Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller recently spoke to members of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce at the group's monthly luncheon at The Other Side Restaurant, Neffs.

During his talk, Muller highlighted county developments and challenges, including a major development impacting the county, the growth of the City of Allentown.

Muller said nearly $1 billion worth construction is taking place in the city, and this goes along with an increase in tax collection.

"What is going on in Allentown is outstanding," he said.

Muller also pointed to Allentown receiving an Aa1 rating from Moody's. Bucks and Chester counties are the only counties in the state to have such a rating, Muller said.

The increased score, Muller said, is the result of the city closing its $7 million budget deficit in 2014 while taking advantage of refinancing alternatives.

"We're very proud of the financial situation," he said, adding the county's pension fund continues to do well.

"Our pension fund is in good shape," Muller said.

While the overall health of the county is improving, Muller spoke less favorably of the board of commissioners, calling them a "setback."

"We seem to be locked in Washington politics," he said. "When I vote for something, they vote against it."

He said the board is coming forward with legislation without informing the county administration in advance.

Muller said Cedarbrook Nursing Homes remains a top priority for him and he would like the county to continue providing a yearly contribution to the nursing home.

"My goal has been simple: keep that contribution," Muller said. "We should provide that safety net to those who gave their lives for the county."

The impact of Gov. Tom Wolf's policies on the county is unknown at the present time, Muller said. "The answer is, I simply do not know," he said.

Muller also expressed continued support for the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

He told the group they should make an effort to get involved in the political process at the county level.

"The more you can get representation up here, the more influence you will have," Muller said.