Commodities broker Raymond Russin has challenged incumbent Paul Weiss for a seat on Bethlehem Township's Board of Commissioners. But in papers filed Friday afternoon, attorney Brian Monahan wants Russin tossed off the ballot because Russin never filed a required "Statement of Financial Interests" at township offices, listing his direct and indirect sources of income.

In 1997, when a Northampton County Council candidate filed a "Statement of Financial Interests" with the Council Clerk just one day late, he was removed from the ballot. The court called this lapse a "fatal defect."

Monahan's objection is on behalf of Suzanne Robertson, a Democrat like Russin. Weiss is a Republican.

Russin's involvement in Bethlehem Township began last year, when he filed a land use appeal to a looming 837-unit Madison Farms housing development. His attorney, Mark Malkames, acknowledged he was being paid by colorful developer Abe Atiyeh to represent Russin. Weiss charges that Russin's candidacy, like the land use appeal, is being promoted by Atiyeh.

Weiss also faces a primary challenge by Republican Pat Breslin, who rents from Abe Atiyeh.

In the only other Bethlehem Township race, incumbent Commissioner Michael Hudak, a Democrat, faces a challenge from Republican Mickey Thompson. Thompson serves as Solicitor to Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board and is also the chief operating officer at nursing homes owned by Atiyeh. In May, he moved into a township property owned by Atiyeh.

"If you don't like Abe, the best thing you can do is put me on the Board," argues Thompson, noting he would have to recuse himself from all matters Atiyeh. He insists he's running against rampant overdevelopment, noting that motorists are now stacked up at the Route 33 exits at rush hour.

"I can't imagine what this community is going to look like in five years," noted Thompson.

In the 2011 municipal race, Abe Atiyeh's wife Nimita waged an unsuccessful campaign to unseat veteran Commissioner Tom Nolan.

Hudak and Weiss have charged that Atiyeh is attempting to stack the board because of their opposition to his plans for a work release center in the township. Atiyeh denies sour grapes, saying instead that he just wants to stop "crazy development."