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Political Landscape

FEDERAL

Executive Branch:

Donald Trump (R)
JD Vance (R)

Legislative:

Senate:

David McCormick (R)
John Fetterman

House of Representatives:

Ryan Mackenzie (R) – 7th congressional district
Rob Breshnahan (R)– 8th congressional district
Dan Meuser (R) – 9th congressional district (Adjacent)

STATE

Executive:

Josh Shapiro (D)
Austin David (D)

Legislative:

PA State Senate:

Rosemary Brown (R) – Monroe, Wayne
Lisa Baker (R) – Pike, Wayne
David Argall (R) - Carbon

PA House of Representatives:

Tara Probst (D) – 189th District - represents parts of Monroe County, including Smithfield Township, the boroughs of Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg, and Stroudsburg, and parts of Middle Smithfield and Stroud townships. And represents Delaware, Lehman, and Porter townships in Pike County.
Maureen Madden (D) – 115th District - represents parts of Monroe County, including the townships of Barrett, Coolbaugh, Paradise, Pocono, Price, and parts of Middle Smithfield and Stroud, and Mt. Pocono Borough.
Jack Rader (R) – 176th District - represents parts of Monroe County, including the townships of Chestnuthill, Eldred, Hamilton, Jackson, Polk, Ross, Tobyhanna, and Tunkhannock.
Doyle Heffley (R) – 122nd District - all of Carbon County
Jonathan Fritz (R) – 111th District – parts of Wayne County
Jeff Olsommer (R) – 139th District – parts of Wayne County, most of Pike County

COUNTY

What Positions matter to STR owners & why:

County Commissioners

Why they matter:

They are the executive and legislative authority for the county.
They approve budgets for departments that enforce STR-related rules (planning, zoning, code enforcement, tourism, emergency services).
They influence county-wide policy positions and intergovernmental cooperation with townships/municipalities.
They appoint people to critical boards (planning commission, housing authorities, tourism boards).

STR Impact Areas:

✔️ Tourism investment
✔️ Housing/affordable housing initiatives
✔️ County code priorities
✔️ Regional economic development

County Planning Department / Planning Director

Why they matter:

They set the framework for comprehensive plans, land use priorities, housing policy, and future development trends.
Municipalities often align ordinances with county planning guidance.

STR Impact Areas:

✔️ Long-term zoning direction
✔️ Density restrictions
✔️ Housing mix and availability
✔️ Infrastructure (roads, broadband) that affects STR viability

County Recorder of Deeds

Why they matter:

They maintain property ownership records and may handle:
- STR registration documents
- Deed restrictions
- HOA-related filings that affect STR use

STR Impact Areas:

✔️ Identifying deed limitations
✔️ Clarity on ownership for multi-owner STRs

County Dept of Health

Why they matter:

In some counties, they regulate wells, septic, pools, and hot tubs, which STRs rely on.
They may also enforce sanitation or occupancy-related health codes.

STR Impact Areas:

✔️ Water/well testing
✔️ Septic requirements
✔️ Hot tub & pool compliance
✔️ Mold, pests, and habitability regulations

County Tourism Agency (Think PMVB)

Why they matter:

They influence economic narrative around STRs.
They track traveler trends and support tourism-friendly policy.
They can become powerful allies during regulatory debates.

STR Impact Areas:

✔️ Marketing & destination development
✔️ Advocacy partnerships
✔️ Economic impact studies

County Treasurer

Why they matter:

Oversee hotel occupancy tax / room tax collection and enforcement in many PA counties.
Administer delinquency processes, audits, and compliance.

STR Impact Areas:

✔️ Room tax registration
✔️ Filing & payment requirements
✔️ Compliance notices / penalties
✔️ Coordination with booking platforms

Tax Assessor

Why they matter:

They determine property assessments that affect STR owners' property taxes.
Classification decisions (residential vs. commercial) can significantly affect tax burdens.

STR Impact Areas:

✔️ Assessment appeals
✔️ Reclassification risks
✔️ Valuation of STR improvements

County Zoning Board

Why they matter:

In counties where townships DO NOT have their own zoning (rare in the Poconos), county zoning rules apply.
They handle appeals, variances, and some enforcement issues.

STR Impact Areas:

✔️ Legal interpretations
✔️ Variances for nonconforming lots
✔️ Hearings on zoning disputes

(Note: In the Poconos, zoning is mostly municipal, but county interpretation/support still matters.)

County Sheriff / Public Safety Officials

Why they matter:

Oversee public safety coordination, emergency response, and sometimes nuisance property enforcement.
They may collaborate with municipalities on noise violations, occupancy enforcement, or safety inspections.