ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A proposal to require certain elected county officials to resign before running for another public office didn’t win over the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday night.
Sponsored by Commissioner Ron Beitler, the bill would have placed a referendum on the 2026 general election ballot asking voters whether county officers — including commissioners, the county executive, the district attorney, the sheriff, the coroner, the controller and the clerk of judicial records — should be required to resign from their current positions before seeking another elected office.
Supporters said the measure would help prevent elected officials from using the advantages of incumbency to pursue higher office while addressing job duty fulfillment, as well.
Beitler said the measure would help show voters elected officials are putting forward initiatives they know are good “in their heart of hearts for Lehigh County and are not setting them up for their next run for xyz.”
Commissioner Ron Beitler already has the ordinance drafted.
Opponents argued the proposal could discourage qualified candidates from seeking public service and unfairly burden those who cannot afford to leave their jobs while campaigning.
“It would be just another thing to make it more difficult to do this (role),” commented Commissioner Dan Hartzell.
The proposal sparked an extended discussion about political ambition, public trust and the practical realities facing elected officials.
Several commissioners said voters, rather than legislation, should determine whether officeholders are fulfilling their responsibilities while seeking higher office.
“It’s not something we should necessarily judge or legislate around,” Commissioner Sarah Fevig said.
After the discussion, Beitler suggested amending the proposal, but ultimately withdrew his sponsorship.
“I took my swing and struck out. Sometimes that happens,” Beitler said.
Under board rules, a bill dies when sponsorship is withdrawn.