For the second time in as many years, the search is on for a new Lehigh County Executive.

William Hansell resigned May 18 due to failing health and the county commissioners have until July 2 to fill the vacancy.

"First and foremost, our thoughts and hopes and prayers go out to Bill Hansell and his family," County Chairwoman Lisa Scheller said.

Scheller said applications for the position were due May 28, 10 days after the vacancy. The deadline for recommendation from the intergovernmental and appointments committee is June 17. The commissioners then have until July 2 to fill the vacancy.

"Certainly we can move faster," Scheller said. "Because this is a very important position and because we are in the last six months of an existing term, commissioners can move faster than the July 2 deadline and it is my personal recommendation that we do so."

The intergovernmental and appointments committee will hold the first round of interviews with applicants at a special meeting 6 p.m. June 10 in the public hearing room of the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown.

Director of Administration Tom Muller is acting as interim executive. Muller, a Democrat, is running against Republican candidate and current Lehigh County Commissioner Scott Ott for the county executive position in the November primary election.