Lehigh County Commissioner Ron W. Beitler has announced his candidacy for reelection. Beitler represents District 2, which includes Lower and Upper Macungie, Upper and Lower Milford townships, as well as the boroughs of Alburtis and Macungie.

Beitler is completing his first term on the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners after previously serving two terms as a Lower Macungie Commissioner, including time as board president. He also currently serves as chair of the county farmland preservation board.

Over 12 years of public service, Beitler has prioritized farmland and open space preservation, noting Lehigh County recently surpassed the milestone of 28,000 acres of preserved farmland across more than 400 farms.

“Over the past three years, we’ve achieved historic success in preserving farmland and open space, and I remain committed to leading this effort for the future,” Beitler said. Lehigh County now ranks among the top five counties in Pennsylvania for both the total number of farms and the acreage of preserved farmland.

Beitler applies lessons from successfully building and running multiple businesses to his approach in government. “Financial solvency is the foundation of long-term prosperity,” Beitler said. “I’ve built businesses with that principle in mind, and I bring the same approach to decisions in government.”

Additionally, Beitler remains committed to reducing the burden of government on the economy including small businesses that drive the local economy. “I know the challenges entrepreneurs face. Too often, government becomes a barrier rather than a partner in helping businesses grow and thrive” Beitler said.

During his tenure in Lower Macungie, Beitler led an innovative effort to implement a homestead exemption, significantly reducing or eliminating residential property taxes for most homeowners in the township. Today he highlights that Lehigh County has not raised taxes during his time on the board. “In a time of economic uncertainty, rising costs of living and surging home prices, keeping government spending in check remains a top priority,” Beitler said.” Beitler also co-sponsored a successful countywide tax rebate for volunteer firefighters.

Additional priorities for a second term include refocusing Lehigh County government on core, everyday quality of life and kitchen-table issues such as infrastructure, housing costs, parks and public safety including police, firefighters and EMS.

Beitler, 46, is a fourth generation Lehigh County resident, girl dad and small business owner. “If District 2 residents give me the opportunity to continue serving, I’ll continue to work to ensure Lehigh County remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow and government is efficient, responsive and accountable to the people.”