By marieke andronache

Special to The Press

Five thousand individuals in Lehigh County have signed a petition regarding the governing conditions of confinement in Lehigh County correctional facilities.

Ashleigh Strange, director of narrative and communications for PA Stands Up, presented the petition to the Lehigh County commissioners during their Aug. 10 meeting.

In an interview with The Press, Strange explained how these signatures were collected through door-to-door campaigning, as well as at various community events throughout the county during the past few weeks.

“Community support is impressive,” Strange said.

She also noted a similar campaign in Lackawanna County collected nearly 9,000 signatures, all in a hope the issue will find its way on the ballot in November.

Strange was among a few who shared their thoughts and concerns over the nature of this form of punishment for those incarcerated, noting the effects on mental health cannot be overlooked.

A virtual participant, known as Susan, echoed similar concerns, noting this is “beyond punishment.”

Commissioner Dave Harrington, who chairs the courts and corrections committee, decided this was an issue of such importance, that it would be added to the agenda of that committee’s next meeting, scheduled for Sept. 7.

He is looking for an open and frank dialogue with residents who have concerns on this issue, as well as other related issues.

In other business, a bill approving additional emergency rental assistance grants to the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 passed first reading.

Before the vote, a heartfelt discussion about how this rental aid program has already helped more than 6,000 families in Lehigh County took place with Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi making his support for this bill personal.

“I know what it’s like to get an eviction notice,” Cole-Borghi said.

Family stability, the importance of ensuring children stay in the same district where they will keep the same group of friends and know their school district and teachers and the importance of community support were common themes raised by those commissioners who spoke in favor of this aid initiative.

Commissioner Zakiya Smalls addressed the issue.

“You cannot simply define a homeless person as someone who lives on the street,” she said. “One needs to remember that many are living with friends and relatives until they can find affordable housing.”

An estimated 4 percent of Lehigh County residents are in need of this aid, primarily due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Geoff Bryce said the need for this type of aid exists and its benefits to the community as a whole are significant.

Bill 2022-30: Authorizing an Eight Set of Subgrant Funds under the Second Round of Lehigh County COVID-19 Relief Small Business Grant Program passed first reading. The second reading and consideration is scheduled to take place Aug. 24.

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt ended the meeting by telling everyone Pennsylvania Junior Miss Amazing 2022, Rose Varano, did not win the national title in Tennessee.

However, Rose’s mother wanted it to be known how happy Rose was to receive so much support, as well as the Lehigh County Proclamation wishing her the best as the state’s representative at this pageant.