Mitchell announces run for Lucerne County Council

Lucerne County Councilor Matthew Mitchell announced his bid for a full term on County Council.

He is seeking the Republican nomination for one of six county council positions on the ballot in the May 16 primary. Mitchell was appointed to the council last year to fill the seat vacated by the election of Robert Schnee as state representative.

“Born and raised in Kingston, I am a financial conservative and a lifelong resident of Lucerne County, which understands the importance of sound financial principles and responsible budgeting to the citizens of our county,” Mitchell said. “While on the county council, I have been committed to ensuring that our county provides the highest quality service at a price that taxpayers can afford.”

During his tenure on the council, Mitchell said he acted as the conservative voice of the hard-working men and women he represents. As a new member of the county council, he worked with his financially conservative colleagues to eliminate unnecessary spending and control spending to reduce the county’s original budget, which would have required a much larger increase to balance the budget.

“I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to advance fiscally responsible government where taxpayer money is spent wisely and prudently,” Mitchell said. “I will also continue to work side by side with our elected state and local officials, as well as our existing businesses, to ensure Lucerne County remains a supportive environment where more well-paying jobs can be created for our workers.”

Mitchell is the geographic information systems (GIS) coordinator for the Wyoming Valley Health Authority. In this role, he works with 32 local municipalities to help them meet state and federal stormwater management requirements. Mitchell also works in Public Affairs, where he works with local environmental nonprofits, community groups and schools to raise awareness about water quality and conservation issues.

“As a lifelong resident of Lucerne County, I understand that nothing is more important than the health and safety of our residents,” Mitchell said. “While serving on the county council, I have had the pleasure of interacting and working with law enforcement, firefighters and paramedics who are risking their lives to protect us. I am running to continue standing up for these dedicated men and women who protect our families.”

Mitchell laid out a four-point plan that would allow him to continue to provide conservative, common-sense leadership for all residents for another four-year term:

• Promote fiscally responsible government where taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.

• Work side by side with existing businesses to create more jobs in our area.

• Support law enforcement, firefighters and paramedics who keep us safe.

• Provide high quality services to keep our county a great place to live and work.

“The reason I am seeking full-term County Council membership is simple: I intend to use my experience, skills, and deep knowledge of the county to protect taxpayers and provide the first-class service our families deserve,” Mitchell concluded.