Voters are asked to choose either Republican Scott Ott or Democrat Tom Muller for a four-year term as Lehigh County executive. Each has responded to the question, "Why should voters choose you?"

Scott Ott

On the board of commissioners we reduced the tax rate, and cut spending year to year, despite efforts by the administration to increase spending.

We kept the county out of an outrageous federal housing project that is spending $225,000 to rehab a one-bedroom apartment, so we could help more people who have mental illness.

We stopped creation of a new $9 million per year bureaucracy that had no measurable goals, rejected a wasteful federal grant, and said "no" to several taxpayer subsidies for private businesses.

Going forward, Lehigh County government will focus on results, not just good intentions, so we can do what's essential with increasing effectiveness, but without increasing taxes.

In fact, I'll work to further reduce the tax rate.

Tom Muller

Serving as director of administration for the last seven years, I have been an integral part of running Lehigh County in an efficient, fiscally responsible manner.

My years in the corporate business world, both nationally and internationally, have given me the experience necessary to run Lehigh County, a large business with a $365 million budget and 2,000 employees.

While serving under County Executive Don Cunningham, we produced two tax rebates, and a bond-rating that was upgraded twice.

Working in conjunction with District Attorney Jim Martin, we have increased public safety by linking all of the county's police forces via "real time" technology, opened a digital forensic lab, a central booking facility, and a regional crime center, which has made our local law enforcement more effective in fighting crime.

I will make funding these initiatives a priority in order to keep our neighborhoods safe. In addition, those who live in Lehigh County rely on the required and desired services that we provide, and I will make sure that we continue to provide these quality services to our residents, especially our senior citizens.

I have the experience, knowledge, compassion, and commitment to make Lehigh County a stronger and better place to live, work, and raise a family.