In the following interview with Lamont McClure, Northampton county executive you’ll learn his take on the context of the warehouse development in the Lehigh Valley and more. We discuss his role and responsibilities, and various other issues affecting the the Lehigh Valley today. This is the first in what will become a series of episodes where I meet with our elected officials, and those who seek office, to better understand their perspectives and what motivates them. I am always looking for feedback. Please send any comments or questions to sjctalks@gmail.com 00:00 What the Executive does 5:20 Fair elections 10:45 Are local Politics as polarized at the local level? Differences between Democrats and Republicans 11:30 Why did you choose the Democratic Party 13:00 Perspective on Republican point of view. 16:00 Warehouses 18:30 The effect of the collapse of Bethlehem Steel as it relates to the economic development efforts in the Lehigh Valley 20:00 Land preservation. 22:30 Farmland preservation particulars 24:40 Zoning 29:30 Attracting white collar jobs to the Valley and help for small businesses 32:20 Resources for entrepreneurs/small businesses 34:00 Mental Health in the Lehigh Valley 36:40 The role of unions in our economy 43:45 The call to public service 46:00 Taxes 48:15 Lamont asks me questions about my career