ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday voted to oppose fascism, but not before significant public and commissioner debate and several motions.

Introduced by Commissioner Jon Irons, the commissioners adopted a resolution stating that they “denounce authoritarianism, fascism, communism and tyranny in all forms and affirm the commitment of the Board of Commissioners to defending the constitutional rights of Lehigh County residents.”

Additionally, the measure “unequivocally recognizes the recent actions of the Federal Government as embracing fascist ideology and practice at the very highest levels of government.”

Further, the resolution confirms the commissioners’ firm opposition to fascism and “the dangerous expansion of executive authority, especially with regard to the defiance of Congressional appropriations, Congressional military oversight, judicial orders, access of the free press, and due process for citizens and non-citizens.”

Comments on the resolution were plentiful, with the meeting eventually ending almost into its fourth hour.

Speakers opposing the bill argued that it was divisive and took aim at the Republican Party and the current administration.

“It’s not an anti-fascism resolution; it’s an anti-Trump resolution,” Commissioner Dan Hartzel said.

Others warned the body that their actions might bring unforeseen repercussions to the county in the form of withheld or lesser funding to county programs.

“That wouldn’t be fair, we can’t risk (the taxpayers’) money,” said Hartzel, who called the resolution “nonsense.”

Hartzel said that he has to keep party politics out of his votes.

“I’m governing for all the people, not just the ones that voted for me…which is something I take seriously, “ he said.

Commissioner Ron Beitler said the resolution was outside their scope. He said he wanted to get back to the business of “paying the bills and keeping the lights on.”

Commissioner Antonio Pineda called the resolution “outwardly partisan.” He also said the nonbinding measure would have little legal impact.

Commissioner Sarah Fevig said the measure was divisive as well. “I don’t see a tangible outcome that comes out of this,” she said.

Commissioner Sheila Alvarado said county families are reaching out about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s potential presence in the region.

According to Fevig, the commissioners received public feedback from 53 residents who urged them to support the measure, while 26 were opposed.

The resolution states, “Lehigh County has directly experienced the impact of rising fascism, including detained and deported residents, interrupted and unpredictable funding decisions, and interruption of court proceedings.”

Commissioner Geoff Brace voted in favor of the resolution due to the local impact of federal decisions, especially when it comes to funding.

“Things that happen in (Washington, D. C.) do affect county residents,” Brace said.

Commenter Harry Faber said, “Condemning fascism is … really not that hard.”

Further, the resolution reads, “the rise of fascism at home and abroad is an existential threat to all people in a democracy, particularly people of color, refugees, immigrants, religious minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, indigent people, people with disabilities, and other classes of people protected under Lehigh County’s non-discrimination ordinance.”

During the debate, Commissioner April Riddick suggested tabling the matter for further investigation, given the vigorous discourse, but that was rejected by the board.

The commissioners also considered an amendment to the bill penned by Commissioner Antonio Pineda whose language condemns facsim but removes what he felt was “partisan” language that also fueled division.

Overall, that measure was voted down after public comment that both supported and condemned the measure.

The vote was 5-4, with the measure narrowly passing.

In other news, the board made a series of appointments.

Justin Grimshaw and Jeanne McNeil were confirmed to the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority with terms to expire Dec. 31, 2030

Caren Lowrey, Alicia Conjour, Grace Chehoud-Vangelo, and Charles Roca were confirmed as members of the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2028.

Dennis Geiger, Benjamin Iobst, and Henry Moore were confirmed as members of the Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities Board with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2028.

Susan J. Hausman was confirmed to the Children and Youth Advisory Council with a term expiring on Dec. 31, 2029. Matthew Schneider, Thomas L. Gettings, Arthur A. Swallow, Peter Wisser, and Steve Bachman were confirmed as members of the Sterling Raber Agricultural Land Preservation Board with terms to expire Dec. 31, 2028. E. Harry McGuirk and Mark C. Bartholomew were confirmed to the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority with terms to expire Dec.31, 2030. Lastly, Minal Amin was confirmed to the Lehigh County Authority – with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2030.