VOTERS GUIDE EDITOR Ann Bartholomew – Lehigh County ABOUT THIS GUIDE The material in this guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the league. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and by editing from the bottom when a candidate’s reply exceeded the word limit. In those instances, /// appears at the end of the response to indicate it exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot. They are listed according to their ballot order. PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The league is nonpartisan: It does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. ABSENTEE VOTING Registered voters who are ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot. Completed applications for civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county Board of Elections by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013. Completed civilian absentee ballots must be received back at the Board of Elections by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call your county Board of Elections for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency may be required. An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county Board of Elections. WRITE-IN VOTING Information for write-in voting will be available at the polling place. ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the county Board of Elections. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the county Board of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted. N WITH ERATIO TERS OP D IN CO N VO REPARE E OF WOME P AGU THE LE RS TE VO DE UI G OUNTY C LEHIGH TION E L EC 13 20 OV. 5 DAY, N .-8 P.M. TUES 7 A.M OPEN POLLS IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS The state courts have delayed full implementation of the vote ID law pending resolution of a legal challenge. Poll workers will still ask voters for a photo ID under the former first-time voter’s law, but no voter will be prohibited from voting if they don’t have one. ONLINE VOTERS GUIDE The Voters Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania homepage: www.palwv.org CERTIFICATION NOTE As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed is accurate, based upon the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Elections unofficial ballot. INFORMATION Lehigh County 610-432-1456 Or visit www.lwvlv.org This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth © 2013 LWVPA-CEF PRINTED AS A PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE MORNING CALL ELECTION COVERAGE Look for voter checklists on Monday, Nov. 4, and follow the election online all day Nov. 5 on themorningcall.com Reports Photos Videos Live vote tallies Follow on Twitter #lvelection VOTERS GUIDE PENNSYLVANIA Copyright 2013 LWVPA-CEF The League of Women Voters publishes this information neither to endorse nor to reject the views of any candidate quoted and does not assume responsibility for the contents of a candidate’s reply. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations in the interest of space and to edit from the bottom of a candidate’s answer when the total response exceeds the word limit. The candidates were asked to list their education, occupation and qualifications for the office they seek. They were also asked to reply to the questions following the job description of each office. Candidates were asked: Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not? THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT 2 The Superior Court is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide intermediate appellate courts. This court, which was established in 1895, reviews most of the civil and criminal cases that are appealed from the Courts of Common Pleas in the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. The Superior Court consists of 15 judges who serve 10-year terms. The president judge of Superior Court is elected to a five-year term by his or her colleagues. A huge volume of appeals flows to Superior Court from the trial courts. Generally, appeals are heard by panels of three judges sitting in Philadelphia, Harrisburg or Pittsburgh. The court often is the final arbiter of legal disputes. Although the Supreme Court may grant a petition for review of a Superior Court decision, most such petitions are denied and the ruling of the Superior Court stands. Term: 10 years Salary: $188,337 Vote for one Republican VIC STABILE Carlisle http://www.vicstabile.com D.O.B.: 1957 EDUCATION: 1982, Dickinson School of Law, J.D., member Law Review, 1979, SUNY Stonybrook, cum laude, B.A. OCCUPATION: Partner and managing member – Dilworth Paxson LLP, Harrisburg. QUALIFICATIONS: Over 30 years of significant trial and appellate experience, former appellate judicial clerk, former Lehigh County deputy attorney general, recognized for exemplary community and pro bono work. RESPONSE: I have been involved in both the election and merit selection of judges. While election may depend heavily on funding, merit selection may eliminate qualified candidates for political reasons. Neither system is a panacea. Some combination of the best parts of each system that enables the best qualified candidates to be selected by the citizens of Pennsylvania and provides a method for fair and accessible competition would, in my opinion, improve the current system of judicial selection. Democrat JACK MCVAY JR. Pittsburgh D.O.B.: 1956 EDUCATION: Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, bachelor of science, 1980; University of Pittsburgh, summer classes; Duquesne University School of Law, juris doctorate, 1984. OCCUPATION: Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge, Family Division. QUALIFICATIONS: Highly recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association. Recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Nearly 30 years of experience practicing law in both the public and private sector. Six years of experience serving as a trial judge in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas, Family Division. RESPONSE: To my thinking, I cannot envision an elected or merit selection system that is free from political considerations influencing the process. I believe putting the focus of reform on eliminating the direct election of judges is misplaced. Rather, I support reforms that will mitigate the role money plays in the process, perhaps capping individual and political action committee donation levels and creating campaign spending disincentives. At this time, I prefer to trust the voters. RETENTION QUESTIONS JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is a court of last resort that sits only en banc and presides over a mixture of direct and discretionary appeals. Every Supreme Court justice votes on every matter, including direct appeals, capital appeals (direct and collateral), allocaturs, discretionary appeals, Children’s Fast Track matters, gaming appeals, grand jury appeals, legislative redistricting appeals, King’s Bench petitions, certified questions from federal courts, election appeals, emergency petitions, petitions for review, judicial disciplinary matters, attorney disciplinary matters, recommen- dations from eight rules committees and six court-related boards, miscellaneous petitions, ancillary matters, and pro se matters. The court’s complement of seven justices is not supplemented with senior justices, and when the court is shorthanded, as it was for over a year recently, the remaining justices must take on the added workload. Most often, but not exclusively the court reviews: •Requests for discretionary appeals from the Commonwealth Court and Superior Court •Direct Appeals from a lower court’s decision, including when a sentence of death is issued •Requests to intervene in a lower court’s proceedings •Requests to deliver a body from illegal detention Term: 10 Years Salary: $199,606. (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court salary: $205,415) Vote Yes or No Shall Max Baer be retained for an additional term as justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? Pittsburgh D.O.B.: 1947 EDUCATION: 1971—B.A. University of Pittsburgh; 1975—J.D. Duquesne University; 1985-1986—Robert Morris College, Masters of Tax Program; 2013—Hon. J.D. Widener University. OCCUPATION: Supreme Court justice. QUALIFICATIONS: Trial court judge, Allegheny County—13 years; administrative judge, Family Division—10 years; Pa Child Advocacy Award 1999; PA Dept. of Public Welfare, Adoption Advocate of the Year 1997; Champion of Children Award, Most Valuable Peacemaker 2004. RESPONSE: No. Election is a grounding, humbling experience. It’s good for our judges to be grounded and humble. No objection to expanded pre-requisites for judges. Shall Ronald D. Castille be retained for an additional term as justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? Philadelphia D.O.B.: 1944 EDUCATION: Auburn University 1966; University of Virginia Law 1971. OCCUPATION: Supreme Court justice. QUALIFICATIONS: Philadelphia district attorney, elected twice; 5 years in Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office; Supreme Court of PA, 20 years.; 1st Lt. USMC (Ret); Bronze Star; two Purple Heart medals. RESPONSE: I support the proposition. I have always (since 1993) thought the electoral process is the wrong way to select judges. Politics doesn’t always give the best judges and the natural tendency of citizens is to think that elected judges are beholden to the political parties and special interest supporters of the candi- date. JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Term: 10 years Salary: $188,337 Vote Yes or No Shall Susan Peikes Gantman be retained for an additional term as judge of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? Narberth D.O.B.: 1952 EDUCATION: 1974 University of Pennsylvania, B.A., M.A.; 1977 Villanova University School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: Judge, Superior Court of Pennsylvania. QUALIFICATIONS: Judge, 9 3/4 years, 162 precedential opinions including 18 en banc opinions 2162 memorandum decisions and dispositions; partner private practice; former assistant district attorney; e practice; former assistant district attorney. RESPONSE: I would not support the amendment. Fair and impartial courts are a guarantor of justice in our democracy. Competitive elections are the most democratic manner to make judges accountable to the public. An independent commission of the Pennsylvania Bar Association reviews judicial candidates and recommended Judge Gantman’s retention stating: “[She] is recognized as possessing exemplary knowledge of legal principles. . . . Her integrity and personal character are beyond reproach and she is held in high esteem.” Shall Jack Panella be retained for an additional term as judge of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? Palmer Township www.facebook.com/jackpanellacampaign D.O.B.: 1955 EDUCATION: 1977, St. John’s University, B.S. with honors; 1980, Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America, J.D. with honors. OCCUPATION: Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. QUALIFICATIONS: Trial and appellate judge for 23 years; former president, judge of Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline; authored two books for judges and lawyers. RESPONSE: I would support true merit selection which would operate without political influences. This process would utilize representation by diverse organizations and professionals differentiating it from typical appointment systems. Negative campaigning is fueled by excessive spending. The tone which dominated the campaign for the Supreme Court in 2009 is truly regrettable. While I never questioned my own judicial integrity, I made a personal pledge to never again raise money for a judicial office. Lehigh County MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE Term: 6 years Candidates were asked: “What three suggestions do you have to improve court procedures and efficiency?” MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT 31-1-02 Allentown Wards 4, 7 and 11 Vote for one Whitehall Township; borough of Coplay Vote for one Republican/Democrat ROBERT C. HALAL MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT 31-2-02 North Whitehall Township; South Whitehall Township Republican Vote for one CHRISTY SCHLOTTMAN D.O.B.: 1978 EDUCATION: East Stroudsburg High School, 1997; American University, B.A., 2001; Suffolk University Law School, J.D., 2004. OCCUPATION: Prosecutor and attorney in private practice. QUALIFICATIONS: I am an assistant district attorney, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor crimes. I also have my own law office. I have seven years of experience practicing law, including both trial and appellate work, and have handled the types of cases that would be appearing before me. RESPONSE: 1. Hearing criminal matters as soon as the parties are ready so that I can get the police officers out of the courtroom and back on the streets of Allentown. 2. Communicating continuances to all parties, prior to the date of the hearing. 3. Ensuring that matters are promptly rescheduled. Republican/Democrat MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT 31-1-07 Vote for one Republican/Democrat DAN TREXLER LEHIGH COUNTY BALLOT QUESTIONS Vote Yes or No Shall the Lehigh County Home Rule Charter be amended to add a new section requiring voter approval for issuance by the county of “private activity bonds,” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, or of taxable “lease rental debt,” as defined by the Pennsylvania Local Government Unit Debt Act? RETENTION QUESTIONS Vote Yes or No JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Shall Kelly L. Banach be retained for an additional term as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 31st Judicial District, Lehigh County? Shall Brian Johnson be retained for an additional term as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 31st Judicial District, Lehigh County? Candidates were asked: “What do you view as the major issue in this campaign and how will you address it?” COUNTY EXECUTIVE Democrat THOMAS MULLER Lower Macungie Township www.muller4exec.com D.O.B.: 1944 EDUCATION: Morristown (N.J.) High School, 1962; B.S. journalism and B.S. business, Syracuse University, 1966; MBA (Cum Laude), Fairleigh Dickinson University (Evening Division), 1968. OCCUPATION: Director of administration – Lehigh County (7.5 years). QUALIFICATIONS: 7.5 years as director of administration for Lehigh County; 40+ years’ business experience, including COO of Crayola; executive vice president — Victaulic and CEO of Sandoz Consumer HealthCare; extensive board experience: chairman of Easton Hospital Board of Directors. RESPONSE: The major issue facing Lehigh County is finding ways to continue to meet the county’s obligations to provide its citizens with a safe community, job opportunities and a high quality of life. I intend to continue to work with the municipalities, the private sector and nonprofits and to increase the outreach to our citizens to ensure that the county is focused on the right priorities and succeeding in meeting them. The county can positively impact citizens’ lives. COMMISSIONERS Term: 4 years Vote for one Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican THOMAS C. CREIGHTON III Lynn Township D.O.B.: 1968 EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Widener University, 1991, Chester. OCCUPATION: Constituent services for the House of Representatives: Gary Day’s office. QUALIFICATIONS: Lynn Township supervisor six years. Current Lehigh County commissioner, 3.5 years. Common-sense approach to issues that are based in fiscally sound and responsible representation. RESPONSE: Budget/taxes — while serving Lynn Township, I worked to lower the tax rate from 1.3 mills to the present rate of 1 mill. As a county commissioner, I was able to work with the Board of Commissioners to cut the county budget by $3.5 million in 2012. You deserve a simple, efficient, transparent, county government. That is what I will strive for now and will continue to work toward when re-elected. Democrat WILLIAM LEINER JR. Coplay D.O.B.: 1953 EDUCATION: Whitehall High, 1971; B.A. Moravian College, 1984; A.A.S.-RN Northampton Community College, 1993; M.S. St. Frances University, 2005; A.A. Penn State, 2009. OCCUPATION: Director, New Vitae Inc. QUALIFICATIONS: Coplay Council member, 2012 to present; Lehigh County commissioner 2008-10; Coplay mayor, 19982007; Coplay Council member 1996-97; Coplay Town Watch, 1997 to present; Coplay Scholarship Fund Committee – founder and chairman. RESPONSE: Lehigh County needs a Board of Commissioners that supports economic development and respects the taxpayer. As an elected official, I have never voted for a tax increase. I am the only Coplay mayor to tie-break vote to avoid a tax hike; the only Coplay mayor to veto a council budget in order to reduce taxes. Our county faces many challenges. These challenges will be successfully met when the board stops operating under an ideology hampering economic development. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 RASHID O. SANTIAGO www.RashidSantiagoforJudge.com D.O.B.: 1984 EDUCATION: Gwynedd Mercy College, B.S., 2007; Widener University School of Law, J.D., 2010. OCCUPATION: Attorney. QUALIFICATIONS: Private law practice (present); judicial law clerk, Berks County Court of Common Pleas, 2011-13; adjunct instructor, Lehigh Carbon Community College, criminal justice, 2010-11; certified legal intern, Lehigh County district attorney’s office, 2009, 2010-11; legal intern, Tallman, Hudders & Sorrentino P.C., 2009; intern, Widener Veterans Law Clinic, 2008. Professional memberships: Bar Association of Lehigh County; Pennsylvania Bar Association. RESPONSE: 1. Uniformity: Establish more countywide programs. For example, a uniform truancy program would benefit the courts as well as the students, parents and schools. 2. E-filing system: Allow parties to file legal documents over the Internet. 3. Information technology: Replace outdated and inefficient computers and technology. MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT 31-3-03 Coopersburg; Lower Milford Township.; Upper Saucon Township SCOTT OTT Lower Macungie Township http://votescottott.org/ D.O.B.: 1961 EDUCATION: Palisades High School, 1979; B.A. in liberal arts, journalism from Penn State, 1983. OCCUPATION: Writer/host PJTV.com (current events and historical commentary), Lehigh County commissioner. QUALIFICATIONS: Lehigh County commissioner, elected November 2011; elected Pennsylvania State Republican Committee for Lehigh County, 2010; executive director, Lehigh County Republican Committee, 2010; executive director, Victory Valley Camp, 2004-09; former president, Shoemaker Elementary School PTO///. RESPONSE: Ever-increasing government spending and higher tax rates happen because government measures activity and good intentions, not results. Over the years, county government has also grown to take on responsibilities outside of its essential functions. In 2012, our board achieved a tax rate cut, a real spending cut, restored fairness to property assessments, blocked creation of a new, multimillion-dollar bureaucracy and spurred a priority-based budget process. I’d like to finish the job. DISTRICT 1 Boroughs of Coplay and Slatington. Townships of Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, North Whitehall, Washington, Weisenberg and Whitehall. THE MORNING CALL Democrat JACOB HAMMOND Republican VOTERS GUIDE DISTRICT 2 Borough of Alburtis. Townships of Lower Please see COUNTY 4 3 VOTERS GUIDE Lehigh County COUNTY Continued from 3 Macungie, South Whitehall and Upper Macungie. Vote for one THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 Republican 4 PERCY H. DOUGHERTY Lower Macungie Township www.votefordougherty.org D.O.B.: 1943 EDUCATION: B.S. geography and biology, 1967, and MEd geography, 1968, West Chester University; Ph.D. geography and geology, 1980, Boston University. OCCUPATION: Retired professor, county commissioner. QUALIFICATIONS: Commissioner, 20 years, chairman six years; past president, County Commissioners of Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission. Board member of various civic associations. RESPONSE: County spending and keeping taxes low: As a fiscal conservative, I believe in cutting spending, but not so much that we jeopardize programs. Cuts must be made surgically and not across the board. Working cooperatively, I helped cut taxes by $3.5 million and spending by $500,000 in the 2013 budget. In addition to cuts, we need to increase income through economic development. New companies and new jobs help to keep taxes low by increasing revenue. Democrat SUSAN ELLIS WILD South Whitehall Township http://susanelliswild.com/ D.O.B.: 1957 EDUCATION: J.D., George Washington University Law School, 1982; B.A., American University, Washington, D.C., 1978. OCCUPATION: Attorney. QUALIFICATIONS: I have been an attorney for 30 years, continuously advocating for my clients, and I will bring my skills of leadership, advocacy, negotiation and public speaking to the role of county commissioner. I am committed to community service, as evidenced by my service on several boards of nonprofit organizations ///. RESPONSE: The major issue in this campaign is how to balance the need to provide services and infrastructure for our citizens, without waste or excessive spending. Our county is a good place to live, but we can make it even better with careful and common-sense planning. We cannot ignore the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly. The board needs hardworking, sensible commissioners who do not advance their personal agendas of political dogma. DISTRICT 3 Cities of Allentown, Wards 1, 14, 15, 16 and 19; Bethlehem, all Lehigh County portions. Borough of Fountain Hill. Vote for one Republican No candidates Democrat DAVID S. JONES DISTRICT 4 City of Allentown, Wards 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 (Districts 1 and 2), 17, 18. Vote for one Republican No candidates Democrat GEOFFREY BRACE DISTRICT 5 City of Allentown, Wards 12, 13 (Districts 3 and 4). Boroughs of Emmaus, Coopersburg, Macungie. Townships of Lower Milford, Salisbury, Upper Milford and Upper Saucon. D.O.B.: 1980 EDUCATION: Emmaus High School graduate, 1999. Graduated in 2003 from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., with a B.A. in E-media. OCCUPATION: Businessman, entrepreneur: Wesley Works Inc. and companies, Wesley Works Real Estate, Inc. QUALIFICATIONS: Eight years on Emmaus Borough Council, 20 years of business ownership, Lehigh County Congress of Governments, ReNewLV. RESPONSE: County government needs innovators with proven results, not small thinkers. Saving a nickel only to lose a dollar is not smart government. As a business owner for the last 20 years I’ve learned how to think outside the box and find effective solutions to long-term problems. During my eight years on Emmaus Borough Council, I’ve demonstrated my ability through strong leadership to build a stronger community with a better economy, more jobs and increased quality of life. BOROUGHS Candidates were asked: MICHAEL P. SCHWARE Allentown D.O.B.: 1965 EDUCATION: Graduate, Central Catholic High School, 1983; B.S. accounting, Penn State University, 1990. OCCUPATION: Certified public accountant. QUALIFICATIONS: Current Lehigh County commissioner, District 5 (appointed January 2012); Allentown Planning Commission, six years; member Army Special Forces (Green Beret), 198587. RESPONSE: Lehigh County budget and tax rate. I want to use my skills to help make county government more efficient and more focused on its core functions. My goal is to find savings to pass along to the taxpayers in the form of a tax cut. Last year, we were able to cut county taxes by $3 million. That’s certainly a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. Democrat WESLEY BARRETT Emmaus www.wesleybarrett.com SHERRYANN M. OELS No response Democrat KATEY DEIACO No response DAVID E. LEHR D.O.B.: 1948 EDUCATION: Graduate Allen High School, 1965; B.A. Moravian College, 1970. OCCUPATION: Retired from Lehigh County Office of Children and Youth Services with 32 years of seniority. QUALIFICATIONS: Alburtis Borough Council member since 2012; investigator, supervisor and trainer with decisionmaking responsibilities that affected people’s lives, 32 years. RESPONSE: Getting the regional political system to reinvest in a common-sense approach to making decisions, as opposed to pursuing ideological preoccupations and uncompromising vested-interest positions. CATASAUQUA “What do you view as the major issue in this campaign and how will you address it?” ALBURTIS Mayor Vote for one Republican Republican Term: 4 years MAYOR Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican/Democrat BARBARA A. SCHLEGEL Vote for one Republican No candidates Democrat KATHLEEN PALMER COUNCIL Term: 4 years Vote for three Republican STEVEN R. HILL JOHN J. ALESZCZYK Democrat KATHLEEN RAINES Term: 2 years Vote for two COUNCIL Term: 4 years Vote for three Republican/Democrat VINCE SMITH D.O.B.: 1966 EDUCATION: Graduate of Catasauqua Area High School. OCCUPATION: Owner/manager of Biery’s Port Bodyworks and a mix of 12 commercial and residential rental properties in Catasauqua. QUALIFICATIONS: Successful multibusiness owner in the community since 1987. Highly energetic, motivated, outgoing and focused. Active in borough revitalization efforts since 2000. Councilman since 2006, Council president, 2008-09, LVIA Liaison 2008-11, LVPC 2010, planning and zoning chairman 2010 to present. RESPONSE: Borough revitalization. We have an opportunity to centrally locate our municipal services on a former indusPlease see BOROUGHS 5 Lehigh County BOROUGHS Continued from 4 trial site in conjunction with other quality development to the site. This project is designed to improve our downtown, clean up the site, and add to the quality of life for our residents while increasing the borough’s revenues. I’ve championed this effort since 2006 and am running for re-election to continue to guide the project to fruition. Republican Democrat CHRISTINE WEAVER D.O.B.: 1961 EDUCATION: Easton Area High School; Penn State: paralegal. OCCUPATION: Realtor; startup business owner. QUALIFICATIONS: Former Catasauqua Area School District Youth Service coordinator: Experienced facilitator/service coordinator, creative problem solver, mentor, team leader, school and community event planner, grant writing, fundraising. Realtor-residential sales, property evaluation, expertise includes factors MAYOR Term: 4 years RICHARD M. NALICHOWSKI No response COPLAY MAYOR Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican Republican/Democrat MELVIN J. PROCANYN D.O.B.: 1945 EDUCATION: Graduate, Central Catholic High School, 1963; B.S. accounting, St. Joseph’s College-Rensselaer, Ind., 1967. OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: Army veteran (Viet Nam 1968-69); accountant/auditor, major accounting firm, 7 years; CEO/CFO various corporations (Chicago area), 20 years; school board, St. James parochial school, Sauk Village, Ill.– 2 years. RESPONSE: Creating and maintaining fiscal responsibility in the borough of Coplay in order to lower taxes or at least prevent further increases. Taxes in Coplay are higher than in many other municipalities. Also, a large percentage of the homeowners in Coplay are senior citizens, and it is imperative that their taxes be affordable. JOSEPH BUNDRA COUNCIL Term: 4 years Vote for four Vote for one Republican GARY HOVIS Democrat No candidates COUNCIL Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican DENNIS M. BALASCAK D.O.B.: Not provided EDUCATION: Emmaus High School 1974; Kutztown State College. OCCUPATION: Painting contractor. QUALIFICATIONS: Council member, 15 years; council president, 4 years. RESPONSE: The challenge has been for Coopersburg, as well as municipalities across the state, to responsibly fund a full-time police force, a streets, water and sewer department, as well as an office staff. Also, to provide a living wage and benefits for our employees. I have been able to strike that delicate balance with a cooperative atmosphere among fellow council members, police, sewer and water authority, and various community members. HARVEY R. GREENLAND No response JONATHAN MACK No response TIMOTHY PICA No response passion as chairperson of community days in working with and for the people of Coplay, by not only listening to their needs and concerns but also answer them. To justify and provide value on how their tax money is spent. The future of Coplay is brighter than ever, we need to regain the trust of our citizens, and together all move forward for the good of Coplay. This can only be accomplished by putting business before politics. Republican/Democrat LOUIS BODISH No response CHARLES J. SODL D.O.B.: 1941 EDUCATION: Graduated from Coplay High School in 1960. Yearly leadership/ business management expense control courses supplied by Bridgestone Firestone. OCCUPATION: Retired since 2006 from Bridgestone after 45 years as store manager 1972-2006; store-managing partner. QUALIFICATIONS: Coplay Sports Organization director — 25 years; Coplay Community Days officer — 10 years; Coplay Planning Commission chairman — 4 years; Coplay Borough Council, July 2012. RESPONSE: The major issues I intend to address in this campaign is removing politics out of making decisions that affect the people in the community and placing good business practices which will make us accountable. In July 2012, I was appointed into Coplay Borough Council. In this short time, I have not only emphasized accountability but demonstrated it by reducing expenses for the Coplay Fire Company as well as upgrading its training by forming a panel outside neighboring fire department chiefs to review and evaluate our fire department. STEPHEN J. BURKER D.O.B.: 1950 EDUCATION: Whitehall High School. OCCUPATION: Co-owner, My Angel & Co. QUALIFICATIONS: Chairman since 2010 Coplay Community Days three-day festival, which serves as the major fundraiser for local civic organizations; appointed chairman of Coplay Parks and Recreation; appointed to five-year term Coplay Planning Commission. RESPONSE: I intend to bring the same Democrat CARL A. LUCKENBACH JR. D.O.B.: 1958 EDUCATION: Graduate, Whitehall-Coplay High School, 1976. OCCUPATION: Contractor. QUALIFICATIONS: Business owner. RESPONSE: Financial responsibility! Using the taxpayers’ money prudently. Libertarian ALEXANDER V. HUMANICK www.Facebook.com/HumanickforCoplay D.O.B.: 1993 EDUCATION: Graduate of Whitehall High School, 2011. Studied secondary education and history at Kutztown University. OCCUPATION: Materials handler at Olympus America Inc. QUALIFICATIONS: Vice chairman of the Libertarian Party of the Lehigh Valley. Borough resident of 20 years. RESPONSE: The most pressing issue facing Coplay is the lack of responsibility demonstrated by Borough Council. Countless tax dollars have gone to waste because of this. It is my belief that taxation is theft. Therefore, I believe that our tax money needs to be spent smarter and much more carefully. I offer a real choice, and no connection to the political games of the Democratic Club of Coplay. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 MICA D. SMITH D.O.B.: 1947 EDUCATION: High school graduate, Croatia, 1964. OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: Council member – 12 years. RESPONSE: No response COOPERSBURG Democrat THE MORNING CALL DEBRA L. MELLISH D.O.B.: 1952 EDUCATION: East Brady High School (Armstrong County); B.S. chemistry, IUP; M.S. chemical engineering, Carnegie Mellon. OCCUPATION: Retired from private sector. Part-time mentor at Lehigh University. QUALIFICATIONS: Community volunteer with Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association (president), Catty Garden Club (secretary), Main Streets, George Taylor House, D&L Towpath, ArtsQuest, Leadership Lehigh Valley 2008, Catasauqua Old Home Week 2014 (chairwoman). RESPONSE: Polarization over whether borough government should invest in community revitalization. I support an active role. We are a small borough with a great heritage and location. However, depressed property values and vacant properties increase the tax burden on existing residents and businesses. We can turn this around by strategically redeveloping our Race and Front streets corridors and addressing rundown properties. The payback on being proactive is a broader tax base to cover borough expenses. affecting value. RESPONSE: Undeveloped tax base, no plan for economic growth, degraded property value. Catasauqua is the original million-dollar town. I want to give people a reason to live here, shop here and start a business. By expanding the business district and exploring new residential development we can keep our taxes low, attract shops, cafes, restaurants, artisans, and create a thriving, sustainable economic center. We can get back to the business of being a community through effective planning, zoning, code enforcement and a collaborative spirit utilizing the talents of our residents.// VOTERS GUIDE Please see BOROUGHS 6 5 VOTERS GUIDE Lehigh County BOROUGHS Continued from 5 EMMAUS MAYOR Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican General Administration Committee; member of Parks and Recreation Committee. RESPONSE: The major issue is maintaining the quality of life and services we expect in Emmaus while keeping our tax rate level. This is challenging considering the lack of real growth in the economy. We must prioritize needs and budget accordingly. Over my 15 years on council, I have consistently been a fiscal watchdog. I will always question what I believe is unnecessary purchases but currently there are many needs (dump trucks, police cars, paved streets, etc.) Democrat No candidates Democrat WINFIELD IOBST COUNCIL Term: 4 years Vote for three THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 Republican/Democrat 6 ROY ANDERS D.O.B.: 1970 EDUCATION: Graduate, Phillipsburg High School, 1989; general business courses, Allentown Business School. OCCUPATION: Unit manager with Acosta Sales and Marketing: I have been a district/unit manager for the past 13 years. I have worked for retail-merchandising companies, managing representatives along the East Coast. I have managed 10-40 representatives at a time, completing duties such as hiring, training, annual reviews and overall store-qualitycontrol visits. QUALIFICATIONS: Emmaus Parks and Recreation Commission, term expiring 5/1/2014; Emmaus Youth Association board member since 2011; Emmaus Halloween Parade Committee since 2011. RESPONSE: Emmaus is in a very unique spot where progress has been made over the past years. We have a great quality of life, a thriving downtown business district and high standard of community involvement. I want to continue this progress through the sharing of ideas for sustained growth and opportunities. Republican BRENT LABENBERG D.O.B.: 1965 EDUCATION: Emmaus High School, 1983; U.S. Navy 1983-87. OCCUPATION: Cook, Phoebe Home Inc. Allentown, 25 years; owner of disc jockey business — djdutchlive.com, 25 years. QUALIFICATIONS: Emmaus Borough Council member, 15+ years; chairman of Public Works Committee; member of WESLEY BARRETT www.wesleybarrett.com D.O.B.: 1980 EDUCATION: Emmaus High School graduate, 1999. Graduated in 2003 from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., with a B.A. in E-media. OCCUPATION: Businessman, entrepreneur: Wesley Works Inc., and companies, Wesley Works Real Estate Inc. QUALIFICATIONS: Eight years on Emmaus Borough Council; 20 years of business ownership; Lehigh County Congress of Governments; ReNewLV. RESPONSE: I have served with ultimate dedication over the last eight years. I am passionate about keeping Emmaus a great place to live, raise a family, work, own a business or retire. I study the issues, attend all meetings, keep an open mind and am continually thinking of ways for our borough to operate more efficiently. TREVOR SCHNECK No response MAYOR Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican No candidates Democrat JOSE ROSADO COUNCIL Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican CAROLEE GIFFORD HELEN M. HALLEMAN LAWRENCE E. RAPP MACUNGIE MAYOR Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican/Democrat ROSEANN C. SCHLEICHER Republican Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican RONALD CONRAD D.O.B.: 1960 EDUCATION: Graduate, Emmaus High School and Lehigh County Vo-Tech, 1978. OCCUPATION: Previously employed at Allen Organ Co. for 31 years; Currently employed at Dorney Park Security Department. QUALIFICATIONS: As a 27-year resident of the borough, I understand the needs and concerns of the residents. Five years as a volunteer firefighter. RESPONSE: We need to bring back respect to our town and work together to give the residents the services they deserve without wasting money. We can do this through communication and compromise. Safe streets and peace of mind are important. I will oversee a police force that will use safety, courtesy, integrity and service as its cornerstones to make Macungie everything that small-town America should be. Together we can restore the good name of Macungie. Democrat FOUNTAIN HILL COUNCIL Democrat GARY CORDNER http://macungiemayor.com D.O.B.: 1951 EDUCATION: Ph.D., Michigan State University, 1980. OCCUPATION: Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Kutztown University. QUALIFICATIONS: Currently interim mayor and commissioner, Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Previous service as police officer, police chief, college dean, deputy emergency management coordinator, civil service commission member and church vestry senior warden. RESPONSE: The major issue is oversight and direction of the borough police department. I will provide that oversight to meet the objectives of excellent police service and community safety. The police chief is an experienced professional — it’s his job to run the police department day to day. It’s the mayor’s job to help solve problems and keep an eye on the big picture. The police department, mayor, Borough Council and residents are all on the same team. JOHN YERMAN ALMA AKINJIOLA DAVID J. BOYKO SLATINGTON MAYOR Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican WALTER NIEDERMEYER D.O.B.: 1942 EDUCATION: Graduate, Dieruff High School, 1960; NACC associate’s degree, 1977. OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: Mayor, 12 years; Mayor of Year, 2009, and Most Entertaining Mayor, 2013 — Sponsored by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce — annual Mayor’s Award Dinner. RESPONSE: Safe streets — work with the police department to keep the streets safe and to have a better quality of life for the borough. Support organizations for quality-of-life issues. Democrat No candidates No Affiliation RICKY A. BLOSE No response COUNCIL Term: 4 years Vote for three Republican DANIEL L. STEVENS JON W. RINKER BRYON C. REED Democrat No candidates Lehigh County TOWNSHIPS Candidates were asked: “What do you view as the major issue in this campaign and how will you address it?” HANOVER COUNCIL Democrat BRUCE E. PAULUS No response HARRY CURTIS WEGFAHRT No response HEIDELBERG SUPERVISOR Term: 4 years Vote for three Republican/Democrat JOSEPH R. HEIMBECKER No response Republican Republican RODNEY K. SCHLAUCH JR. D.O.B.: 1953 EDUCATION: Northwestern Lehigh High School, 1971; Muhlenberg College, BA 1981. OCCUPATION: Owner, The Mill in Germansville. QUALIFICATIONS: Heidelberg Township Planning Commission; business accounting manager, Ruhe Pontiac-Olds; business owner and farmer in Heidelberg Township. RESPONSE: The preservation of our rural lifestyle is the most important issue in our township. I will continue to support Heidelberg’s ag zoning, to preserve our farms and keep our taxes low. I will work to support our local volunteer fire and ambulance organizations. I will work to support our local businesses and make sure we don’t place undue burdens on them. I also support our local township recycling efforts. Heidelberg Township is a great place to live and raise a family. With your help, we can preserve what we have and plan for the future. Democrat CHARLES P. PERICH D.O.B.: 1945 EDUCATION: H.S., 1963; Kutztown University, 1972; Lehigh University, 1974. OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: Township auditor (six years), served on Referendum Committee, served as chairman and member of the Environmental Advisory Committee (four years). RESPONSE: Very few people attend our board and committee meetings on a regular basis. Our Internet Web page has been poorly maintained. Using the excuse of saving money, there have been very few mailings of a newsletter to our residents. Having no other form of information connection, they are left to take the word of mouth rendition from those residents who may or may not have attended some or none of the board and committee meetings. I would make certain the minutes are logged into the Web page in a timely manner and push to have them videotaped and uploaded to the Internet COMMISSIONER Term: 4 years Vote for three Republican/Democrat RON BEITLER www.RonBeitler.com D.O.B.: 1979 EDUCATION: Emmaus High School; Slippery Rock University, B.A. political science. OCCUPATION: Owner – BarNone Weddings & Entertainment. Providing wedding and event photography, film and entertainment services. QUALIFICATIONS: Being a lifelong township resident and a local small business owner gives me a unique perspective on how choices our elected officials make affect our quality of life. RESPONSE: 1.) Making development pay its own way by stopping taxpayer subsidies. 2.) Protecting our property values 3.) Open space preservation. Projections for Lower Macungie show continued development pressure. If we are to manage our traffic issues, strain on our schools and avoid large tax increases and we must address growth. The last three years we’ve added 700+ units to the development pipeline with no cost vs. benefit analysis of decisions to increase intensity of zoning regulations. BRIAN HIGGINS www.higgins4LMT.com D.O.B.: 1972 EDUCATION: BA, Monmouth University, 1994. OCCUPATION: Senior oncology specialist, ProStrakan Pharmaceuticals Inc. QUALIFICATIONS: Seven years Lower Macungie Youth Association Board of Directors, president (2009-11); Lower Macungie Zoning Hearing Board (2010present); Lower Macungie 2020 Vision Committee. RESPONSE: The Lower Macungie Board of Commissioners must consider the needs of all of the citizens, not just those who agree with them. The practice of selective zoning to meet the needs of the few, at the expense of many, needs to end. Wasteful spending in order to justify a previous poor decision, while neglecting the needs of more significant assets, needs to stop. All conflicts of interests must be eradicated. It is time to take back the township with inclusion for all! Republican RYAN T. CONRAD www.ConradForCommissioner.com Democrat JOHN A. YURASITS No response LOWER MILFORD SUPERVISOR Term: 6 years Vote for one Republican GAIL A. HUNSBERGER http://knowlowermilford.com D.O.B.: 1971 EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in nursing 1999 DeSales University; certified as a pre-hospital nurse, flight nurse, pediatric emergency nurse and emergency nurse. OCCUPATION: Flight nurse. QUALIFICATIONS: Church: vice president of consistory and treasurer. safety officer Lower Milford Fire Company. Served on numerous professional staffing education, operations and nursing councils. RESPONSE: I believe this community needs transparency between the residents and our local government officials. It is through transparency of our local government, as neighbors, we can communicate and share life experiences, thus we can educate each other. Through education we become empowered to make decisions which are vital to the future of our community. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 RANDALL C. ATKINSON D.O.B.: 1946 EDUCATION: Graduated Penn Manor High School – salutatorian, 1964; B.Ch.E. University of Delaware, 1970. OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: Government Study Commission – three years; Township Personnel Board – three years; Township Council – 32 years. RESPONSE: There is a small group of residents trying to take over Township Council to promote their own special interest at the expense of the township citizenry at large. With the aid of the majority of current council members, I plan to expose their efforts and detail what current council members will do to maintain and improve the open, ethical, and effective governmental body that I have fostered and helped develop since 1973. Vote for one LOWER MACUNGIE D.O.B.: 1980 EDUCATION: East Stroudsburg University, B.A.; Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, M.A. OCCUPATION: Chief executive officer, LV Association of Realtors. QUALIFICATIONS: Currently vice president of the Board of Commissioners; elected in 2009; Seeking re-election to second term; extensive business, management, legislative and political experience; husband and father of three children. RESPONSE: Residents deserve commissioners who are principled leaders that work hard to deliver on the ideals of fiscal responsibility, limited government, transparency, and respect for private property rights. I’m committed to working hard to get results for our community. I’m proud of my record of protecting taxpayers by adopting responsible budgets, paying down debt, supporting Smart Growth principles, and standing up for the safety of our families. I would be honored to receive your vote. THE MORNING CALL FRANK M. DREISBACH D.O.B.: 1948 EDUCATION: Central Catholic High School, 1966; associate’s degree in electronics from ETC, business courses at LCCC. Vietnam veteran. OCCUPATION: Retired – after 37 years at Kraft Foods. QUALIFICATIONS: Coach, manager; president Northwest Little League for 13 years; Planning Commission Hanover Township, four years; councilman, nine years, presently chairman, one year; U.S. Army – Vietnam veteran – honorable discharge. RESPONSE: This campaign has everything to do with honesty and integrity. A person holding public office must be tough and fair for both the residents and the businesses of the community. No one in a position of power should be allowed to manipulate the public by telling lies and pushing their own agendas. My belief is after all the facts are known, Do The Right Thing. Term: 6 years or our Web page. VOTERS GUIDE Democrat Please see TOWNSHIPS 8 7 VOTERS GUIDE Lehigh County TOWNSHIPS Continued from 7 MICHAEL SNOVITCH D.O.B.: 1946 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in School of Engineering from Penn State; master’s degree in School of Engineering from Lehigh University; graduate of Columbia University Executive Program; attended Penn State Financial Knowledge for Executives Program; professional engineer. OCCUPATION: Executive director of a Washington, D.C., based shipper organization. QUALIFICATIONS: Currently township supervisor. Planning Commission member 25 years and chairman for 15 years. RESPONSE: Continue my commitment to fiscal responsibility and maintaining the rural character of our township. Through strict budget controls and the efficient use of township resources, the need for tax increases can be avoided. LOWHILL SUPERVISOR Term: 6 years Vote for one Republican THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 GEORGE W. WESSNER JR. 8 Democrat No candidates LYNN occur when the Board of Supervisors can navigate the problems that arise when activity is stagnant but services must still be provided. I believe my years of business experience and knowledge of the Lynn Township government will enable me to provide the guidance to maintain fiscal responsibility, needed services and measured growth. Democrat SCOTT FEINOUR D.O.B.: 1962 EDUCATION: Northwestern Lehigh High School, 1980; Lehigh County Vocational Technical School, 1980. OCCUPATION: Snyder Construction, 22 years. QUALIFICATIONS: Lynn Township Vacancy Board, four years; continual attendance of Lynn Township BOS meetings, 12 years; knowledge of township issues: past, present, future; past director, NTFC, 12 years; actively served committees, NTFC: (i.e. tanker, by-laws, rescue, fundraising, audit.). RESPONSE: Honesty, preserving our agriculture industry and rural character, adopting reasonable budgets that do not require property taxes, supporting LCA in their efforts to keep sewer fees down, holding our elected officials accountable to the taxpayers, and to weigh both the pros and the cons prior to making decisions that affect our community. We, as a community, can accomplish these common goals by encouraging honest responsible leadership within our local government. NORTH WHITEHALL SUPERVISOR Term: 6 years SUPERVISOR Term: 6 years Vote for one Republican Vote for one Republican STEVE I. FEINOUR D.O.B.: 1961 EDUCATION: 1979 Graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School. OCCUPATION: I own and operate Feinour’s Automotive in New Tripoli. Feinour’s Automotive is a family owned, Lynn Township business since 1955. QUALIFICATIONS: Served on: Lynn Township Planning Commission; Lynn Township Sewer Authority; Lynn Township Alternate Board. Currently serving on Lynn Township zoning board. RESPONSE: The major issue in this campaign is maintaining the efficiency of the Lynn Township government. This can only RONALD J. HEINTZELMAN D.O.B.: 1955 EDUCATION: Graduate – Parkland High School 1974. OCCUPATION: Working township supervisor since 2002. Farmer since 1974. QUALIFICATIONS: Township supervisor – 12 years. Planning Commission – nine years. BOS – chairman – two years. RESPONSE: I feel that I will continue to work for the citizens of North Whitehall Township and for the good of the community. Democrat KAREN KOMLOS D.O.B.: 1953 EDUCATION: Scarsdale (NY) High School, 1970; B.A. Lafayette College, 1974 (first women’s class). OCCUPATION: Owner/architectural designer, Sunstruction Unlimited Inc., since 1977. QUALIFICATIONS: NWT Planning Commission, 12 years; LV Home Builders Association (Board of Directors), five years; LV Solar Energy Association (founding member), six years; NWT citizen for 37 years. RESPONSE: I oppose building a massive sewage treatment plant dumping into the Jordan Creek and will seek to repeal/ revise Act 537 to prevent it; I oppose “working supervisor” position and will seek to eliminate it; I believe it’s time to appoint a new township solicitor; I believe it’s time to manage development with care, not with backroom self-serving politics; I believe it’s time for the township to elect a dedicated, hardworking, out-ofthe-box thinker. Term: 2 years Vote for one Republican RICHARD CELMER D.O.B.: 1943 EDUCATION: Graduated from Reading High School (1961); served three years’ active duty in the U.S. Army (1964-67) Pa. professional land surveyor (1973). OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: Municipal project manager for 28 municipalities in six counties in eastern Pa. that included townships of the first and second class, boroughs and planning commissions. (197210). RESPONSE: The acceptable transition from working supervisors to township administrators. The number of supervisors should be increased to five with all members serving in an administrative position in all aspects of township operations, making decisions that best serve all the residents of NWT. The appointed professionals and staff will be responsible for providing the supervisors with their guidance and recommendations relative to their area of expertise. ment plants are a necessary evil, however the location should reflect where they are most needed in our township. I would like to maintain the rural character of our township while moving the community into the future with smart, appropriate development. SALISBURY BALLOT QUESTION Vote Yes of No Do you favor continuing the library levy, which is currently set at a rate of 0.06087 mills on each dollar of assessed valuation or 0.60087 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation on taxable real estate in Salisbury Township, to fund library services through the Allentown Public Library system for all Salisbury Township residents? COMMISSIONER, 2ND WARD Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican No candidates Democrat JAMES SEAGREAVES COMMISSIONER, 4TH WARD Term: 4 years Vote for one Republican JAMES A. BROWN Democrat No candidates SOUTH WHITEHALL Democrat SAM L. NEAS D.O.B.: 1978 EDUCATION: Graduate, Parkland High School, 1996; B.S. genetic engineering, Cedar Crest College, 2000; M. Ed. Kutztown University, 2002. OCCUPATION: Science educator. QUALIFICATIONS: Active member in community issues for the past six years. RESPONSE: North Whitehall Township has experienced major changes. SALDO needs to be changed to reflect the needs and wants of the community. Currently the laws allow for zoning issues causing strife in the community. Sewage treat- COMMISSIONER Term: 4 years Vote for two Republican/Democrat CHRISTINA TORI MORGAN THOMAS J. JOHNS UPPER MACUNGIE Please see TOWNSHIPS 9 Lehigh County TOWNSHIPS Continued from 8 SUPERVISOR Term: 6 years Vote for one Republican Democrat CHRIS CASEY No response SUPERVISOR Term: 6 years JOYCE K. MOORE www.JoyceMooreforUpperMilford.com D.O.B.: 1955 EDUCATION: Graduate, Radnor High School 1972; attended Beloit College, University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) and Lafayette College. OCCUPATION: Financial adviser/small business owner. QUALIFICATIONS: Glendon Borough Council 1990–96 (vice president 1996– 97); member, Emmaus/Upper Milford Environmental Advisory Council 2012– present; 10 years’ experience as management accountant. RESPONSE: I am running for Upper Milford Township supervisor because I want to see Upper Milford succeed while maintaining our rural way of life. I am running because Upper Milford deserves a fiscally conservative financial expert who can sort through the budget and seek every possible savings. I have the real-world experience in finance to help move Upper Milford forward. I also support smart growth to avoid the suburban sprawl seen in adjoining municipalities. UPPER SAUCON SUPERVISOR Term: 6 years Vote for one Republican DANIEL J. MOHR D.O.B.: 1953 EDUCATION: Emmaus High School, 1971; electrician’s school, U.S. Navy, 1972; LCCC courses in land surveying and drafting; NIMS training. OCCUPATION: Plumber, president: Mohr’s Plumbing & Heating. QUALIFICATIONS: Lifetime resident; Upper Milford Township supervisor, 12 years; Planning Commission, 18 years; Vote for one Republican/Democrat PHILIP SPAETH WASHINGTON SUPERVISOR MICHAEL P. YESIK D.O.B.: 1963 EDUCATION: Slatington High School, 1981. OCCUPATION: American Nikeloid, Bob Marsh Trucking. QUALIFICATIONS: 30+ years’ experience as a licensed CDL truck driver, operator of heavy equipment and diesel mechanic. RESPONSE: Restore integrity and teamwork to the supervisors and crew serving the township. Residents are encouraged to attend township meetings and must feel comfortable that their tough questions will be given a timely reply and they will be treated with respect. An involved, visible supervisor is needed to insure all residents and organizations are represented equally. Newspaper reporters will be encouraged to attend meetings to help communicate the issues and responses to the township. Democrat JOSH B. FRIEBOLIN D.O.B.: 1975 EDUCATION: Graduate Northern Lehigh High School, 1993; B.S. Bloomsburg University, 1997; M. Ed. East Stroudsburg University, 2003. OCCUPATION: Special education teacher at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute. QUALIFICATIONS: Township supervisor for the last six years, four as chairman; experience in budgets, zoning, and PA township codes; community involvement (Emerald Fire Company vice president), Lodge 440, Venture Group and other memberships. RESPONSE: As supervisor, I’ve passed legislation to keep our neighborhoods clean and peaceful. I have, and will, keep taxes low. With me in office, Washington Township has the fourth lowest tax rate in the county and I intend to keep it low. A major difference is that my opponent, if elected, intends to vote himself a job, costing our township $61,000. I do not, and will not, receive a salary from the taxpayers. I want to serve purely for the betterment of our township. WEISENBERG SUPERVISOR Term: 6 years Vote for one Republican THOMAS N. WEHR Term: 6 years Vote for one No candidates WHITEHALL COMMISSIONER Term: 4 years Vote for three Republican/Democrat THOMAS SLONAKER JERRY PALAGONIA LINDA SNYDER Term: 2 years Vote for one Republican JERRY PALAGONIA D.O.B.: 1945 EDUCATION: B.A. criminal justice administration, Alvernia College, 1976. OCCUPATION: Retired policeman / schoolteacher. QUALIFICATIONS: Three years on the Whitehall zoning board; 11 years on the Whitehall Board of Commissioners. RESPONSE: 1. Keeping taxes as low as possible, without jeopardizing the excellent services our residents are provided. 2. Keeping open space land in our northern district for farming. 3. Improving playgrounds and recreation areas. 4. Support existing business in Whitehall, and promoting new business in an effort to keep residents’ taxes from increasing! 5. Making intelligent decisions to improve the public safety and infrastructure in establishing Whitehall as a great place to live and do business. Democrat LINDA SNYDER D.O.B.: 1946 EDUCATION: High school graduate. OCCUPATION: Retired and homemaker. QUALIFICATIONS: Currently president of Whitehall Board of Commissioners. Previously a community activist and fought for the rights of disabled individuals. A past chairperson of Whitehall Environmental Council. Attended all commissioner meetings for past 30 years. RESPONSE: I became a commissioner to serve the people. My approach to government has always been a very practical and moral one. In this current state of economic crisis, I am dedicated to watching the township budget as closely as I watch my own household budget. I vow to have the courage to make suggestions to implement budget cuts that may be unpopular, but will save taxpayers and the township money when they need it most. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 UPPER MILFORD Democrat Democrat Republican THE MORNING CALL JIM BRUNELL D.O.B.: 1966 EDUCATION: Southern Lehigh HS – 1983; Penn State University. OCCUPATION: General manager – Optimum Controls Corp. QUALIFICATIONS: I have been managing operations for a control based contracting corporation, which primarily works in the public sector. The company currently employs 95 employees. Many are degreed engineers, project managers, system programmers, and various field and production personnel. Having project and corporate profit and loss responsibility as well as HR management responsibility has sharpened the skills required for this position. RESPONSE: Our current leadership has lost the connection with the people they serve. Our township has been spending recklessly. The current trend of spending is at a rate I don’t think we can sustain without an increase in taxes. We were recently assessed a 100 percent increase. We are taking in more revenue, yet our rainy-day fund continues to decrease. They are unable to listen to the residents. They are angered when asked to answer the tough questions. Vera Cruz Community Association member/officer, 24 years; East Penn Business Council board member, delegate. RESPONSE: Maintaining the township’s rural character, by supporting farmland and open space preservation, and minimizing urban sprawl while maintaining responsible new growth and development. Improving traffic flow through our township and neighboring townships, impacting our roads and neighborhoods by working with the state and neighboring municipalities. Providing adequate services to residents, through fiscal responsibility and without creating a tax burden. I will continue to encourage open communication, transparency, and cooperation between township organizations and its residents. VOTERS GUIDE 9 VOTERS GUIDE Lehigh County CITY OF ALLENTOWN Candidates were asked: “What do you view as the major issue in this campaign and how will you address it?” vital task: serve the people, instead of a select few. COUNCIL Term: 4 years MAYOR Vote for four Republican Term: 4 years Vote for one No candidates Democrat THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 Republican/Democrat 10 ED PAWLOWSKI www.allentownmayor.com D.O.B.: 1965 EDUCATION: B.A. from Moody Bible College; M.A. in urban planning and public policy from the University of Illinois. OCCUPATION: Mayor, city of Allentown. QUALIFICATIONS: Mayor, city of Allentown, 2006-present; president, Pennsylvania Municipal League, 2013-14; Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence, 2013; Lehigh County Democratic Party Jack Pressmann Award, 2013. RESPONSE: We must continue the progress of the last eight and the renaissance of Allentown. Continue the progress of keeping our community safe, crime has decreased over 26 percent in the last four years. Continue the progress of job creation, which in the last several years has brought thousands of jobs to Allentown and we must continue the progress of strong fiscal management, which led to nine straight years of no property tax increase. No Affiliation WILLIAM MICHAEL DONOVAN www.DonovanforAllentown.org D.O.B.: 1953 EDUCATION: 1975 Bowdoin, B.A.; 1984 Columbia, MBA; 1995 Institute for Civic Leadership. OCCUPATION: Associate professor, business. QUALIFICATIONS: Municipal, international finance, five years; industrial engineering, 2½ years; business consultant: economic development, 10 years; Allentown Pension Board, five years; Allentown Chamber board three years; City Council and budget chairman, four years (vice president two years). RESPONSE: Repeatedly, citizens throughout the city’s neighborhoods experienced rejection when policy questions were asked. This must change because a city’s success is when opposing interests work toward common and reasonable plans of action to face difficult challenges. Otherwise, seeds of bitterness and anger grow. Four years on City Council taught me what happens when citywide engagement is ignored. The government fails to fulfill its basic and JULIO A. GURIDY DARYL L. HENDRICKS RAY O’CONNELL CYNTHIA Y. MOTA Term: 2 years Vote for one Republican No candidates Democrat JOSEPH DAVIS SCHOOL DISTRICTS Candidates were asked: “What do you view as the major issue in this campaign and how will you address it?” ALLENTOWN City of Allentown, except two voting districts in South Whitehall Township Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican/Democrat MIKE WELSH D.O.B.: 1962 EDUCATION: B.A., DeSales University, 1985. OCCUPATION: Independent insurance agent, AC Thompson Insurance. QUALIFICATIONS: 2008 Republican candidate for state representative; 2009 Republican candidate for county commissioner; board president, Liberty Bell Shrine Museum; board president, Allentown Flag Day Association. RESPONSE: Perhaps the most pressing issue in this campaign is providing the best education possible for our children while recognizing the financial limitations of our taxpayers. I am committed to working with school board members to find this balance and provide our children with the education they deserve and in a way the district can afford. DAVID F. ZIMMERMAN D.O.B.: 1951 EDUCATION: Parkland High School, 1968; University of Miami, B.B.A., 1972; Columbia Millman School of Public Health, MPH, 1992. OCCUPATION: Lehigh Valley Health Network-Community Health & Health Research, data analyst; White Deer Run of Allentown, RCR Health Corp, adolescent substance abuse. QUALIFICATIONS: Allentown School Board, four years; co-chairman Finance & Budget Committee, four years; Lehigh Career & Technology Institute, Joint Operating Committee, two years; Allentown Public Library Board of Directors, two years//. RESPONSE: The current educational system is NOT WORKING in the ASD. Relevant curriculum needs to be developed locally not mandated nationally. Secondly, we need to find new ways to finance education, such as using sales taxes, a NIZ tax and contributions for taxable and tax free corporate partners in Allentown. I continue to compel the administration to seek alternatives in curriculum and financing to better meet the needs of the students and taxpayers of Allentown. DEBRA H. LAMB D.O.B.: 1954 EDUCATION: B.A., Wesleyan University, 1976. OCCUPATION: VP of development, Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers. QUALIFICATIONS: Allentown School Board, 2009-present, vice president 2012-13; Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 Board, 2011-present; Allentown School District Foundation Board, 2009-12; Allentown Human Relations Commission, 2009-11; parent of two ASD graduates; 13-year ASD volunteer. RESPONSE: Allentown students have been shortchanged by devastating state funding cuts and costly mandates that do not benefit local children. ASD must partner with city government and state legislators to increase funding while reducing costs through innovation. Creative arts and physical education are essential to healthy child development and must be provided in some form. Continued improvements to safety, guidance counseling, and parent/community involvement will help more students succeed academically. Republican KENNETH R. WOOLLEY JR. D.O.B.: 1951 EDUCATION: Dieruff H.S., 1969; Kutztown State College, 1977, B.S.; Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2000, MEQ; Pa. certified addictions counselor (CAC), 1985. OCCUPATION: Retired teacher. QUALIFICATIONS: Council for Basic Education Fellowship Award 1992; Daughters of the American Revolution – Outstanding Teacher of American History, 1998; coached numerous ASD high school and middle school sports; U.S.A.F. officer, Vietnam veteran. RESPONSE: The biggest issue confronting our district is the loss of funding and the loss of classes and staff. During my teaching career in Allentown, I have experienced the problems that are manifested by today’s crisis. First, we need to include all segments of our community and district. We need to hear everyone’s ideas, concerns and remedies. We also need to treat all sides with respect and work together for a solution. Our children’s future should be our first priority. Democrat ELLEN B. BISHOP D.O.B.: 1952 EDUCATION: B.A., Harvard, 1974; University of Michigan, M.D., 1978. OCCUPATION: Retired pediatrician. QUALIFICATIONS: Allentown School Board director since 2009; co-chairwoman, Education Committee, 2012-present; Allentown Public Library Board member since 2010, president 2012-present; volunteer assistant coach WAHS girls tennis team since 2002; co-chairwoman ASD High School Reform Committee, 200405. RESPONSE: Facing the severe constraints of our current budget and the many needs of our diverse population, our challenge is to lead our students toward academic excellence within that budget. We need to build on the success of our community schools where parents, teachers, businesses and local organizations are working collaboratively to provide innovative programs to motivate and support our students. All of our students deserve a safe learning environment and quality educational opportunity. CATASAUQUA AREA Catasauqua borough and Hanover Township, Lehigh County; North Catasauqua borough, Northampton County Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican/Democrat DONALD J. PANTO II D.O.B.: 1963 EDUCATION: Easton Area High School, 1981; Moravian College, 1985. OCCUPATION: Health care business development / project management consultant. QUALIFICATIONS: I have a deep love for Please see SCHOOLS 11 Lehigh County SCHOOLS Continued from 10 the Catasauqua / North Catasauqua communities, and our local public school system. I am active in community activities, and have served on the Catasauqua School Board for six years, most recently as board treasurer. RESPONSE: As always, the focus is the education and development of our children — this must always be the value test on all that we do. The Catasauqua School District comprises a very highly skilled and vigilant team of educators and administrators who find ways to give our children the very best education possible. I will support them and bring a voice of optimism and balance in the decisions that come before the board. Republican CAROL MCCARTHY No response Democrat SALLY J. REISS No response Term: 2 years Vote for one Republican DUANE DEITRICH North Catasauqua D.O.B.: 1968 EDUCATION: Graduate of Lakota High School, 1987; BBA, University of Toledo, CHRISTINE NACE See above EAST PENN Alburtis, Emmaus, Macungie boroughs. Lower Macungie and Upper Milford townships Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican/Democrat ALAN EARNSHAW Macungie www.ElectEarnshaw.org D.O.B.: 1966 EDUCATION: B.S., marketing, Brigham Young University. OCCUPATION: Manager, business intelligence and process improvement, Air Products. QUALIFICATIONS: Father of four East Penn students. Board member since 2001; vice president for more than five years; president for two years. Member of LCTI board; vice chairman for two years; chairman since December 2011. Extensive school board experience. RESPONSE: Maintaining our high standards, making appropriate investments in academic, arts and athletic programs, and ensuring all students have the resources they need to succeed while continuing to control costs. East Penn’s spending per student is 6.5 percent below the state average; our students perform well above average on every measure. We will continue identifying areas for further reductions, freeing up resources to preserve the high-quality programs our students and their families deserve. REBECCA HEID Upper Milford Township D.O.B.: 1978 EDUCATION: B.S., Pennsylvania State Republican CHRIS DONATELLI Lower Macungie Township www.TeamEPSD.org D.O.B.: 1963 EDUCATION: Notre Dame High School, East Stroudsburg, 1981; B.S., Villanova, 1975. OCCUPATION: Engineer, technical sales – Precision Filtration Products, Pennsburg. QUALIFICATIONS: My years of management experience give me expertise in budget preparation, forecasting and cost justifications. Developed leadership skills from volunteering as a Scout leader developing teams of Scouts able to work together. RESPONSE: I have noticed a negative and disruptive attitude during school board meetings that causes board members to snipe at each other and argue amongst themselves while debating important issues regarding the education and safety of our children. I will work to end the acrimony and personality conflicts that prevent rational discussion of issues. This will result in greater participation by parents, teachers and taxpayers in school policy and board decisions. GARRETT RHOADS Lower Macungie Township www.TeamEPSD.org D.O.B.: 1972 EDUCATION: Emmaus H.S. graduate, 1990, Lehigh University, 1990-92. OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur / business owner. QUALIFICATIONS: Founder, Eastern Pennsylvania Business Owners Network; Board of Advisors, Business & Community Alliance; council member emeritus, Nativity Lutheran Church; committeeman, Lehigh Valley Business Group; member, Lehigh Valley Elite Network; member, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Whitehall Chamber of Commerce. RESPONSE: The current acrimony and personality conflicts that pervade school board meetings are hurting the education of our children. These unnecessary distractions prevent important civilized discussions from taking place. I will work to restore productive cooperation amongst my fellow board members while promoting policies that increase public participation in district decision making. It is vital that we put the “public” back into public education and give parents, teachers and taxpayers an equal voice in the process. Democrat ZIAD MUNSON Emmaus www.munson4eastpenn.org D.O.B.: 1970 EDUCATION: Public high school graduate, 1989; B.A., University of Chicago, 1993; M.A., Harvard University, 1996; Ph.D., Harvard University, 2002. OCCUPATION: Associate professor, Lehigh University. QUALIFICATIONS: Parent, community volunteer and taxpayer; NOT involved in party politics; completed nonpartisan EPLC school board training; education and professional experience to solve complex problems based on accurate facts. RESPONSE: I believe we should reduce class sizes, reduce the education bureaucracy, and reduce our obsession with standardized testing to allow muchneeded innovation in our schools. We need independent school board members we can trust to make balanced decisions based on accurate facts and sound judgment, NOT partisan political ideology. Excellent schools improve home values and the economy while keeping crime and poverty low. I am a pro-education candidate committed to public schools. FRANCEE FULLER Alburtis https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Fuller-for-East-Penn-SchoolBoard/390876607705241#!/ pages/ Fuller-for-East-Penn-SchoolBoard/390876607705241 D.O.B.: 1951 EDUCATION: B.S., Communications, Temple University, 1973. OCCUPATION: Marketing manager. QUALIFICATIONS: Completing my 12th year as a director on the East Penn School Board and as a member of the Joint Operating Committee of Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (past president of both); board member, Carbon Lehigh THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 PENNY A. HAHN No response Democrat University, 2000; MBA, Johnson & Wales University, 2003; certificate in graphic design, Lehigh Valley College, 2009. OCCUPATION: Assistant professor in hotel/restaurant management at Northampton Community College. QUALIFICATIONS: Five years’ experience in education industry, trained evaluator for Accredited Commission of Independent and Small Colleges. Believe in community service and volunteer work. Served three plus years as an East Penn School Board director. Member of Joint Operation Board at LCTI (Lehigh Career and Technical Institute)///. RESPONSE: I believe that everyone in the community has a voice. As a current school board member, I have to be open to listen to ALL members of our contributing society. We need to continually practice proper budgeting to offer superior education at a manageable expense. I have made a practice of making my decisions based on the taxpayers’ concerns and I plan on keeping this as my practice when it comes to our educational system. THE MORNING CALL CHRISTINE NACE D.O.B.: 1971 EDUCATION: Central Bucks West High School, 1990. OCCUPATION: Sales representative, BBU Bethlehem. QUALIFICATIONS: Catasauqua Home and School Association member/treasurer two years; Catasauqua classroom volunteer, two years; Catasauqua Youth Soccer Association coach, three years; budget, return on investment, sales planning, 20 years; mother of two honor students in Catasauqua School District. RESPONSE: I believe the major issues in this campaign are balancing spending while increasing the quality of education. I will carefully review all spending proposals and evaluate their worth according to those two factors. Can we afford it? Will it maintain or increase the education of our children? While keeping in mind the economical struggles of the taxpayers in our community. 1991. Pursuing MBA form DeSales University, expected completion March 2014. OCCUPATION: Project manager of national customer relations for Dun & Bradstreet. QUALIFICATIONS: Currently holds this office. Active leadership with Cub Pack 94 and Catasauqua Music Arts Association. RESPONSE: A major issue in this campaign is the ability for the Catasauqua School District to achieve educational excellence in the 21st century. To address this, we must embrace the changes in the community and technology, leverage available resources, and take full advantage of the opportunities presented by growing diversity. In addition, all aspects of the educational experience must be utilized, including curriculum, the arts and extracurricular activities. VOTERS GUIDE Please see SCHOOLS 12 11 VOTERS GUIDE Lehigh County SCHOOLS Continued from 11 Intermediate Unit Board / IU No. 21 since 2011. RESPONSE: East Penn provides a superior education at a midrange per student cost when compared to districts across the commonwealth. Parents see that value when their students win acceptance and succeed at competitive colleges and universities. Education excellence provides the underpinning for our entire community, strengthening property values and overall quality of life for East Penn stakeholders of all ages. Maintaining and strengthening our program while being mindful of fiscal concerns is my prime objective. NORTHERN LEHIGH Slatington borough and Washington Township, Lehigh County; Walnutport borough, Northampton County Term: 4 years Vote for four THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 Republican/Democrat 12 GREGORY S. WILLIAMS Walnutport D.O.B.: 1977 EDUCATION: Graduate, Salisbury H.S., 1995; graduate, DeSales University, 1999, B.A. political science. OCCUPATION: Business manager at Rentschler Dealerships in Slatington. QUALIFICATIONS: Eight years as school board member with proven record of keeping taxes stable while focusing on education improvements. Assistant director & coach of NLYAA soccer. Thirteen years of management experience at Rentschler. RESPONSE: As always, the biggest focus for our district is to find ways to do more with less. We have fought successfully to keep taxes stable over the past eight years. Just as importantly, we have been successful in continuously improving the quality of education without additional resources. This can only be done with a total team effort of the board and all employees and I will continue to maintain and grow this teamwork if re-elected. GARY S. FEDORCHA Slatington D.O.B.: 1949 EDUCATION: B.S., M.S., education, Temple University. OCCUPATION: Semi-retired working part-time Wm Merluzzi Insurance Agency. QUALIFICATIONS: Sixteen years a Northern Lehigh School director, retired teacher / administrator, held many leadership roles. RESPONSE: I have chosen to run for re-election for Northern Lehigh School Board because of my longtime and extensive experience in all phases of education. I want to help assure that we are providing the highest quality of education for all of students. Providing the tools they need to meet the need-changing technology. Providing our students the best education and opportunities to achieve the career they choose for their future. NATALIE J. GREEN No response Republican ROBERT J. KEEGAN JR. Washington Township D.O.B.: 1951 EDUCATION: Archbishop Wood H.S., 1968; Penn State University, 1974, B.S. education; Temple University, 1977, master’s in education. OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: Lifelong educator (36+ years in public education); teacher; school administrator; retired executive director of the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit, 2010; former mayor, borough of Slatington, 1994-01. RESPONSE: Two issues: 1) improve student achievement scores and 2) provide a quality education to the students of Northern Lehigh School District in a costeffective manner. Democrat LAUREN A. GANSER Washington Township D.O.B.: Not given EDUCATION: LCCC Graduate, 1982, AAS criminal justice and 2005 AA special education; Cedar Crest College, 2012 B.S. criminal justice/psychology minor. OCCUPATION: Behavioral health therapist/substitute teacher/PIAA official. Also work in the food industry as a special events server/bartender and coordinator. QUALIFICATIONS: Current school board director serving my third term, during which I worked diligently to keep school taxes level while still providing our students and community with adequate support./// RESPONSE: One major obstacle hitting all of us right between the eyes is the implication of Obamacare i.e. Affordable Health Act. Our hands are being forced to initiate all of the government mandates without really having a means of financing it. Whether it be educational or administrative forced initiatives we as a board and community have to come up with strategic planning in order to keep our ship afloat without jeopardizing all of the good things we have already put into play./// NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, Weisenberg townships Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican/Democrat PAUL C. FISHER JR. DARRYL SCHAFER PHILLIP TOLL TODD HERNANDEZ PARKLAND North Whitehall, South Whitehall and Upper Macungie townships. Part of Allentown: 17th Ward, 4th District; 18th Ward, 2nd District PARKLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION Vote Yes or No Shall the current Parkland Community Library tax be increased to 0.2978 mills ($29.78 per $100,000 of assessed property value) to pay a loan for the construction of a new building and to operate the library until July 1, 2035, or until the library pays off the loan, whichever occurs first, at which time the millage will decrease to 0.1895 mills ($18.95 per $100,000 of assessed property value)? Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican/Democrat BARRY LONG ROBERT M. COHEN MARK A. HANICHAK DAVID J. HEIN SALISBURY Salisbury Township Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican/Democrat AUDREY H. FRICK D.O.B.: 1963 EDUCATION: Cum laude graduate B.S. , economics, Lebanon Valley College, 1985; elementary education, teaching certification, DeSales University, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, 2005. OCCUPATION: First-grade teacher, St. Ann School, Emmaus. QUALIFICATIONS: 20-year resident of Salisbury Township; raised family, three children (two currently attending Salisbury School District); first-grade teacher, seven years. RESPONSE: At this time I would like to open the communication between tax- paying residents/parents and administrators/school board members. I plan to offer my skills as an educator and my experience as a mom and business person, to approach spending and budget decisions as a means toward this goal. We deserve to have input as to where our tax money should be spent. In the end, we need to provide more opportunities for our students. MARY L. ZIEGLER D.O.B.: 1955 EDUCATION: Salisbury High graduate, 1972; office assistant – LCCC. OCCUPATION: Administrative assistant. QUALIFICATIONS: Current school director, eight years; CLIU No. 21 Board of Directors and treasurer, six years; Jenn’s House Board of Directors, three years. RESPONSE: Issues include reduced public education funding, rising pension and health care costs, and inequities of charter/cyber school funding formulas. Unfunded and mandated state requirements are another hurdle. I will continue to make the best choice with the information I have for our children and taxpayers, even though it may not be the most popular choice. Our district has a great staff who all put ‘what is best for the kids’ in their decisions. ROBERT FISCHER D.O.B.: 1956 EDUCATION: B.S., Temple, engineering, 1979; MBA DeSales, 1996; graduate teaching certification – Temple, 2010. OCCUPATION: Grant writer. QUALIFICATIONS: Extensive experience in technology, business and education. RESPONSE: School districts, including Salisbury, face the challenge of providing and maintaining high quality education for our students. As a school director, I will seek to improve state funding, implement innovative best practices, and seek partnerships to provide a quality education at a reasonable taxpayer burden. Republican CHRISTOPHER J. SPEDALIERE, PHD www.facebook.com/chris.spedaliere.73 D.O.B.: 1975 EDUCATION: Ph.D. biochemistry – University of Delaware, 2005; B.S., biology – Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, 1998; graduate – Central Regional High School, Bayville, N.J., 1993. OCCUPATION: Scientist. QUALIFICATIONS: Five years’ business experience with three years’ management; extensive knowledge of science and technology (STEM) issues; parent of Salisbury Township School District students. RESPONSE: As a parent of STSD students, I am impressed with the direction that the district is going and am excited Please see SCHOOLS 13 Lehigh County SCHOOLS Continued from 12 for the district to continue providing the highest standards of education. My family settled in Salisbury Township for the wellrespected school district and the lower taxes (as compared to those of other local municipalities). As school director, I will work to keep taxes low, while supporting a quality education for all students in the district. Democrat CHAD GLEISSL www.chadgleissl.com D.O.B.: 1995 EDUCATION: Salisbury High School, expected graduation date 2014. OCCUPATION: Full-time student at Salisbury High School. QUALIFICATIONS: Resident of Salisbury for 14 years. Attended kindergarten to 12th grade in Salisbury. Currently a student at Salisbury. Job shadowed at the Allentown mayor’s office. RESPONSE: It is important to many Salisbury residences that we work to end this continuous tax raising being done by this board. As a board member I promise to vote no to any unnecessary tax raises. I promise to protect our teacher’s jobs, creating a safety net for them. I also plan to make sure that every student has the tools needed for the best education we can provide. Coopersburg borough and Lower Milford and Upper Saucon townships Term: 4 years Vote for four THOMAS MCLOUGHLIN Upper Saucon D.O.B.: 1962 EDUCATION: Johns Hopkins University, B.A., 1984; Duke University School of Medicine, MD, 1988. OCCUPATION: Chairman of Anesthesiology, Lehigh Valley Health Network. QUALIFICATIONS: Incumbent school board director, four years (president, 2011-12; treasurer, 2012 – present, Budget and Finance Committee chairman, 201213; Policy Committee, 2009-12). RESPONSE: Our challenge is to maintain the quality, rigor, and variety of curricular and extra-curricular programs while respecting the limited capacity of taxpayers to provide funding. This is our civic obligation, and supports community health and the value of our homes. Our system assesses people’s obligations by property values, but most people pay their taxes from wages or fixed income. We must limit educational expense growth to no more than our taxpayers’ growth in resources. Republican/Democrat Republican BRIAN MERKLE Upper Saucon Township D.O.B.: 1966 EDUCATION: Graduate, Southern Lehigh H.S., 1984; Associate’s Degree, Lincoln Technical Institute, 1986. WILLIAM C. HAYES Upper Saucon Township D.O.B.: 1955 EDUCATION: B.S., secondary education, Kutztown University, 1978; M.Ed. behavior disorders, Lehigh University, 1984; M.Ed. school administration, Lehigh University, 1990. OCCUPATION: Public school administrator – Pupil Services; adjunct professor (Ed. Leadership) Cabrini College. QUALIFICATIONS: SLSD school director, 10 years; LCTI – JOC, six years. RESPONSE: The major issue of this campaign is for this board to continue to be as fiscally responsible in budgeting as we have in the past despite the anticipated monetary burdens placed on us like PSERS payments, charter school expenses, increasing special education costs, health care, etc. As a member of the board, I am very proud of the fact that we constantly work with central administration to provide high quality education in an extremely efficient manner. Democrat DOROTHY MOHR Coopersburg D.O.B.: 1943 EDUCATION: Abington High School, Abington, 1961; Beaver College/Arcadia University, B.S. 1965; Temple University – post-graduate. OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: 27 years – public education- Lower Moreland, Pennridge, Northampton school districts; four years – Southern Lehigh School Board; four years – board – Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit; one year – Lehigh Career / Technical Institute Joint Operating Committee. RESPONSE: Pennsylvania has incrementally decreased its share of education funding to local school districts over the past few years. This requires that the Southern Lehigh School District balance the educational programs that assure the quality of our children’s future and success, with our community’s financial capabilities. I am uniquely qualified to meet this need because of my lifelong experience as an educator and as a community leader on the board these past four years. ELIZABETH STELTS Center Valley D.O.B.: 1951 EDUCATION: Ph.D., M.S., engineering mechanics, University of Wisconsin; B.S., applied math, engineering and physics. OCCUPATION: Retired. QUALIFICATIONS: Current school board member, with 11 years of service. I have served on budget and finance, technology, advanced course management, facilities, and compensation committees and also represent our district on the LCTI board. RESPONSE: As a parent of a Southern Lehigh graduate, I understand the importance of maintaining high academic standards. As a homeowner, I understand how the excellent reputation of the school district maintains the value of my property. As a senior citizen, I understand the challenge of living on a fixed income. My goal is to maintain academic excellence while at the same time cutting the budget. WHITEHALL/COPLAY Coplay borough and Whitehall Township Term: 4 years Vote for four Republican/Democrat EILEEN ABRUZZI ROBERT H. KOLB WAYNE A. GRIM JOSEF A. FRAGNITO LING SITES LEHIGH COUNTY POLLING SITES Election district ALLENTOWN 1st Ward 1st District 2nd Ward 1st District 3rd Ward 1st District 4th Ward 1st District 5th Ward 1st District 6th Ward 1st District 6th Ward 2nd District 7th Ward 1st District Polling place Harrison-Morton Middle School Administration Building Lehigh County Government Center The Salvation Army Alliance Hall (Chew Street Entrance) Sheridan School Hibernia Fire Company Hamilton Business Center Address 137 N Second St. 31 S. Penn St. 17 S. Seventh St. 144 N. Eight St. 245 N. Sixth St. 521 N. Second St. 645 Ridge Ave. 1101 Hamilton St. Election district Polling place Address 8th Ward 1st District 8th Ward 2nd District 8th Ward 3rd District 8th Ward 4th District 8th Ward 5th District 8th Ward 6th District 8th Ward 7th District St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Int. Bro. Of Elec. Workers No. 375 St. Luke’s Lutheran Church B’nai B’rith House (Community Room) St. Francis Parish Center Seibert Evan. Cong. Church Voting Machine Building 9th Ward 1st District Allentown City Hall 417 N. Seventh St. 1201 Liberty St. 417 N. Seventh St. 1616 Liberty St. 1046 W. Cedar St. 617 N. 10th St. 1201 Sumner Ave. (Greenleaf St. Entrance) 435 Hamilton St. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 KATHLEEN D. PARSONS Upper Saucon https://sites.google.com/site/voteparsons/home D.O.B.: 1957 EDUCATION: Graduate of Delaware and Technical Community College, 1977 AAS, OCCUPATION: Architectural draftsman. QUALIFICATIONS: I am a concerned citizen within the district with two daughters in Southern Lehigh High School next year. RESPONSE: The major issue is the budget and taxes. If elected, I will do everything in my power to not raise taxes, only doing so as a last resort. THE MORNING CALL SOUTHERN LEHIGH natural resources. OCCUPATION: Patron database manager and circulation desk clerk, Southern Lehigh Public Library. QUALIFICATIONS: Past volunteer experience: PTA president Lower Milford Elementary; president Southern Lehigh Music Parents, Sunday school teacher and board member. Current member of SLSD Act 48 Committee. RESPONSE: The major issue is the future of our elementary schools. I think it is important to look at each option carefully so that future generations of children are offered the best possible learning environment within the confines of what is most cost effective. I am dedicated to doing the research on each issue by listening to different perspectives and coming up with smart decisions so that our longterm goals meet with our current needs. VOTERS GUIDE 13 VOTERS GUIDE Lehigh County LING SITES LEHIGH COUNTY POLLING SITES Election district Polling place ALLENTOWN 10th Ward 1st District 10th Ward 3rd District 10th Ward 4th District 11th Ward 1st District Dubbs Memorial UCC Boys & Girls Club of Allentown Dubbs Memorial UCC Boys and Girls Club of Allentown THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 11th Ward 2nd District 11th Ward 3rd District 11th Ward 4th District 11th Ward 5th District 11th Ward 6th District 14 11th Ward 7th District 12th Ward 1st District 12th Ward 2nd District 12th Ward 3rd District 12th Ward 4th District 12th Ward 5th District 13th Ward 1st District 13th Ward 2nd District 13th Ward 3rd District 13th Ward 4th District 14th Ward 1st District 14th Ward 2nd District 15th Ward 1st District 15th Ward 2nd District 15th Ward 3rd District 15th Ward 4th District 16th Ward 1st District 16th Ward 2nd District 17th Ward 1st District 17th Ward 2nd District 17th Ward 3rd District 17th Ward 4th District 17th Ward 4th District Park 18th Ward 1st District 18th Ward 2nd District 18th Ward 2nd District Park 19th Ward 1st District 19th Ward 2nd District 19th Ward 3rd District 19th Ward 4th District 19th Ward 5th District 19th Ward 6th District BETHLEHEM 10th Ward 1st District 11th Ward 1st District 12th Ward 1st District 12th Ward 2nd District 13th Ward 1st District 13th Ward 2nd District 13th Ward 3rd District 13th Ward 4th District 13th Ward 5th District 13th Ward 6th District 13th Ward 7th District 13th Ward 8th District ALBURTIS CATASAUQUA 1st District 2nd District 3rd District COOPERSBURG COPLAY 1st District 2nd District EMMAUS 1st District Address 457 Allen St. 720 N. Sixth St. 457 Allen St. 1302 Turner St. (side entrance) Boys and Girls Club of Allentown 1302 Turner St. Emmanuel UCC 1547 Chew St. Muhlenberg College - Seegers Union 2400 Chew St. Redeemer Lutheran Church 802 N. 19th St. West End Youth Center 848 N. 20th St. (side entrance) Christ Evangelical Cong. Church 2135 Tilghman St. Good Shepherd Home 601 St. John St. Good Shepherd Supported Living apts. 909 S. Sixth St. Lehigh Parkway School 1708 Coronado St. Alton Park Youth League Association 1519 Oxford Drive LANTA Bus Terminal 1201 Cumberland St. Allentown Public Library 1210 Hamilton St. Allentown Public Library 1210 Hamilton St. Lehigh County Senior Center 1633 Elm St. (rear entrance) Allen High School (Physical Ed Center) 1740 Turner St. (side ramp) Mosser Village Family Center 614 S. Carlisle St. Mosser Village Family Center 614 S. Carlisle St. East Side Youth Center 1140 E. Clair St. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church 1933 Hanover Ave. Faith Fellowship Church 1201 N. Ulster St. Dieruff High School 815 N. Irving St. St. Paul’s School gym 219 W. Susquehanna St. St. Paul’s School gym 219 W. Susquehanna St. Jewish Community Center 702 N. 22nd St. Jewish Community Center 702 N. 22nd St. Congregation Sons of Israel 2715 Tilghman St. First Presbyterian Church 3231 Tilghman St. First Presbyterian Church 3231 Tilghman St. Union Terrace School 1939 Union St. St. Timothy’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 116-132 S. Ott St. St. Timothy’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 116-132 S. Ott St. Mountainville Mem. Assoc. 1814 S. Fifth St. (gym-east side) Mountainville Mem. Assoc. 1814 S. Fifth St. (gym-west side) Emmanuel United Methodist Church 902 W. Emmaus Ave. South Mountain Middle School 709 W. Emmaus Ave. Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church 535 W. Emmaus Ave. Emmanuel United Methodist Church 902 W. Emmaus Ave. West Side Moravian Church West Side Moravian Church Bethany UCC D.A.R. House, Rose Garden St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Holy Family Manor Church of the Manger (social hall-front) Calvary Wesleyan Church St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church (front) Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church (rear) Church of the Manger (social hall-rear) Alburtis Recreation Hall 402 Third Ave. 402 Third Ave. 600 W. Market St. Eighth Avenue 1607 W. Union Blvd. 1200 Spring St. 1401 Greenview Drive 1414 Pennsylvania Ave. 1607 W. Union Blvd. 1861 Catasauqua Road 1861 Catasauqua Road 1401 Greenview Drive 220 W. Second St. Salem UCC Church St. Paul’s Lutheran Parish House Catasauqua Borough Hall Borough Hall 615 Third St. 417 Howertown Road 118 Bridge St. 5 N. Main St. St. John’s Lutheran Church Commitment to Family & Community 18 S. Third St. 165 Cherry St. Moravian Church 146 Main St Election district Polling place Address EMMAUS 2nd District Ridge Manor 333 Ridge St. (Fourth Street entrance) 1134 Pennsylvania Ave. 100 N. Sixth St. 235 Seem St. Pine Street entrance 3rd District 4th District 5th District 6th District FOUNTAIN HILL 1st District 2nd District Rodale Energy Center Central Fire Station Lincoln School Emmaus High School 3rd District Fountain Hill Towers MACUNGIE SLATINGTON 1st District 2nd District 3rd District HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LEHIGH COUNTY HEIDELBERG Macungie Memorial Park Hall Emergency Rescue Squad Fountain Hill Towers George L. Dilliard Manor Assumption Catholic Church Vigilant Fire Company No. 2 Han-Le Co. Volunteer Fire & Rescue Germansville Memorial Hall LOWER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP 1st District Grace Community Church 2nd District 3rd District 4th District 5th District 6th District 7th District 8th District 9th District 10th District LOWHILL TOWNSHIP LYNN TOWNSHIP New Tripoli District Lynn Lynnville District New Tripoli Fire Hall St. Peter’s Union Church 2nd District Schnecksville Fire Company 3rd District Northern Valley Emergency Medical Services Laurys Station Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 SALISBURY TOWNSHIP 1st Ward 2nd Ward 3rd Ward 1st District 3rd Ward 2nd District 425 Kuntz St. 649 W. Washington St. 110 S. Walnut St. 1001 Postal Road, Hanover Township, Lehigh County 6011 Memorial Road, Germansville 1290 Minesite Road, Allentown Bethany United Methodist Church 1208 Brookside Road, Wescosville Clubhouse, Fairways At Brookside Whitemarsh Place, Macungie St. Anne’s Episcopal Church 6667 Lower Macungie Road, Trexlertown Lower Macungie Township 3400 Brookside Road, Macungie Community Center Church of the Good Shepherd 135 Quarry Road, Alburtis Concordia Lutheran Church (lower level) 2623 Brookside Road Macungie Ambulance Corp 5500 N. Walnut St., (behind Buckeye Tavern) Macungie Village at Willow Lane 6488 Alburtis Road Lehigh Commons Assisted Living 1680 Spring Creek Road (Building 2) Lower Milford Township Building 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road, Coopersburg Lowhill Township Municipal Building 7000 Herber Road, New Tripoli Lynn Jacksonville District Lynnport Fire Hall NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP 1st District Schnecksville Grange No. 1684 4th District 824 Cherokee St. 1101 Seneca St. (rear entrance) 1101 Seneca St. (rear entrance) N. Poplar Street Jerusalem Lutheran Church Eastern Salisbury Fire, Ambulance and Rescue Company Salisbury Middle School 4th Ward 1st District Salisbury Township Administration Building Salisbury Middle School 4th Ward 2nd District Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church 7242 Decatur St., New Tripoli 5129 Schochary Road, Lynnville 7164 Behler Road, Lynnport 5322 Route 873, Schnecksville 4550 Old Packhouse Road, Schnecksville 2375 Levans Road, Coplay 5314 Egypt Road, Laurys Station 1701 Church Road, Allentown 1000 E. Emmaus Ave., Allentown 3301 Devonshire Road, Allentown 2900 S. Pike Ave., Allentown 3301 Devonshire Road, Allentown 1151 Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown Lehigh County VOTERS GUIDE LING SITES LEHIGH COUNTY POLLING SITES Election district Polling place SALISBURY TOWNSHIP 5th Ward 1st District The Swain School 5th Ward 2nd District Hope UCC SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP 1st District Greenawalds Fire Company 2nd District Woodlawn Fire Department. (engine house) 3rd District Cetronia Fire Company (rear) 4th District Cetronia Elementary School (rear) 5th District Parkway Manor Elementary School gym 6th District Springhouse Middle School 7th District Kratzer Elementary School gym 8th District Orefield Middle School (formerly high school) UPPER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP 1st District Trinity Wesleyan Church 2nd District Atas International Inc. 3rd District 4th District Fogelsville Fire Company (rear) St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 5th District Wellspring Community Church Eastern District Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit Western District Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Address 1100 S. 24th St., Allentown 1031 Flexer Ave., Allentown 2500 Focht Ave., Allentown 1651 Whitehall Ave., Allentown 3950 Broadway, Allentown 3635 Broadway, Allentown 768 Parkway Road, Allentown 1200 Springhouse Road, Allentown 2200 Huckleberry Road, Allentown 2675 Route 309, Orefield 6735 Cetronia Road, Allentown 6612 Snowdrift Road, Allentown 7850 Lime St., Fogelsville 8227 Hamilton Blvd., Breinigsville 5042 Schantz Road, Allentown 3461 Cedar Crest Blvd., Emmaus 5901 Kings Highway South, Zionsville Election district Polling place UPPER SAUCON TOWNSHIP 1st District Upper Saucon Volunteer Fire Company 2nd District Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church 3rd District Calvary Bible Fellowship Church 4th District Upper Saucon Township Building WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP Eastern District Southern District Star Hose Company No. 1 Friedens Fire Company Western District WEISENBERG TOWNSHIP WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP 1st District 2nd District 3rd District 4th District 5th District 6th District 7th District 8th District 9th District 10th District 11th District 12th District Citizens Fire Company Hope Community Church Address 4445 W. Hopewell Road, Center Valley 2451 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley 6782 N. Main St., Coopersburg 5500 Camp Meeting Road, Center Valley 7700 Penn St., Slatington 3158 Friedens Road, Slatington 3922 Main St., Slatedale 7974 Claussville Road Church of Christ 1419 Overlook Road St. John’s Lutheran Church 835 Third St. Fullerton Memorial Community Center Jefferson Street St. John’s Lutheran Church 835 Third St. Fullerton Memorial Community Center Jefferson Street West Catasauqua Playground Association Pine Street Whitehall Recreation Building 1975 Schadt Ave. First Presbyterian Church of 3005 S. Front St. Hokendauqua St. John the Baptist Church 3120 Chestnut St. (Ruffenach Hall) Egypt Fire Company 4099 Kuhn Lane Victory Family Church 5150 Second St. (formerly St. Paul’s) Islamic Center of the Lehigh Valley 1988 Schadt Ave. THE MORNING CALL THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 15 I I- 9i(Jm2fH3 .. . ..- H: THE MORNING CALL STORE . :oz_zmo_>_