UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — A former Upper Saucon Township supervisor has announced his candidacy for Lehigh County Commissioner in the county’s 5th district.
Patrick M. Leonard, a Republican, is running with the support of outgoing Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt, who announced in December he would not seek re-election.
"This is home, and I’m running to ensure that this remains a great place for families to work and raise their kids for generations to come."Lehigh County commissioner candidate Patrick M. Leonard
“I’m pleased to announce my candidacy for Lehigh County Commissioner," Leonard said in a release Wednesday. "I grew up here, made my career here, and my wife and I raised our two boys here."
Leonard lives in Upper Saucon with his wife, Marcia.
"This is home, and I’m running to ensure that this remains a great place for families to work and raise their kids for generations to come," he said.
In addition to his former supervisor role, Leonard now is the township’s director of general services, deputy emergency management coordinator and president of the library board.
Leonard also is an Army veteran.
'Owe it to our community'
Leonard said his priorities, if elected, focus on streamlining government to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted and improving the county’s emergency services, according to the release.
“We need to ensure that Lehigh County remains a safe place for families,” Leonard said.
“This means prioritizing our emergency services. Too often, emergency services are forgotten until needed. Unfortunately, we’ve seen what can happen when natural disasters strike communities.
“We owe it to our community and the taxpayers to be prepared.”
“Patrick Leonard is a long-time citizen who has dedicated his life in service to his country and his community."Outgoing Lehigh County Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt
Dutt endorsed Leonard and praised his lifetime of service.
“Patrick Leonard is a long-time citizen who has dedicated his life in service to his country and his community," Dutt said in a release.
"His dedicated service to the Upper Saucon community is evident, and I know he will represent us well at the county level. I am proud to endorse Mr. Leonard as our next Lehigh County Commissioner."
Leonard becomes the second announced candidate for a Lehigh County commissioners seat. Commissioner Antonia Pineda announced this month that he will seek re-election.
