Lehigh County Commissioner Dan Hartzell has announced he is running for a second, four-year term on the board.

Hartzell, 68, of South Whitehall Township, is a Democrat who took office in January 2016.

A Lehigh Valley native, he is a Whitehall High School and Kutztown University graduate.

A former Morning Call reporter, editor and columnist, Hartzell covered municipal government during more than 38 years in the news business before retiring in 2014.

He wrote the “Road Warrior” question-and-answer column on travel and transportation matters.

Hartzell says maintaining county ownership of the two Cedarbrook nursing homes, as well as developing a new addition to the Allentown home and renovating the existing buildings, are among his top priorities.

He has been chairman of the board’s Cedarbrook Committee since 2016.

He is also vice chairman of the Planning and Development Committee and a member of the Quality of Life Grants Committee; serves as the board’s liaison to Discover Lehigh Valley, and is a member of County Executive Phil Armstrong’s Student Advisory Committee.

Hartzell says other issues important to him include preservation of farmland and open space; providing the most efficient and effective government services possible; open, transparent government operations, and promoting smart, sensible development to help create jobs and build tax revenue.

“Vital community services are provided by Lehigh County government. For example, the county serves both ends of the age spectrum: Children and Youth Services protects neglected or abused kids and works to improve their circumstances, while the dedicated, caring staffs of the Cedarbrook homes offer older residents the dignity and respect they deserve,” Hartzell explains. “Regardless of age, the county helps those affected by drug and alcohol addictions, as well as residents suffering from mental-health problems or intellectual disabilities. “

The candidate also noted county government administers the justice system: the district attorney’s office to prosecute offenses, the courts to adjudicate charges, and the jail for punishment and correction; and the county provides legal assistance for defendants who cannot afford lawyers.

“The Trexler Nature Preserve and a host of other parks and recreation areas help round out the quality-of-life services offered by your county government. Many other services and opportunities are provided,” Hartzell said.