The Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Community Services Center housed a head-to-head clash between the two major candidates for Lehigh County Executive Oct. 8.

Former Lehigh County Commissioner Brad Osborne moderated the debate between Democrat Josh Siegel and Republican Roger MacLean in an effort to reveal the candidates’ respective visions for the future of Lehigh County with the Nov. 4 municipal election right around the corner.

State Rep. Josh Siegel, D-22nd, opened with an energetic declaration of running for a new generation that looks toward “solutions instead of scapegoats.” The Democratic nominee addressed several of his top priorities, the first of which includes tackling the multigenerational housing crisis. Siegel said it is as equally difficult for young folks to find their starter homes as it is for the older population to begin downsizing.

He also seeks to expand access to the ballot box by increasing citizens’ ability to vote on-demand. Siegel emphasized the importance of the Lehigh County executive as a role with the utmost responsibility to fight for the protection of voter information.

Another of his top priorities includes bringing attention to the federal funding cuts as it is critical to acknowledge the significant impact of these cuts at the county level.

Former Allentown Police Chief Roger MacLean led with insight into his wealth of life experience from a 40-year career on the force and as a father of six children and three grandchildren. He cited a 27% drop in Part 1 crimes and overall decline of crime rates during his years as police chief. Above all, MacLean spoke of his calm demeanor, indicating this will guide his “steady vision for the county.”

A firm believer that the citizens of Lehigh County will measure the success of the individual who holds the position, MacLean pledges to prioritize speaking to all the people – “not just the heads, but the workers” too. He also acknowledged worker retention to be a constant challenge; therefore, he expressed the need to institute exit interviews, if not already in place.

As the questions dug deeper into the pertinent policy issues of the time, the respective stance of the candidates revealed to diverge further.

When asked about his opinion on the current funding approach to law enforcement, MacLean indicated he “always has been [and] always will be” 100% behind funding for the police.

On the other side, Siegel spoke of a group violence reduction strategy similar to that of the model in Baltimore. This approach aims to connect individuals with opportunities and to the appropriate assistance before they commit a crime. On a similar subject, Siegel favors a co-responder model as a responsible and practical approach to protect police officers by, in certain cases, having responding officers accompanied by mental health professionals.

Given his extensive experience on the force and to responding to dangerous calls, MacLean voiced his resistance to mixing social workers into a crisis situation.

On the topic of elections and in almost direct opposition to Siegel’s hope to expand access to voters, the Republican nominee attests no issues with the last election and, in fact, wants to limit the amount of drop boxes. MacLean listed different locations in Allentown where voting centers are situated and feels that with the security of a camera pointed on every ballot box, future elections will be protected.

Between rapid fire questions and those posed by the audience in attendance, the tensions between the candidates rose. Beach houses, masked ICE agents, subjects of political attack ads, social media posts pertaining to the recent death of Charlie Kirk and more were brought to the podium for debate and discussion.

When asked to identify one positive quality in Siegel, MacLean acknowledged that while their political views have diverged, it has been fun running against him. He reinforced his steady approach and calm demeanor, pledging these assets, alongside his desire to make informed decisions after talking to the different departments, will guide his term despite “not having any sweeping plans to make changes” yet.

Siegel spoke positively of MacLean’s commitment to his family and dedication to fatherhood. He reminded all of the need for a new generation, and one who is “unapologetic and unafraid” to call out the transgressions of past and present leadership. “The Lehigh Valley has a history of partnership not partisanship,” Siegel said, and he has a vision for how to get there.