Osborne Weighs in on Cedarbrook, Health Department, Taxes

You are leaving the South Whitehall Board of Commissioners after serving seven years.  What do you believe is your legacy? 

I am most pleased with the progress we’ve made as a board in being more approachable to residents and businesses.  We’ve opened up the lines of communication and listen more intently to concerns and suggestions.  We’ve also become more engaged by attending ribbon-cutting ceremonies, community-organized functions and many neighborhood events …  I believe South Whitehall today is a more welcoming home for all than in years’ past.  

What specific changes do you believe are ahead for the new township board?

The new board will need to continue the work begun to balance the township budget while maintaining critical services for residents.  In addition, this board has a real opportunity to evaluate the many benefits of regional cooperation, such as police and fire protection and emergency services.

Lehigh County has faced budget problems, which led, ultimately, to a Republican sweep in the county commissioners’ race in the November general election.  With the county having a responsibility to fund its human services, law enforcement and corrections, what can be done to avoid tax increases?  Or are they inevitable? 

The County does indeed have significant responsibilities in the areas of human services, law enforcement and corrections, public safety, and even the judiciary system.  Continued progress in reducing personnel costs is critical, but attention must also be focused on capital investment and long-range planning to reduce operating costs. We will attract more businesses, encourage investment, grow our revenue and avoid future tax increases if we excel in these key areas. 

What will be your priorities as Lehigh County Commissioner? 

My priorities include promoting continued stewardship of our tax dollars, leading efforts in long-range planning and collaborating with the administration in attracting investment into the County. 

Patch columnist Jon Geeting sees you as the swing vote on the proposal for a bi-county health department.  While other Republicans oppose its creation on anti-government grounds, Geeting says the health department’s “best hope” is that you can be persuaded on the economic benefits of public health.  Can you? 

As a member of the Health Commission, my responsibility is to evaluate this initiative without a pre-disposed conclusion.  Frankly, I will need more time to thoroughly review all the information and discuss it with my colleagues.       

Is the issue of privatizing Cedarbrook dead? 

I anticipate the thought of privatizing Cedarbrook Nursing Home will resurface in the near future.  My position, however, will remain the same.  My foremost concern is the quality of care for our seniors – we need to make sure we treat everyone with the care and dignity we would want for ourselves.