Lehigh County Commissioners passed a first reading of a new Human Relations Advisory Council that “address issues of discrimination as it might occur in the County of Lehigh” according to the motion. Commissioner Bob Elbich moved for the creation of the advisory council and Commissioner Marc Grammes seconded the motion.

The advisory council will have up to 11 members – Lehigh County residents – service providers, and business owners who will serve as unpaid volunteers.

Members will be appointed by the Lehigh County Executive and be approved or rejected by the commissioners.

Even though the first hearing vote was 9-0, the sailing was not smooth for the new advisory council. Commissioner Jeffery Dutt moved that membership include members from every voting district of Lehigh County. Commissioner Dan Hartzell seconded the motion.

This set off a round of protest from other commissioners and attendees, both in person and via Zoom.

Commissioner Amy Zanelli led the pushback by describing the amendment as a case of

“shooting ourselves in the foot before it [the advisory council] gets started.”

Commissioner Bob Elbich supported the amendment saying, “We should get in-put and feedback from the entire county.”

Commissioner Percy Dougherty said he supported the amendment.

Commissioner Geoff Brace suggested that, “we allow ourselves to be broad and give ourselves flexibility” noting that the motion provides for subsequent legislation to set up the Human Relations Advisory Council.

Commissioner Zakiya Smalls sided with Zanelli saying, “I think the intention of the amendment is very good. I’m just not sure the [good] intention will remain as seats are filled.”

Enid Santiago said, “If we base this geographically, it will completely defeat the purpose of an advisory board.

Patrick Palmer called the suggested amendment a “slap in the face.”

Ashley Strange, Executive Director of Lehigh Valley Stands Up, said, “...implying that the makeup [of the Human Relations Advisory Council] needs to be diverse and based on where someone lives is not part of what we are talking about.”

Sharon Finegan said, “I’m tired of seeing committees put together that look like me in situations where it’s not necessary. I’m 100 percent in support of having it [the Human Relations Advisory Council] be issue-based and represented by the people who are being impacted.”

At the end of debate on the motion to amend the resolution, Dutt suggested that the wording be changed from “requiring” district representation to “if possible” have district resolution.

When Hartzell suggested that in consideration of public comment, that Dutt withdraw the motion to amend. Dutt immediately agreed and withdrew the motion.

Hartzell had one last comment regarding Palmer’s earlier remark. “This was not intended to be a ‘slap in the face’ to anyone or any group.”

The resolution to establish the Human Relations Advisory Council now goes on the agenda for the next meeting where it will likely be approved.