Linda Snyder will be sworn in for a four-year term as Whitehall Township commissioner Monday, Jan. 6.

Snyder also was elected for a two-year term.

"I am definitely accepting the four-year term," Snyder said.

A seat with a two-year term is currently open.

"We will advertise for candidates for the two-year term for commissioner," Snyder said.

The board has 45 days from the date of the vacancy to appoint someone. Should the commissioners fail to fill the vacancy, Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas would make the appointment.

Snyder, who will begin her seventh term as a commissioner, currently serves as the board's president.

She said she is not certain if she will seek another two-year term as president, saying the board will choose its president.

"My mother and I attended commissioners meetings for years," said Snyder, reflecting on how she got her start in politics. "I was an activist."

Snyder opposed a dump proposed for an abandoned quarry off MacArthur Road and the burning of tires at Lafarge Cement kilns.

"I didn't think of winning," she said of her first run. "I got a call at home from Commissioner George Trively saying 'Congratulations, Commissioner Snyder.' I feel as excited now as I did when I won my first term as commissioner. That's how it all got started."

Snyder said she is mindful of the needs of constituents when she votes.

In addition to Snyder, incumbent commissioners Tom Slonaker, Clair Hunsberger and Gerard Palagonia will take the oath of office before the reorganization meeting Jan. 6.