Mercer County Goverment: Commissioner Spotlight: Lucylle R.S. Walter

Press release from the Mercer County Government:

06/07/2021 9:52 AM

My background typically wouldn't be one you would associate with politics. A master’s degree in education doesn’t seem like a logical transfer to County Commissioner but, in many ways over 30 years of teaching as a special educator, I have seen needs in our communities that many other people rarely see. Those needs have allowed me to assist those who are often set aside by society.

My teaching career began working with students who were classified, at the time, as Socially and Emotionally Disturbed. Today mental health issues are at the forefront of many issues that come before us. Whether it is the county correction center, our special service school district, veteran services, the homeless, or policing, mental health and its impact on our residents is finally getting the attention it deserves. As we look at where to invest, areas of mental health services and addiction services should be one of our top priorities. It is estimated that every dollar invested in these areas saves employers $65 in reducing sick leave, absenteeism, while also increasing productivity. Every dollar spent on employee wellness drops medical costs for employers by an average of $3.27 and absenteeism savings of $2.73. That’s a 6-1 return on investment. Serving as the Vice-President of my teacher’s union I witnessed first-hand how working conditions could negatively or positively affect work production, and as the only Commissioner with a union background, I value placing value in employees.

Later, I taught in self-contained and inclusion classes. The disparity in economic backgrounds, in a school district that had a wealthy and poorer side, demonstrated the effect that disparity had on student’s achievement.

In the early 1990s, I was elected to the Ewing Township School Board.  I took my background in the classroom and brought it to the board.  During my time on the Board, I am proud to say I pushed for and supported projects such as; the construction of the new Parkway along with massive upgrades to other facilities, adding a modern science wing to the high school; placing Apple II-E computers in every classroom, a room capable of large scale electronic communications and making keyboarding a mandatory cycle like art, music, and gym; providing hands-on science kits to elementary students, and restarting the drama program and marching band were all initiatives that I pushed and supported.

We were always looking to the future and that is a skill I have brought with me to the commissioner Board. 

Teaching English, social studies and math gave me a broad interest in all sorts of areas, and marrying a scientist added to my worldview.  I also looked forward to being the stage director for the school drama program every year, which gave me an even greater appreciation of the arts. . Supporting arts programs across the County enhances the lives of our residents.

For seniors and differently-abled, the ability to access these programs is equally important as having them available. This led to my long-term interest and support for the County TRADE program. TRADE expands their access to the county. I continually support its growth in providing needed services to a vulnerable population. As important as the TRADE program is, the health office, which I worked to establish in Mercer County shortly after joining the Board is an important achievement that truly improves our county. I look forward to its expanding services in the years to come.

When I had three children of my own, being able to access sports, parks, and recreation, was essential to our family. Traveling out West I saw the destruction that can be caused by the careless use of resources. If we are going to take climate change and social justice seriously then we have to protect the environment around us as well. Investing in our local communities is a start that will add to the incredible open spaces and parks in Mercer County. This year I helped lead the way as our Board passed our first ever "No Net Tree Loss Policy" that makes the environment a consideration in every project the county takes on. It is aspirational and not binding, yet it establishes a standard to reach that will assist in guaranteeing a healthy future both environmentally and economically.  Particularly in areas of lower socio-economics, walking along tree-lined streets, playing in green spaces, and keeping communities cooler must be the future we plan. Lastly, trees have an economic value. According to arborday.org, every dollar spent on planting and caring for a community tree yields two to five times that investment in increased water quality, cleaner air, storm water control, and increased property values.

So, experience in making projects a reality and life experience adds up to a County Commissioner that can serve the over 350,000 residents of Mercer County and, since retiring, can do so on a full-time basis. 

This press release was produced by the Mercer County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.