Meet Lehigh County Commissioner Candidate: Wesley Barrett

Lehigh County Commissioner Race, District 5
(District 5 includes Salisbury Township, Emmaus, Macungie, Upper Milford, Lower Milford, Coopersburg, Upper Saucon Township and parts of Allentown.) 

Candidate: Wesley Barrett

Age: 33

Family: Wife and two boys ages 1 and 3.

Political party affiliation: Democrat

Tell us about your educational background:

Emmaus High School: 1999

Quinnipiac University: 2003, BA in eMedia

Tell us about your professional/business background:

Business Owner: Wesley Works Real Estate INC, Wesley Works Entertainment &
Photography

I started my first business, Wesley Works, when I was twelve.  20 years
later I now own and operate 3 award winning businesses and employee 40
people in downtown Emmaus.

Why are you running for Lehigh County Commissioner?

Lehigh County has been moving in the right direction for a number of years,
BUT we are at a true crossroads in this election.  Extreme agendas and
flawed ideology have ravaged the long standing common sense approach to
County government.  Proposed cuts to things like Meals-on-Wheels, highway
safety programs, and open space and park funding have regularly generated
headlines and packed board rooms with dissatisfied residents and elected
officials of all parties.  Common sense thinking about how Lehigh County
uses Federal and State grant money to help pay for progress has all but been
lost.  Meaning, some on the current board are actually saying NO to grant
money and letting it go to other counties in the state and country under the
guise that it will somehow save the national debt. Unfortunately it does not
and only hurts us here in Lehigh County through missed opportunities.  As
County Commissioner,  I will remain focused on the residents here in our
county and not nationally charged political issues.  Fortunately for all
residents of Lehigh County, we can continue the long standing forward
progress of past boards by electing the right candidates in this election.
As a business owner for the last 20 years I promise to bring my common sense
approach to Lehigh County.


What qualifies you to serve on the county board?

Experience with proven results.  I was fortunate to have been raised in an
environment that encouraged an ambitious work ethic and strong leadership
skills early on.  At the age of twelve I started my first business, Wesley
Works.  20 years later I now own and operate 3 award winning businesses and
employee 40 people.

Eight years ago I realized we need better, smarter government, and people in
office that get the impact they have on our businesses and community when
making decisions.  I decided to run for Borough Council in Emmaus, which
I’ve been honored to serve on since 2005.  Proudly, Emmaus has been voted
one of the top 100 places to live in America TWICE during my tenure.


What do you see as the board's primary role and responsibilities?

Commissioners are the legislators for Lehigh County.  The actions we take
will have a direct effect on the quality of life here in Lehigh County.
Cutting everything and saying NO to Federal and State grant money is not the
answer.  Through a balanced approach we have a responsibility to the
taxpayers to make our county a better place to live, raise a family, start a
business or retire.  I will use my 20 years of business ownership experience
and 8 years as a Borough Councilman in Emmaus to help lead this charge.


Tell us about three major challenges facing Lehigh County and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):

It goes without saying that fiscal responsibility is important to all
voters.  We have to do it at home and at work and so should our government.
As a business owner for the last 20 years I understand the importance of
living within our means and spending money only when it is necessary and
backed by the will of the people.

Continual investment in our communities is a key factor to preserving the
high quality of life that Lehigh County residents have grown accustom to.
A short-sighted approach that cuts services for seniors, funding for parks
and open space, or highways and bridges will only set us up for future
failures and diminished quality of life.  I will remain focused on the long
term goals of the residents of Lehigh County through a balanced approach
that weighs all of today's and tomorrow's economic impacts.

Improving our economy will be a key factor in keeping Lehigh County
sustainable.    I will draw from my vast business experiences in multiple
industries, including real estate, to keep Lehigh County's economy growing.
Making our county attractive to businesses will help our downtowns continue
to improve and hire more employees.  It will keep our neighborhoods
desirable places to live which is helpful in attracting large employers to
relocate to our area bringing more well paying jobs. 


How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?

I have been greeted with overwhelming support since announcing my candidacy.

We raised over $11,000 in the month of April and I expect that same support
to continue until I am elected.  All funding has been generated by private
local contributions.


What, if any, endorsements have you received?

Equality Pennsylvania

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and
Twitter.

http://www.facebook.com/electwesleybarrett

www.wesleybarrett.com