A proposed budget amendment at the Oct. 12 Lehigh County Commissioners meeting by Commissioner Dave Harrington to reduce the staffing budget of the district attorney’s office brought out strong emotions regarding the effectiveness of the office itself.

District Attorney James Martin defended his staff and his record of nearly 25 years in the position.

Martin took the microphone twice, addressing the opioid crisis, domestic violence and the homicides which his office deals with on a daily basis. One of the examples Martin gave as a program his office has worked hard on with positive results is Mental Illness Substance Abuse.

Among those voicing their support for Martin and his office were Commissioner Zakiya Smalls and Commissioner Antonio Pineda, who both praised the work of the DA’s office in helping support victims’ rights.

A handful of residents spoke out against the DA’s office, but Martin’s passionate argument was enough to convince most commissioners to defeat the proposed amendment by a vote of 8-1.

The second proposed amendment sponsored by Harrington, adding funding for legal or other direct support in stopping evictions for families with children, passed unanimously.

The other major issue of the night was the agreement to provide $3 million funding for Coca-Cola Park. An initial $2.3 million is to be provided to the IronPigs, with the later $700,000 at a later date.

Although the motion passed unanimously, some commissioners considered the pros and cons. Commissioner Ron Beitler said, “Major League Baseball will continue to keep communities hostage. I don’t relish the thought of sending this money.”

Two appointments of note: Jill Pittenger is the new Human resources director, and Commissioner Antonio Pineda has been appointed to the Lehigh County Conservation District for a term ending Dec. 31.

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26.