What has been most challenging issue for the county in the last decade?

The complete lack of an focus on Economic Development. The County is currently operating under a structural deficit. Two years ago, the County reserve fund was $60 million. Next year's proposed budget will leave us with $14 million, which is the minimum amount required by County ordinance. Clearly the County is on an unsustainable path, spending more money than it takes in.

We must work to grow our tax base faster. If our tax base grows, we can raise revenues without a tax increase. This means the County has to get back in the Economic Development and Job Creation business. In the city we've done this to the tune of $2 billion dollars in private investment and over 5,000 new jobs.

What has been the most promising development of the last decade for the county?

The success of Gracedale - a core County service that serves as a peace of mind for Northampton County families when making healthcare decisions late in life for themselves or for loved ones. While the credit to this success cannot be paid to the Republican-controlled council who tried to sell it, the most promising recent development is the County's commitment to Gracedale Nursing Home.

The voters spoke clearly and loudly in a bipartisan voice that they wanted to keep Gracedale under County control. I am proud that I signed a pledge to never sell Gracedale as County Executive, and am disappointed that my opponent refused to sign that same pledge.

I believe we can make Gracedale stronger and more self-sufficient through programs like Continuous Improvement, which we used in Bethlehem to save taxpayers $14 million by talking to employees to make the delivery of services more efficient.

I am confident that we can continue operate Gracedale at a value to Northampton County taxpayers.

What do you feel is the most important issue currently facing the county?

Again Economic Development. It cannot be overstated. Northampton County is leaving money on the table. Businesses want to relocate here. They want to be part of the Lehigh Valley and when I'm County Executive, we will roll out the welcome mat.

How would you like to handle that issue?

One, we have to take Economic Development seriously again as a county service by appointing a Director of Community & Economic Development. That director will coordinate efforts between the

County, businesses, and communities and encourage innovation to bring 21st Century jobs to Northampton County.

Two, we have to identify and coordinate small and large scale redevelopment opportunities throughout our communities. Whether it's revitalizing a brownfield like we did in Bethlehem or rehabbing a borough storefront into a mixed use facility, we must aggressively pursue every opportunity.

Three, we must make serious investments in infrastructure. We can't keep or attract businesses here if we don't address our failing roads and bridges. We must also ensure there are developed properties available for companies who want to make Northampton County home.

What issue do you think you could tackle immediately?

I think I could immediately put Continuous Improvement into effect during my administration, meeting with department heads and employees to find out what works and what doesn't in the Courthouse. By doing this right away, we can immediately to a big step toward beginning to address the growing deficit in the County.

How would you like to handle the issue you could tackle immediately?

I plan to bring a strong team along with me to the County to fill out the ranks in my administration. We will immediately get to work, putting pen to paper to figure out where we can find efficiencies in County government.