Voters will choose four of the six candidates for a seat on the North Catasauqua Borough Council. All of the candidates responded to the question, "Why should voters choose you?"

Peter Paone

I see that a new direction is needed for the Borough of North Catasauqua. As a member of the borough recreation committee, I've sat in most of the council meetings the past two years. In those meetings, I have seen too much arguing, too much yelling, too many insults and not enough listening.

I've made it a point to knock on as many doors as I can this year in order to listen to the questions and the problems of the people of this borough.

If I were a politician, I'd promise that I would be able to fix all of the problems that I've heard but I can't promise that the borough council can make neighbors treat each other with respect. And I can't promise that the borough can clean up every neglected property. What I can promise is to listen to the issues, to treat fellow council members and members of the community with respect, and to make decisions based on what is in the best of interest of the borough. These are simple things, but all too often it's the simple things that people lose sight of first.

This borough has not seen a competitive general election for the council in at least a dozen years, for as long as I have lived in North Catasauqua. This is an opportunity for the voters in the borough to have a say and to chart a new course.

William Nothstein

I have lived in North Catasauqua since 1978 and raised two children here. I spent 35 years teaching at Sheckler Elementary School and my late wife was born and raised in North Catasauqua and worked for the school district as well. This means I have deep roots in this community and know many of its residents. I maintain great pride in the community and want to help keep it the great place it is to live.

I spent many years working at the playground with the summer children's program and as a member of the recreation committee and served as its president during the time we renovated the play areas and built the new pavilion.

Those who know me, know I'm a hard worker, honest person, and someone who will get the job done.

Shawn McGinley

The reason voters should vote for me is for accountability and effectiveness. For the past 14 years, while I have been on council, we were able to accomplish many things without raising taxes.

This day in age, people are sick of politicians playing partisan games and accomplishing nothing while their taxes increase. As a North Catasauqua councilman I diligently served the taxpayers in their best interest, balancing the needs and wants of the municipality with the taxable amount we had coming in. I served without special interests or a personal agenda.

Win or loose this year, I can be proud of my tenure as a council member.

William McGinley

The reason voters should vote for me is because of my experience and knowledge. I served in many positions throughout my terms of North Catasauqua politics and I have a lot of knowledge through my personal employment. My background gives me the ability to make plans and decisions regarding the streets and maintenance of this borough that are both effective and not wasteful of the taxpayer's money. Quick fixes may give a temporary fix or a short-term solution but not doing the job right from the start could cost the town a lot of money.

I have the experience politically and personally to run an effective local government and will maintain a low tax base. Through my tenure as mayor and councilman we accomplished many things with the same income levels as past and present councils.

Cherie Gebhardt

People should vote to re-elect me because I have been a dedicated and loyal council member for the last four years.

One of my promises was to get the borough to start caring about the environment. Along with the help of other council members, we had a drop-off recycling area set up on Main Street for three years, and now, curbside recycling pickup is available at your home.

I have been serving on the North Catasauqua Recreation Committee for almost 18 years. I care about this community, young and old alike. I am here to serve the people.

Four years ago, when I decided to run, I thought it was a volunteer position, something I was willing to do for free. To my surprise, I actually got a small stipend for serving on the council. But again, I would do it for free. If you feel like I deserve to serve another four years, then vote to re-elect Cherie D. Gebhardt.

John Yanek

John F. Kennedy was quoted as stating, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." In this day and age, too many unfortunately subscribe to the first aspect of this statement. I have always been one that follows the other road and does for our country.

I have served on the North Catasauqua Recreation Committee for almost 25 years. When the opportunity arose to serve our borough in a more formal way, I knew it was the right thing to do.

In my first term I have, with the help of two other councilpersons, initiated the volunteer recycling program. Later, I fought to turn that program into the curbside recycling program that we have today. I put into place the Junior Councilman's Program, so that the younger generation can have a part in learning about our borough and the politics behind it. Lastly, I have attempted to hold our current council fiscally responsible, while providing our residents with programs that are a concern to them.

With your vote, I can continue to work for our borough to propel us forward and help forge that different road to excellence.