Jimmy Sabatino is a dedicated public servant, small business owner, and advocate for smart, sustainable growth in Luzerne County. As the first openly gay person elected to the Luzerne County Council, he has taken on the challenges of rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening the local economy, and ensuring government operates efficiently and responsibly. His leadership is focused on practical solutions that reinvest in people, communities, and long-term success.

At the heart of Jimmy’s work is a commitment to infrastructure—not just fixing what’s broken, but making long-term investments that strengthen the county for future generations. He has been a leading voice in repairing deteriorating roads, replacing aging bridges, and modernizing county facilities to better serve the public. Infrastructure is about more than just roads and buildings—it’s about public safety, economic growth, and ensuring every community has the foundation it needs to thrive. By prioritizing cost-effective, high-impact projects, he is working to make sure taxpayer dollars are reinvested in ways that deliver real results for residents.

Jimmy is also a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and responsible governance. He has fought to keep county spending within the approved budget while prioritizing smart investments that strengthen communities and expand opportunities. He believes taxpayer dollars must be used wisely, ensuring that funding goes toward critical public services and infrastructure improvements rather than wasteful or poorly planned projects. His approach to financial stewardship is rooted in transparency, accountability, and making sure every dollar benefits the people of Luzerne County.

As a small business owner, Jimmy understands firsthand the challenges that local entrepreneurs face—rising costs, workforce shortages, and the struggle to compete with large corporations. Helping manage his family’s Vesuvio’s restaurants in Hazleton, Drums, and Wilkes-Barre, he has seen how county policies directly impact small businesses, shaping his advocacy for cutting unnecessary red tape, expanding access to small business grants, and fostering an economic climate that supports local job creation. He believes that economic development should work for the people who live and work in Luzerne County, ensuring that growth benefits working families and small businesses rather than just large developers.

Beyond policymaking, Jimmy has been deeply involved in the broader community, working with organizations like the United Way, the Commission on Economic Opportunity, and Catholic Social Services to address food insecurity, housing challenges, and other essential needs. He has visited food distribution centers as part of Luzerne County’s American Rescue Plan initiatives and has been an outspoken advocate for sustained investment in food security programs, recognizing that hunger is not just a crisis of the moment but a systemic issue that demands long-term solutions.

His work on the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board reflects his belief that economic success starts with investing in people. He has advocated for expanding job training programs, increasing access to apprenticeships, and strengthening partnerships with local businesses to create pathways to stable, well-paying jobs for Luzerne County residents. A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong economy, and ensuring people have the skills and opportunities to succeed is essential to the county’s long-term growth.

Jimmy is committed to building a stronger, more resilient Luzerne County – one that invests in infrastructure, economic opportunity, and community well-being. Whether it’s fixing roads, ensuring responsible development, or making government work for the people, he remains focused on reinvesting in us – prioritizing solutions that lift up residents, support local businesses, and build a future where everyone in Luzerne County can thrive.