Wealthy businessman Tom Wolf won the election to governor of Pennsylvania last week, surprising few, and though he won't be taking office until January, local officials voiced hopes and concerns for his first term.

Longtime Fountain Hill council member Helen Halleman focused on how Wolf's election will impact education in not only the borough, but the Lehigh Valley. "My big concern is education. We need good schools and good teachers. This Bethlehem area school district that services our community (in Fountain Hill) is off the wall with yearly tax increases," she said.

She noted that these increases not only hurt families trying to make ends meet, but also senior citizens who have fixed incomes.

"They are plagued with this yearly increase because they are on a fixed income. I would like to know exactly how Wolf will handle this."

For his part, Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy was succinct; "I am hopeful that Mr. Wolf's election is the beginning of a much needed constructive working relationship between the governor, the Pa. Department of Education and local school districts."

Meanwhile State Senator Lisa Boscola, who just ran unopposed on both tickets, had plenty to say. In a phone interview Friday she cited her previous work with Wolf at the Revenue Department for optimism about his effectiveness and the possibility of his sending more resources to the Lehigh Valley.

"I found him to be nonpartisan, a true team player and very knowledgeable," Boscola said. "He knew the value of building consensus and bringing people together. He also knows how to work with Republicans."

While Boscola said property tax reform should definitely be a priority for Wolf's administration, she said there are good reasons for him to support the valley, because it could benefit the entire state. She explained the CRIZ and other important economic tools are being used as pilot programs here, and if successful could be used elsewhere.

"Everybody is looking to us to demonstrate job creation and development," Boscola said. "Governor-elect Wolf and I have talked about it – I'm excited."