Saturday, November 24, 2012
In an editorial submitted to Patch, Brad Osborne, chairman of the Lehigh County Commissioners, details his reasoning behind a controversial budget vote that upset fellow Republicans.
- OPINION
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Saturday, November 24, 2012
Brad Osborne, chairman of the Lehigh County Commissioners, came under fire this week after a controversial vote against a budget proposed by fellow Republicans. There was talk of stripping him of his chairman title but the Morning Call reports there was no attempt to do so at the Nov. 20 meeting. Osborne submitted the following editorial to Patch explaining his budget vote: Taxpayers in Lehigh County deserve real fiscal discipline from their elected officials. To effectively reduce the size of county government and lower taxes, it will be necessary to identify and eliminate wasteful expenditures, implement efficiencies, and frankly, learn to live without all but the most essential spending – not just for today, but also for the long term…
Friday, November 16, 2012
Lehigh County Executive Bill Hansell's budget compromise stands when a veto override falls short.
The average homeowner in Lehigh County will pay $44 less in taxes in 2013 than they do this year, under a county budget that includes both a tax cut next year and a tax credit. Under the budget, county spending will be cut by $3.5 million next year, taxes reduced by $3 million and tax credits given that amount to $3.5 million, said Tom Muller, the county's director of administration. The spending and tax cuts are the result of a lengthy budget process that resulted in Lehigh County Executive Bill Hansell offering a compromise budget that withstood a possible veto override Wednesday night by Lehigh County Commissioners. Muller said the average tax bill, for a home valued at $178,000, will be reduced to $670 from $714. Those with homes …
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
"Political endorsements will not carry the day," says Lehigh County Commissioner Chair Brad Osborne as he prepares to lead process to pick executive to replace Don Cunningham.
- GOVERNMENT
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Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Lehigh County Commissioner Chair Brad Osborne is calling for cooperation and transparency as the county commissioners begin the task of choosing a replacement for Executive Don Cunningham. Osborne, who was elected to the county board last November, said, "In choosing the individual who will become County Executive, this Board will exercise a process that is legal, open and fair. "The goal is clear, the process definitive. Each candidate will be evaluated on their own merit," he said in a prepared release. "Political endorsements will not carry the day." Cunningham is resigning from office July 8 to become the new president and chief executive officer of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. Under the county Home Rule Charter, the …
Brian Hite
7:34 pm on Sunday, November 25, 2012
Brad Osborne is a man of integrity and a clear thinker. We are well served having Mr Osborne as a County Commissioner. This vote was for all citizens regardless of party affiliation and proves he doesnt let party partisan gimmicks and preconceived agendas influence the right thing to do to help Lehigh County. Thank you Brad. more ›