Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong has proposed limiting a commissioner’s term to three terms or 12 years; creating an independent ethics oversight committee; and getting commissioners out of negotiating collective bargaining agreements.

Armstrong addressed a crowded room Feb. 21 at Coca-Cola Park, Allentown, to report the state of the county and to tell the public what his administration has done over the past year and what the future holds.

Armstrong said his goal in setting up an ethics committee is to ensure county residents know that they have a government they can trust and that will “guarantee honesty and integrity in Lehigh County.”

Returning to Home Rule language desired by Armstrong would get the commissioners out of the business of negotiating collective bargaining agreements which he said is clearly “ineffective and has proven costly.” He said one arbitration award this year will cost county taxpayers $2 million.

Armstrong registered unhappiness with commissioners who last year overrode his veto of the millage rate - 3.79 mills - he had sought for the 2019 budget.

Commissioners reduced the rate to 3.64 mills which, Armstrong argued, amounted to kicking the “can down the alley.”

He said this decision by commissioners will result in a loss of $8.3 million.

Armstrong also announced the county board of elections has decided to institute a paper ballot/scanner system.

This is being done in reaction to the state’s ordering of election systems to be able to leave a paper trail.

Currently, said Armstrong, there is a federal House bill proposing a paper ballot system. He said the cost would be about $3.5 million.

Armstrong reiterated his commitment to the Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center, South Whitehall, by announcing the next director and administrator will be Jason Cumello.

“Taking management in-house will be more cost effective.” Cumello will move up from his current position as assistant administrator for Cedarbrook.

“In the next few months, the board of commissioners will approve the construction plan and bond financing for the $78 million expansion and renovation of Cedarbrook in South Whitehall Township,” Armstrong said.

“In 2018, we completely renovated the auditorium in the D Wing. In a few short weeks, we will dedicate the space and celebrate the 175th anniversary of Cedarbrook.”

Armstrong lauded Kimberly Makoul of the Public Defender’s office for installing a new case management system “which has completely reorganized the handling of individual clients.” He said the new system will improve efficiency and productivity.

Armstrong then turned to the issues of drugs, alcohol and the corrections system.

He said 66 percent of the county’s budget goes to public safety and law and order.

“Our corrections system is committed to reducing recidivism and providing long-term life skills to ensure that those who interact with our judicial system may go back to being productive members of society,” Armstrong said.

He credited District Attorney Jim Martin with starting use of the Blue Guardian Program that provides follow-up services to people who have been administered naloxone (Narcan) to reverse opioid overdoses.

“I’m proud to say that we are following through on giving people who pay their dues, their second chances,” Armstrong said. “We’ve sent 732 inmates to our Community Corrections Center for employment, treatment and to find a home plan.

“Three hundred eighty-four inmates have completed programs such as relapse prevention, Stepping Up, and Parenting Program.”

Moving to the area of human services, Armstrong said his experience as county executive has shown him county government is a safety net for those most in need and most vulnerable in society.

He said the state has approved a $2.3 million forensic justice plan to prevent those suffering from serious mental illness from being incarcerated and to return those who have been jailed to their communities with support.

Armstrong spoke of the need to “protect and improve Lehigh County’s open spaces and its natural beauty.

“Last year, we were recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for preserving our 300th farm,” Armstrong said. “We rank fourth in total number of farms preserved and fifth in total acres preserved.”

In speaking of the 911 center’s consolidation with Allentown, he said it is “nearing completion. Armstrong said the $15 million project has been done with no County tax money.

“The City of Allentown 911 employees have been fully welcomed as county staff. This new consolidated 911 center will improve our communications capabilities.”

According to Armstrong, the county will distribute an annual newsletter to the 150,000 county residents.

He said the newsletter will be paid for by advertising, but it would cost about $10,000 for postage.