Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners on Monday will appoint a candidate to a two-year-term on the board of commissioners.

The vacancy on the board came about when board President Linda Snyder won both a four-year and a two-year seat in the November 2013 general election. Snyder ultimately selected to serve for four years.

The nine candidates seeking appointment include two men who serve on the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority, a former sewer authority member, a retired Whitehall High School teacher, a retired township police officer, a William Allen High School teacher, a self-employed businesswoman, a woman employed at a township seniors living facility and an employee at a Bethlehem business.

The commissioners conducted interviews Tuesday. Each candidate indicated on their application they are a registered voter, however, the application form did not ask for party affiliation.

The application form also asked each candidate to state why he or she is seeking the two year position.

The following is a list of candidates and their backgrounds:

· Phillips M. Armstrong Sr.: retired Whitehall High School teacher, 40 years; Whitehall Township Recreation director for two years; secondary education chairperson for Middle States Council of Social Studies; former WHS varsity girls basketball coach.

"I would like to help maintain Whitehall as the best community in Lehigh County to reside in," Armstrong said.

· James F. Carpenter Jr: Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority member for two years; involved in youth programs for many years; oversees a firm dealing with large corporations and key personnel.

"I would like to be involved with Whitehall Township operations and policy and be a positive assistance to the board," Carpenter said.

· Michael Coca: employed by a Bethlehem company; educational background in political science and work experience in business.

He said he would like to "help the growth of my hometown civically and economically."

· Jeffrey L. Dutt: William Allen High School teacher and adjunct professor at DeSales University

"I am a lifelong citizen of Whitehall Township and I would like to apply for the appointment to see our township continue to be strong and to help develop more revenues to keep it physically strong," Dutt said.

· Ann M. Freyman: employed at Fellowship Community; Whitehall Emergency Management deputy coordinator; presently serves on the township planning commission; and past secretary of the Whitehall Historical Preservation Society.

"I would be honored to become a commissioner of this township to take an active role in securing its future. I want to ensure future generations can enjoy this township just as I have," Freyman said.

· Richard Klock: associate degree in criminal justice; retired Whitehall Township police officer.

"I would continue to make Whitehall a great place to live and raise a family," Klock said.

· Joseph J. Marx Jr.: served four years on the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority; served four years on the township planning commission; and owner of a private company.

He said he would like to "serve my community."

· Susan E. Mickley: self employed; served on many boards and did service planning and community assessments and market analysis.

She said she is seeking the open position "to be active in my community now that my children have gone off to college and to enjoy community planning."

· James A. Rex: Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority Board; township recreation committee; and employed by a private business.

"I would like to continue serving the residents of Whitehall Township," Rex said