Meet Lehigh County Commissioner Candidate: Norma Cusick

Lehigh County Commissioner Race, District 5
(District 5 includes Salisbury Township, Emmaus, Macungie, Upper Milford, Lower Milford, Coopersburg, Upper Saucon Township and parts of Allentown.) 

Candidate: Norma A. Cusick

Age: 68 

Family: Married to Richard J. Cusick, M.D., with 9 children, 14 grandchildren 

Political party affiliation: Republican

Tell us about your educational background: DeSales University, B.A., Kutztown University, M.A.,  Certified Paralegal.

Tell us about your professional/business background:

I am the medico-legal coordinator and office manager in an orthopaedic medical practice.

Previously, I had worked as the Division Director for the American Heart Association.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Allentown Public Library and the Lehigh County Authority (LCA).  I have participated with and served on the boards of several community organizations, including the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the Child Advocacy Center and Lehigh Valley Hospital Associates. I was President of the Lehigh County Sports Fields. 

Over the past two decades I have volunteered for many non-profit organizations in the Lehigh Valley and I understand the value of Community Development Block Grants and Quality of Life Grants.  As a member of the Allentown Public Library Board of Directors I recognize that these grants can serve the needs of our community.

Why are you running for Lehigh County Commissioner? 

After attending several meetings of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, I was very disappointed and very dissatisfied with the performance of the Commissioner from District 5.

I believe that a Commissioner needs to listen to, speak for and act in support of the municipalities within the District represented.

It became apparent to me that within his brief tenure of appointment he has not demonstrated these qualities.

It is my opinion that the currently appointed, interim Commissioner has not been acting in the best interests of the people in the District or the County.

When it became evident to me that the appointed Commissioner had not gained the trust and confidence of the residents in the municipalities that he was supposed to represent, I decided to seek election for the District 5 seat at the urging and request of friends and constituents. 

What qualifies you to serve on the county board?

I was elected twice to the Salisbury Township School Board, served on the Salisbury Township Planning Commission and served as an elected Salisbury Township Commissioner. As a Commissioner in Salisbury, I never voted for a tax increase and voted for a balanced budget every year.

I currently serve on the Lehigh County Authority.

I am a Republican committee person in Salisbury Township 3rd Ward. 

What do you see as the board's primary role and responsibilities?

The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners has the duty and responsibility to be vigilant with tax dollars.  This responsibility must be inextricably linked to the maintenance, and whenever possible, the enhancement of the quality of life for the residents of Lehigh County.  Another way of saying this is that the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners should not diminish or compromise the quality of life for the residents of Lehigh County. There is an equally important role and responsibility for the Commissioners and that is exercising checks and balances with the Executive and Judiciary departments of the County.

Tell us about three major challenges facing Lehigh County and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):

I will work to control spending and manage the cost of County Government by using well-considered budget reductions when indicated. Any reductions will be targeted and specific, not vague or indiscriminate. 

I will work to improve County infrastructure and cultivate a business/job friendly environment in Lehigh County.

I will work with local municipalities and as an advocate for regional land-use planning with emphasis on preserving farmland and improving parks and recreation.

With all of these challenges I will be an independent common sense conservative voice.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?

I am spending enough to get my message to District 5 voters in the Republican Lehigh County Commissioner’s race.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

I have received endorsements from people I know and voters I continue to meet as I knock on doors.

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.

I prefer to have direct contact with my constituents via door-to-door, email and phone.