Gathered in the social hall of Cetronia Fire Company - minutes from where he was raised - Lehigh County Commissioner Brad Osborne announced his candidacy to become the county’s next executive.

“People want their government to work for them,” Osborne said. “I will bring a disciplined and transparent government with a ‘let’s get it done’ attitude to Lehigh County.”

Marty Nothstein, chair of the county board of commissioners and Olympic gold medalist, introduced Osborne.

“I’ve experienced first-hand how fantastic a job Brad has done in leading our board as chairman,” Nothstein said. “His professionalism and leadership has led us through some difficult topics with great results.

“I’ve seen Brad work tirelessly to get consensus and arrive at a solution, and our board and the community are all better for it.”

Osborne then took to the stage, both casting a vision for the future and calling for an end to petty political games.

“What I’ve witnessed in my five years in county government is there is too heavy a dose of politics and too little planning and execution,” Osborne said. “Instead of asking for more money, we should look for ways to innovate our way to excellence in service, and reduce the tax burden on our working families.”

Osborne laid out four initiatives he would pursue as county executive:

·Restoring transparency and accountability to the county government;

·Developing a four-year financial strategic plan for the county, with financial projections;

·Supporting work of county officials as they provide for the needs the people of Lehigh County; and

·Supporting the business community and attract new businesses to the county.

Osborne emphasized collaboration and called for an end to complacency.

“It’s time to shake things up. It’s time to get out of our comfort zones. Results count, excuses don’t,” he said.

Osborne has served as Lehigh County Commissioner since 2012, having chaired the board for three years.

He served on the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners from 2005-12, including serving as president of the board for three years.

Osborne worked as the plant manager for GEO Specialty Chemicals in South Whitehall Township.

He and his wife, Janice, have been married 30 years and live in South Whitehall Township.