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

William Hansel resigned May 17 due to failing health and county commissioners have until July 2 to fill the vacancy.

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

Scheller said applications for the position needed to be returned by May 28.

The deadline for recommendation from the intergovernmental and appointments committee is June 17.

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, Allentown.

Director of Administration Tom Muller is serving as acting executive.

Muller, a Democrat, is running against Republican candidate and current Lehigh County Commissioner Scott Ott for the executive position in the November election.