to bring those dollars back home and reinvesting them where they belong—into our communities. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the need for affordable housing; we must take action, seek out every available opportunity, and work collaboratively to create lasting solutions. Under my leadership, Northampton County will no longer leave money on the table—we will fight for every dollar, every grant, and every investment that can improve the lives of our residents.
2) Ensuring fair funding for public schools
Advocate for Equitable State Financing
Pennsylvania has long struggled with unequal financing for schools, where some districts receive significantly more funding per student than others. As County Executive, I will use my office to advocate for the fair distribution of state education dollars by pushing for reforms that ensure Northampton County schools receive the funding they deserve.
Maximize Investments by Counties for Education
While counties don’t directly control school budgets, they oversee critical programs that impact students, such as workforce development, early childhood education, and social services. I would work to expand county support for:
● Early childhood education programs that give children a strong foundation.
● After‐school and summer programs that support working families.
● Mental health and social services that help students overcome barriers to success.
Strengthen School Infrastructure and Safety Partnerships
As County Executive I can play a key role in securing funding for school infrastructure improvements, ensuring that schools are safe, modern environments for learning. I would:
● Work with state and federal partners to secure grants for facility upgrades.
● Support initiatives that improve school safety, including funding for resource officers and mental health services.
Ensure Equitable Economic Development
Local tax revenues fund our schools, making economic development a crucial factor in education funding. I would:
● Promote policies that attract businesses and jobs to the county, strengthening the tax base.
● Ensure that tax incentives and economic growth strategies do not disproportionately benefit wealthier
districts while leaving others behind.
Collaborate with School Leaders and Community Stakeholders
I would hold regular meetings with parents, teachers, school officials, and community leaders to identify challenges and opportunities for improving school funding. By fostering collaboration, we can develop solutions that benefit all students, not just those in wealthier districts.
Fair school funding isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about ensuring every child, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education. As County Executive, I will fight for policies and investments that give every Northampton County student an equal opportunity to succeed.
3) Ensuring our immigrant communities are treated fairly
Northampton County is where all individuals—regardless of where you hail from—should feel safe, respected, and supported. Immigrant populations form the fabric of our culture, the backbone of our economy, and the strength of our future. My administration would be committed to building trust, growing resources, and ensuring nobody has to fear for their safety when reaching for aid, medical treatment, or opportunity. We will continue building Northampton County into a home for all by listening and cooperating with local organizations, police, and local leaders.
Law Enforcement and Community Confidence
No one here in Northampton County should never fear dialing the police when they need them. We will strengthen relationships with local police through partnerships for stronger relationships with immigrant populations, fair and equal treatment, and police officer training for cultural competencies. We will work towards the kind of trust where all citizens—immigration status aside—feel safe reporting crime, requesting aid, and being part of the community.
Legal and Social Support
Access to the resources, especially the legal and social services available, should not be beyond the grasp of anyone. That is the reason Northampton County will build upon collaborations with organizations such as North Penn Legal Services and the PA Immigration and Citizenship Coalition to provide immigrant residents access to pro‐bono support and tenant rights. We will also provide increased access to languages through the county office buildings so no one is held back by the inability to communicate.
Economic & Workforce Development
Immigrant‐owned businesses and immigrant workers are a valuable part of the Northampton County economy, especially the cities of Easton and Bethlehem. We will support immigrant entrepreneurs through financing, education, and access to resources for their ongoing prosperity. We also, together with Northampton Community College and local business groups, will provide immigrant laborers with enhanced job training opportunities for them to gain skills and build their careers.
Community Engagement and Cultural Inclusion
The strength of Northampton County is its diversity. We will forge stronger ties with the faith community, non‐profits, and local groups to ensure immigrant voices ring loud and clear in the halls of county government. We will also host community forums and festivals celebrating the richness of the history here while bringing much‐needed resources to those who need them. We will make Northampton County together a friendly and inclusive space for all.
III. Use the space below to let us know why you are running for this office.
What are your priorities?
Working for Senator Casey was the opportunity of a lifetime. I loved my job deeply and would have continued serving as long as I was able. With his loss, I found myself at a crossroads. While the uncertainty was daunting, one thing remained clear—I wanted to continue dedicating my career to public service. It is my life’s passion.
Now more than ever, we need strong, qualified leaders stepping up at the local and county levels. I believe my experience and qualifications make me the leader Northampton County deserves.
I am running to restore trust in our county’s election administration. When mistakes happen, they sow doubt in the integrity of our elections, and that is simply unacceptable. Our county election officials are hardworking professionals who care deeply about their jobs, but without the necessary support and resources from the County Executive, they are set up for failure. I will ensure Northampton County elections once again sets the gold standard in the Commonwealth.
I am also running to uphold our moral obligation to Gracedale and our county employees. Protecting our county nursing home from privatization while maintaining a high standard of care is critical to safeguarding our most vulnerable residents. But we must also support the staff who care for them. Competitive pay and benefits attract and retain talented individuals, not just at Gracedale but across all county departments. A well‐supported workforce is a productive and motivated workforce. Yet, under the current administration, our employees have been neglected. They watched in frustration as politically motivated election‐year tax cuts were proposed—despite many county workers struggling to earn a living wage. As the county’s largest employer, we must do better. I will always stand with working people and labor.
The county is also failing to do enough to address the affordable housing crisis. As Executive, I will prioritize improving residents’ quality of life. By investing in housing projects, we can expand our tax base without relying on massive warehouses and distribution centers that strain our infrastructure and diminish our communities.
Now more than ever, we need fighters. We need leaders who will stand up to bullies and ensure that the dysfunction in Washington does not seep into our local government. I am committed to being on the front lines of this fight.
Finally, I am running because qualifications matter. We have seen, time and again, the consequences of putting unqualified people in leadership roles. Democrats must do better. The resistance must be built from the ground up, and that starts by electing the best candidates for the job. Qualifications aren’t just lines on a resume, they’re the work put in to make their communities better and the real life experience they bring to the table. It’s showing up at disasters to coordinate an emergency response, leading an elections office through an unprecedented pandemic and political environment, and it’s showing up every day to serve the people ‐ even when the cameras are off and there’s no limelight to bask in. Passion matters, but we must also lead with knowledge, hard work, and expertise.
I am ready to bring strong, competent leadership to Northampton County. Let’s get to work.
