The Press asked each candidate the following question: "What is the most important issue in Lower Macungie Township and why?"

Ron Beitler (R)

"The most important issue in the upcoming township election is addressing quality of life concerns and ensuring we're setting ourselves up for success. Protecting our community character is important to me. Outside interests should not determine the kind of community we are to become. I don't want my hometown to slowly devolve into what so many moved here to get away from. We must protect what has made us so attractive. How we deal with managing continued growth pressure is critical in the coming decades. We must stop kicking the can down the road. Projections show pressure for 10,000 new residents on the horizon. With this pressure on the horizon the incumbents alarming track record of granting sweetheart zoning deals, regulatory flexibility and waivers to developers scares me. We must stop now, manage growth better and re-think the status quo."

Ryan T. Conrad (R)

"This election is about electing leaders who have a record of working hard and getting real results for our community. Republican primary voters deserve principled leaders who will deliver on the Republican ideals of fiscal responsibility, limited government, transparency, and a fundamental respect for private property rights. I'm proud of my record of protecting taxpayers by adopting responsible budgets, improving our financial position while maintaining a zero percent property tax, paying down debt, elevating the discussion on smart growth, and standing up for the safety of our families. If Republican primary voters want a life-long Republican Commissioner who will work hard and get results for our community, has a demonstrated record of delivering on the Republican ideals, and understands the importance of being transparent and engaging the community in our decisions, then I respectfully ask for their vote on May 21. Visit www.ConradForCommissioner.com for details on my record."

Ron H. Eichenberg (R)

"Lower Macungie Township experienced significant growth. We need to manage this growth and enhance and sustain the quality of life that residents expect and deserve."

Brian Higgins (R)

"There is no one issue that is more important than any other. We face many issues that will have a significant impact on Lower Macungie Township for a long time to come. The re-zoning of the Jaindl property, the manner in which it was handled, has caused a fracture within our community. There is no way to undo what has been done, however, we can learn from the mistakes of the current board and not repeat them in the future. I have no confidence that the current Board of Commissioners will learn from these mistakes. Mistakes like this one will happen again with the current board. They already have.

"The rezoning of the Allen Organ Property on Route 100 is one example. This is property that is represented by Commissioner Ron Eichenberg in his day job as a commercial real estate agent. The re-zoning of that land has made it much more valuable and will enrich Commissioner Eichenberg in a way not possible without the re-zoning. The other commissioners agreed with the rezoning, and with their vote, have made this unethical practice possible. This will continue if all three incumbents are re-elected May 21. We were all asked in our Candidate Night, hosted by the League of Women Voters, about the future of the Daytimers property once the company goes out of business. The answer is simple, if Ron Eichenberg gets the commercial listing on the property then I guess it could become anything imaginable; the commissioners can just rezone the property to whatever makes it more valuable for Ron.

"The incumbents are only concerned with what will help Realtors. It is evident in the literature that is being sent to the voters in Lower Macungie. Three issues of the Lower Macungie Advocate have been mailed to the citizens. This fake "newsletter" is nothing more than an advertisement for the incumbents and has been paid for by The Alliance of a Better PA, which is an affiliate of the PA Board of Realtors. This organization is located in Lemoyne which is just outside of Harrisburg. These are the people who want the incumbents re-elected. These are the people that the incumbents represent. They are supposed to represent the citizens of Lower Macungie. All the citizens of Lower Macungie. With their re-election, the issues that we will face are endless."

Roger C. Reis (R)

"There are several important issues facing Lower Macungie Township in this upcoming election. Certainly economic growth and land development are issues, as are trust in government. However, the township is currently involved in a police services study which will be a major factor in considering the type of police services we want to have in the future. Dr. Gary Cordner, Ph.D. in criminal justice at Kutztown University, is doing a 6-month study to give options to the Board of Commissioners concerning our future choices. I believe there are four such choices that will be considered: Keep the status quo, meaning we would continue to rely on the Pennsylvania State Police for police services; opt for a "stand alone" police department, which would result in creating a Lower Macungie Township Police Department; begin a partnership with other municipalities to create a regional police department; or hire another department for "contract policing" meaning we would pay another municipal police department to patrol the township. This issue will involve long-term commitments and impact heavily on the township's tax structure. Being the only candidate with education, training and experience in law enforcement (25 years of service with the Pennsylvania State Police) makes me uniquely qualified to ensure the best outcome for Lower Macungie Township. We will have public meetings on this issue after Dr. Cordner completes his study. I promise to keep an open mind and to support what is in the best interests of the entire township."

John A. Yurasits (D)

"I feel the most important issues and the main reason I decided to run for the board of commissioners is the residents of Lower Macungie need a voice on the board; they need someone with the best interest of the township as a whole."