Meet Lehigh County Commissioner Candidate: Stephen Walters

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: Stephen P. Walters

Age:  48 

Family: Married to Zaida Dayan, a physical therapist, and the father of 5

Political party affiliation: Democratic

Tell us about your educational background:

Easton Area High School, the School of Life. I’m also a Navy vet. 

Tell us about your professional/business background:

I’m a heavy equipment operator by trade.

Why are you running for Lehigh County Commissioner?

County government has got to be more responsive to our communities.  While knocking doors, I found seniors with no understanding of how to access state and county programs that would make their lives easier, out of work residents who don’t know where to turn, and people who feel our county government isn’t benefiting them.  I will work hard to simplify county government and make it more accessible and responsive to our communities. 

What qualifies you to serve on the county board?

As a Navy vet and a former volunteer firefighter, I know that in order to make a difference, to make things work better, you’ve got to get your hands dirty.  I’m committed to making Lehigh County work for everybody and I understand what it means to struggle. I want to make sure that the county is run efficiently and is set up to support our residents as they work to make their lives better.

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

The board of commissioners serve as representatives of “We, the People”. It’s their job to run the county efficiently, getting as much bang for every buck that comes in. Here’s what their job isn’t—just saying no because something doesn’t gibe with what they personally believe.  

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

Right now, a number of the county commissioners think their job is to line the pockets of their donors with your money.   We need county commissioners who understand that they work for you, not for their donors.

We need to attract employers that pay their workers a living wage so that they aren’t a drain on county resources.  Costco is a step in the right direction. Walmart is not since their employees typically need food stamps and county assistance to make ends meet.

Simplifying county government is critical. We need to remove the red tape so people know how to get the help they need without having a degree in business.  

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

I hope to raise $60,000 to run my campaign through November, from donors who support my message.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 542

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

Stephen Walters for Commissioner