Lehigh County voters will choose a Republican candidate and a Democrat candidate in the May 21 primary to run in November. The Lehigh County Executive is a 4-year term.

The Press asked the candidates the following question: "What is the most important issue in this election and why?"

Dean Browning (R)

"We need to truly balance the county's budget and eliminate the deficit and we need to do that without raising taxes. Lehigh County government has to live within its means just like those residents who are reading this article. That means having a County Executive with the knowledge to identify real spending reforms and the courage and ability to implement them. As commissioner, I stood up to the unions and implemented a pay freeze and I worked to reform the compensation and pension system. My efforts helped to reduce spending by $6.7 million and produced two straight budgets with year over year spending reductions. I have a specific plan to balance the county's budget without raising taxes and to then never let expenses exceed revenue."

Scott Ott (R)

"Lower taxes, less spending and a county government accountable for results go together as the most important issue. Taxpayers are getting hammered by taxes at the local, state and federal level, in addition to hidden 'taxes' as a result of regulation and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). All of that winds up on the same kitchen table, and taxpayers can no longer bear the burden of ever-increasing government expense. In the past decade, Lehigh County taxpayers have been hit with a 69 percent tax hike, followed by a 16 percent tax hike. If county government doesn't significantly change its processes and structure, another big tax hike is coming in 2015. If the voters should choose me to serve as County Executive, I'll bring more free market competition into the county's purchasing decisions and operations, boosting competitive bidding and making county departments compete for contracts. Every department, program and position needs to meet the test of necessity, and then efficiency. Priority-based budgeting, performance measurement and wider use of technology can drive down costs, increase efficiency, and serve our constituents better."

Thomas Muller (D)

"I believe in this community. I believe in our businesses. I believe in our law enforcement community. I believe it is the place of government to keep our communities safe and to create the kind of environment in which businesses and families can thrive. Good quality of life starts with a first-rate public safety and justice system, but it also extends to providing services to those in need and providing the kinds of recreational, entertainment and developmental opportunities that can only exist in a safe community. I also believe it is important to balance quality of life, public safety and the delivery of services with a "right-sized" government operation focused on efficiency and effectiveness. I believe government exists to serve its residents and I believe it's important to spend our taxpayers' money wisely.

I don't believe we should simply gut government and slash spending just because some politician or team of politicians made an uninformed but convincing campaign promise. There is always room for improvement in any operation and Lehigh County government is no exception, but I believe government has a job to do, and we must fund it appropriately in order for it to perform those functions.

"Other key issues include overhauling our outdated senior center concept, partnering to bring the number of recreational venues in line with the demand and working with community leaders, schools and groups to get "at risk" kids on the right track and keep others from becoming 'at risk.'"