Susan Wild on Public Service, Politics, and the Future of the Lehigh Valley

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Guests:

  • Susan Wild – Former U.S. Congresswoman, Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District

In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley With Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with former U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild to discuss her time in office, the current state of politics, and the future of the Lehigh Valley. From advocating for lower prescription drug prices to ensuring the Lehigh Valley gets the attention it deserves on the national stage, Susan shares insights from her career and what comes next.

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https://youtu.be/DAfVHJVY_PQ?si=uqXa167FCrF-SHAW
 

 

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Episode Recap

Life After Congress & Future Plans

Susan Wild reflects on her six years representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and shares how she’s still deeply involved in advocating for local organizations and causes. While she has not yet made a final decision about running for office again, she emphasizes the importance of supporting Democratic candidates who can challenge Ryan Mackenzie in the next election.

“I think it’s really important that somebody run on the Democratic side who can beat Ryan Mackenzie… If it’s not me, I will be getting behind whoever the strongest Democratic candidate is.”

Advocating for Community Resources

Wild discusses how the Lehigh Valley has historically been overshadowed by Philadelphia and Pittsburgh when it comes to securing federal funding. During her tenure, she made it a priority to ensure that the Lehigh Valley received its fair share of resources.

“We’re the third largest and fastest-growing region in Pennsylvania, and I made it my mission to bring millions of dollars back to the Lehigh Valley.”

She also highlights the critical need for continued support for local organizations, especially as political shifts at the national level could lead to funding challenges for nonprofits, education, and healthcare.

Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

One of Susan’s proudest accomplishments was her work on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, particularly insulin. She explains how she came to realize the severity of the issue through conversations with constituents and how it became a legislative priority.

“I made it my mission to push for reduced drug prices, and we finally made breakthroughs through the Inflation Reduction Act. Insulin costs have come down, and we’re continuing to negotiate lower prices for other life-saving medications.”

The Problem with Modern Politics

The conversation shifts to the broader political landscape, where Wild discusses how modern political figures are more focused on gaining attention than governing. She criticizes the influence of money in politics and how viral moments often dictate fundraising success.

“Some of the craziest things we’ve seen—like people suggesting we put Donald Trump on a $250 bill—are done for attention because they know it will bring in donations.”

She also highlights the challenges of being a moderate politician in today’s political climate, where bipartisan efforts often go unnoticed compared to the more extreme voices on both sides.

The Lehigh Valley’s Future

Looking ahead, Wild expresses optimism about the Lehigh Valley’s growth but warns about the challenges of urban sprawl and warehouse expansion. She stresses the importance of balancing economic development with responsible planning.

“We need to ensure that we don’t turn the Lehigh Valley into just another suburb of Philadelphia. Growth is great, but it has to be done in a way that maintains our region’s character.”

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

As the discussion wraps up, Wild talks about the need for younger voices in politics and her desire to mentor future leaders.

“If I decide not to run, it will be because I believe in mentoring and passing the baton. We need more young people in politics, and we have to give them the support they need.”

She shares her vision of creating an initiative in the Lehigh Valley to educate and engage young people in public service, whether through running for office or getting involved in advocacy work.

Maraleen Shields for Lehigh County Judge | Choosing the Lehigh Valley

You may know the Braddock area of the state from Pennsylvania Senate conentendor John Fetterman, but the Lehigh Valley also has someone with western PA steel roots looking to make a difference in the Lehigh Valley.

In this episode we talk with Maraleen Shields who is running for Lehigh County Judge. If elected, she’d be the first African-American judge and only the second to speak Spanish in the county’s long history.

We talk about hot dogs for an extended period of time as well. 😛

Check out her website.

Our featured local non-profit this week is New Bethany Ministries!

Thank you to our partners:

Burke Insurance Agency 

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

and our Season Featured Partner, Venture X

 


– Get all of our links here.

– Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

– Want to be a guest on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast?


Watch the video episode here or below 

Ce-Ce Gerlach | Fighting for Allentown

In this episode, we talk with Allentown City Councilwoman and Allentown Mayoral candidate Ce-Ce Gerlach. Ce-Ce’s story is truly remarkable, especially the way in which she initially go involved in politics…

We talk about her upbringing in Maryland, what brought her to the Allentown area (spoiler: it was Cedar Crest College was Cedar Crest College) and why she’s running for mayor. Ce-Ce talks about her top 3 issues; Economic Justice, Housing Justice, and Reimagining Public Safety.

Check out her website.

I don’t want to get TOO in the political weeds here, but the Allentown Mayoral race is shaping up to be an important and interesting one with some fascinating personalities. We had Matt Tuerk on in a previous episode and I encourage you to take a listen.

Enjoy the video episode below.

Our featured local non-profit this week is New Bethany Ministries!

 

Thank you to our partners:

Burke Insurance Agency 

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

and our Season Featured Partner, Venture X

 


– Get all of our links here.

– Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

– Want to be a guest on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast?


Watch the video episode here or below 

Matt Tuerk | Literally Running for Mayor of Allentown

Today we’re talking with Allentown Mayoral hopeful and the former Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation VP, Matt Tuerk, who has been running the streets of Allentown to get to know it just a little bit better…

We talk about his path from East Stroudsburg to Colorado to South Carolina to Allentown and why travel helps you appreciate where you come from and where you are.

We talk to him about why he’s running and what he envisions the future of Allentown to be and of course we talk about Yocco’s a little more in-depth than is needed.

Check out his website.

Enjoy the video episode below.

Thank you to our partners:

Burke Insurance Agency 

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

and our Season Featured Partner, Venture X


– Get all of our links here.

– Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

– Want to be a guest on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast?


Watch the video episode here or below 

Pennsylvania Rep. Peter Schweyer | COVID, Allentown, State Budgets, and Hot Dogs

In this episode, we talk with with Peter Schweyer, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing District 22 in Lehigh County.

Peter is Allentown born and bred. We talk about his time growing up, what got him into politics, we talk about how his district was on the other side of the state a few years ago, the current covid situation including the state choosing to use billions in CARE act money for budgetary purposes, and. of course, hot dogs. Oh, and some Gremlins to boot. 

This is the final episode for Season 3 of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast. We hope you enjoyed this season. I want to thank all of our guests and our sponsor, Burke Insurance Agency,

Look for Season 4 soon!


This episode is brought to you by Burke Insurance Agency


Welcome to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

The aim of this podcast is to connect you to stories and personalities living in or affecting the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, encompassing the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and many other wonderful communities in-between.

We talk to business owners, musicians, authors, students, politicians, and maybe even you.


Get all of our links here.

Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

Want to be a guest on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast?

Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast Episode 037: Congressional Candidate Susan Wild

We were able to meet with Congressional Candidate Susan Wild leading up to the November 6th elections.

Learn a little more about The Westgate Mall, what Lehigh Valley hotdog Susan loves most, and a bunch of other stuff.

Be sure to visit Susan Wild’s website.

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Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (www.sunsetsnorth.com)

Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast Episode 036: Congressional Candidate Tim Silfies (and the WWE!)

We’re focusing a bit on politics this month leading up to the November 6 elections and we’ve welcomed on Tim Silfies, who is running for Congress in District 7 not as a Republican, not as a Democrat, but something different.

We talk to Tim about his life in the Lehigh Valley, working for various news outlets, and how having his dad as a director for the WWE affected elementary school. We also dive into exactly what being a Libertarian means when it comes to local politics.

Learn more about Tim on his Website and on his Facebook and Twitter.

——–

Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (www.sunsetsnorth.com)

Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast Episode 035: Tom Applebach for Pennsylvania State Representative 134th District

We’re focusing a bit on politics this month leading up to the November 6 elections and we’ve welcomed on Tom Applebach, candidate for the Pennsylvania State Representative 134th District. Tom talks about his military history and work as Lehigh County Director of Veterans Affairs.

Learn more about Tom on his website and make sure you register to vote!

——–

Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (www.sunsetsnorth.com)

Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast Episode 033: 137th State Rep. District Candidate Amy Cozze

We welcome our first political candidate to the podcast in Amy Cozze, who is running for the 137th State Representative District in Pennsylvania.

We talk with Amy on how parking tickets got her started on her journey into politics and how she continues to balance her campaigning, work, and family leading up to election day on November 6.

Visit her website for more information!

——–

Subscribe to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.

This episode features the Song “Goodbye Syndrome” by Sunsets North. (www.sunsetsnorth.com)