Incumbent Ed Earley, a Republican, is seeking re-election to another six-year term on the Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors. He is being challenged by James Brunell in Tuesday's primary election.

The Republican winner of the primary will face Christopher Casey, who is running unchallenged.

Earley was appointed in 2002 to fill the unexpired term of Von George.

He was successfully elected in 2004 to a four-year term and, in 2008,was elected to a full six-year term.

Earley says his experience as supervisor, plus all the other offices he has held, gives him an advantage in this campaign.

He was previously township auditor, chairman of the township recreation board, member of the township Agricultural Security Committee and member of the township authority.

Earley points to the many projects he was involved in as supervisor. These include acquisition of Lone Lane Park and improvements to Apple, Breinigsville, Lone Lane and Grange Road parks.

He was also involved in the creation of the township police department, widening of Route 100 at Weis Market, construction of the Route 222 Bypass and he has given strong support to the three fire companies.

Earley says future growth in the township is an important issue and wants it closely monitored.

"Security and safety of the residents is a top priority," Earley said. "That is why I strongly supported creation of the police force."

He is for sound fiscal management and notes the tax rate in the township is only .64 mils.

"This is adequate to sustain the needs of the township including maintaining the parks, roads and the operation of the police force," Earley says.

He is married and has a son and two daughters. He has Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Scranton, and a Master of Science and Ed.D. from SUNY, Albany, N.Y.

Brunell says he is not happy with the way things are run in Upper Macungie.

He is concerned with the township's finances and says the township should have a plan for the future, cut spending and build up a reserve fund.

Brunell says he is concerned about the under-funded police pension resulting from the breakup of the Berks Lehigh Regional Police and the funding for the new police department.

Brunell says other items, such as the generator at the municipal building and the Fogelsville dam, are problems.

He says whenever the township needs more money, it raises taxes.

"This is not fair to the citizens," Brunell said. "If elected, I would be more responsive to residents concerns.

"Preserving remaining farmland left in the township is a real challenge. The township should try to have a better plan to manage development."

He gives credit to the planning commission for controlling development as best it can.

Brunell lives with his wife, Dawn, and daughters, Ally and Mackenzie, in the Heatherfield development. He moved into the township in 2000.

A graduate of Southern Lehigh School and Penn State, he is general manager of Optimum Controls Corporation, Reading.

No information was received from Casey.