Laura Ray
Lower Saucon Township Council
A Bit About Me
I grew up in Saucon Valley and raised my daughter here. I enjoy the outdoors and love the rolling hills and the charm of the old farms in Lower Saucon. An avid animal lover, I enjoy having a variety of fur and feather babies!
If elected, I’d implement changes to the current public comment policy on day one. This would include restoring the ability for anyone to participate in Council meetings regardless of residency and allowing public comment after an agenda item is discussed. Open communication and transparency in our local government need to be restored.
I've served on the Lower Saucon Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) for over 16 years and am dedicated to maintaining the rural character of the township. Preserving open space and protecting our environment are important. It's a key feature that makes our township a desirable place to live. Development should be done in a responsible manner. The plan to destroy a large area of forested land for the profit of an out-of-state company is not responsible.
I've volunteered for over 25 years at several non-profit organizations in Saucon Valley. My volunteer service reflects my dedication to supporting my community.
Witnessing the unnecessary degradation of the relationship with Hellertown has motivated me to seek a position on Lower Saucon Township Council. Working to restore full library services with Hellertown Area Library in a non-litigious manner is a high priority. Repairing the damage that has been done to our community partnerships is very important. Too much taxpayer money has been wasted on unnecessary legal battles. Lower Saucon Township and Hellertown Borough are one community, we are Saucon Valley Together! Our residents deserve leadership that acts in the best interest of our community.
The manner in which changes are being pushed through without due diligence or regard for residents' concerns is disrespectful to all of the community. My running mates and I are not beholden to others, we don't owe favors, and we all understand that our duty is to serve the residents.
I have actively participated in all Council meetings for the past couple of years. I've questioned many things that I've observed but sadly have not received many answers. If elected I would like to change that. Residents should understand why decisions are made and not be ignored when questions are asked. I would not be an unfamiliar newcomer and would get to work even before day one.
Let's reclaim civility in our Township. I kindly ask for your vote so that I can help do that along with my running mates. We are all Saucon Valley Together!
Career Overview
My profession is in Information Technology (IT) with over 25 years of experience. I currently work in Cyber Security handling privileged access management as well as working as a Business Analyst on integration projects. As an IT analyst, I am trained to be attentive to detail. My work involves analyzing data to find solutions to problems. These skills are very transferrable to working on Council.
Education
Saucon Valley Graduate
Lehigh County Community College: AAS – Business and Computer Programming
Cedar Crest College: BS – Business Administration, concentration in Computer Science
St. Joseph’s University: MBA – Decision and System Sciences
Muhlenberg College: Post-graduate Certificate – Data Analytics
Community Service
Jan 2007 – Present (16 years)
Lower Saucon Township
Environmental Advisory Council (EAC)
Jan 2005 - Jan 2015 (10 years)
Saucon Valley Conservancy
Vice President, Treasurer
2005-2007 (2 years)
Saucon Creek Watershed Association
Steering Committee
2004-2013 (9 years)
Lower Saucon Township Historical Society
Board of Director, Webmaster
1997-2000 (3 years)
Saucon Valley Jaycees
Treasurer, President
Accomplishments include:
Open space program supported by three successful open space referendums.
Successful electronics recycling events.
Adopt-A-Road clean-up program.
Educational lecture programs.
Liaison to Springfield Township EAC to assist in the creation of their Source Water Protection Plan.
Native plant sales.
Created and maintained an EAC website separate from the Township’s site.
Accomplishments include:
Created and maintained a website to promote the Heller Homestead & local history.
Created quarterly newsletter.
Ran successful community events:
Local Barn Tours
Artist Exhibits (local and student artists)
Open house tours of Heller Homestead
Accomplishments include:
Updating their website.
Assisted with fundraising efforts.
Promote the organization at events such as Community Day.
Accomplishments include:
Created and maintained their website to promote the Lutz Franklin Schoolhouse.
Assisted with fundraising efforts.
Created and edited their quarterly newsletter.
Accomplishments include:
Ran successful community events:
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny / Santa
Easter egg hunt
Sr. Citizens free Thanksgiving dinner