Don Cunningham - Lehigh County Executive

Lehigh County Executive

In 2005, Cunningham returned to to run for County Executive. During its history as a home rule County, Lehigh had never elected a Democrat as County Executive. Ultimately, Cunningham defeated incumbent Jane Ervin, 62-38%, or about 13,000 votes.

In office, Cunningham has touted fiscal responsibility as one of his key strengths. Cunningham has presided over Lehigh County for three years with no property tax increase, and his administration has created a plan to prevent property tax increases for the foreseeable future, at least the next five years. Cunningham's administration also saw an increase in the bond rating for Lehigh County.

Cunningham's administration has also been witness to a variety of new programs in Lehigh County, including:

• The construction and opening of Coca-Cola Park, home to the new Triple-A baseball team, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

• Creation of the Lehigh Valley’s first “Congress of Governments,” designed to help control growth and development, which allows shared services and enhanced cooperation across regional boundaries.

• Spearheading new efforts to assist in farmland preservation. Under Cunningham, Lehigh County rose to third in the state in farmland preservation.

• Working towards the development of the Lehigh Valley Autism Resource Community Hub and a “safe house” which provides safe waiting area to comfort children who have been removed from their homes and are waiting for foster care placement.

In 2007, Cunningham endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. In April 2008, Cunningham was the top vote-getter (in the 15th congressional district) to serve as a delegate Hillary Clinton to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.