As a county commissioner, Litz serves Lebanon County tirelessly

By Cynthia Boehler-Walsh

What qualities make a good county commissioner?

How about: ability to serve and respond to people’s issues regardless of party, knowledge of how county government works, accessibility, full-time availability, transparency, and fiscal conservancy? Now roll all of that up into a tireless public servant who brings an already complete work experience in local government for that position and you’ve got Jo Ellen Litz.

As someone who was born and raised in Lebanon County and established her family here, Jo Ellen Litz understands how critical it is to have a leader in government who can relate to living in a small rural community where families have everyday issues requiring solutions from those who can affect change and protect their way of life. She grew up with obstacles and turned them into opportunities and learned how to take action to get positive results.

Jo Ellen’s background as a successful businesswoman, an active community volunteer, a crisis response leader during COVID 19, a conservationist for more than 30 years and her current county commissioner experience makes her uniquely qualified to continue to serve her community. Without Jo Ellen’s efforts in keeping her constituents informed through her webpage www.JoEllenLitz.net and Facebook site with informative YouTube videos of meetings and community events, transparency into Lebanon County government would be severely lacking. She also supports current local businesses as well as those new to the Lebanon Valley with introductions by way of video on her media platforms.

On any given day, including weekends, Litz can be found attending county functions or attending public happenings. She is usually a participant whether volunteering to man a booth at the Lebanon Area Fair or helping teach a Junior Achievement class at a local school rather than just as an observer. She regularly records these activities. This is her norm, not just during campaign months. She is all in for her constituents; because to her the job is a full-time one, working for her employer, you the public. She does all this without contemplating or applying for awards or endorsements that she could receive. She has gotten her fair share of recognition with many awards in all facets of her life. Just to name a few, Jo Ellen was honored to receive: Conservationist of the Year (LCCD); Woman of Influence (CPBJ); Woman of the Year and Outstanding Business Woman (LV ABWA); the Athena Award (CC); Democrat of the Year; and Outstanding Woman in Government.

Jo Ellen considers her work in conservation her greatest legacy because generations can be affected by how we treat our “green world.” She has worked with staff employees, volunteers, PA House of Representative members, Senators and Governors and values their help in supporting Lebanon County endeavors as well with the conservation projects she promotes. These include: the preservation and revitalization of over 20,000 acres of Lebanon County farmland, the restoration of the historic Bordner cabin, and an active participation in the establishment and improvement of Camp Rocky Creek, the preservation of Swatara Watershed Park and creation of the 60-mile long Swatara Water Trail, and the improvement of the Lebanon Valley Rails Trail, the Union Canal, Krall Barn, Monument Park, and Governor Dick/Clarence Shock Memorial Park.

Jo Ellen Litz is a people-person. Doing for others is her goal. It isn’t just about politics. She’s active in her community and is a role model and mentor for those whom she encourages to give back to Lebanon County. So please use one of your two votes for county commissioner for Jo Ellen Litz so she can continue to work for you everyday. This election period ends Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Paid by Team Litz, 2302 Guilford St., Lebanon PA 17046. A check in any amount is most welcome. PayPal is at www.JoEllenLitz.net.