5.6.09   LEHIGH COUNTY COMMISSIONER PERCY DOUGHERTY MEETS WITH LVAR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE   Shown above (from left to right) – Tiffany Hayward, GAC Vice-Chair; County Commissioner Percy Dougherty (R); Frank Renaldi, GAC Chairman This month’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC) roundtable series featured Lehigh County Commissioner Percy Dougherty (R). Commissioner Dougherty represents District 2 and serves as the President of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Dougherty discussed a variety of topics, including his concerns about the level of spending by the County that he has been fighting. Dougherty mentioned that the county’s proposed budget includes $12 million more in spending that they are taking in. He also discussed the recent Supreme Court ruling that essentially rules Allegheny County’s base year reassessment policy unconstitutional. The impact of this court case on Lehigh County is yet to be determined, although Dougherty mentioned his continued support for a complete overhaul of the assessment law in Pennsylvania. The Roundtable Series serve as a forum for local elected officials to share with our members’ first-hand information on ongoing economic development and revitalization projects, local politics, and other real estate related matters in their respective municipalities. The meetings also serve as an opportunity for REALTORS® to show elected officials that we are organized and interested in the being a part of the public policy making process. By cultivating meaningful relationships, REALTORS® have the opportunity to build vibrant, safe and livable communities in partnership with elected officials.