Although James Roth had a seat on the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority last year, the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners did not reappoint him at their Jan. 13 reorganizational meeting.

Instead, the appointment went to former township commissioner Paul Geissinger.

The vote was a unanimous 5-0.

When questioned about the vote last week, commissioners said Roth's tenure with the sewer authority had been solid and unblemished.

Four persons – Donald J. Melochick, Jason P. Szewczak, Roth and Geissinger – sought the commissioners five-year appointment to the seven-member sewer authority.

Whitehall has four appointed seats on the joint authority and Coplay has three.

Board of Commissioners President Linda Snyder, who voted for Geissinger's appointment at the reorganizational meeting, did not say much about her reasons for the vote when contacted by The Press Saturday.

"I have nothing personal to say about Mr. Roth," she said. "I would be willing to appoint Mr. Roth to one of the township boards and commissions."

Snyder said she was thankful for Roth's service to the township and hopes he continues in some capacity to serve the township in the future.

Reiterating she has nothing negative to say regarding Roth, Snyder said the commissioners decided on Geissinger, known as a very active commissioner who researched issues, did his homework and held strong opinions on township matters.

Geissinger's term as a commissioner ended December 31, 2013, after he lost a bid for re-election in the May 2013 primary.

"Everyone felt to put the best person on the authority," Commissioner Gerard Palagonia told The Press.

Saying he has nothing against Roth, Palagonia said Roth served the township for 14 years, mostly with a recreation board.

"I like Jim a lot," Palagonia said.

He said there were commissioners at the outset showing support for Geissinger.

He said everyone else on the board supported Geissinger's appointment, and that he felt his vote would be likewise.