Whitehall Township Commissioners Philip Ginder, Phillips Armstrong and Dennis Hower on March 27 launched their campaign for commissioner on the front porch of Armstrong's home.

Ginder, Hower and Armstrong then took their campaign message to the Schadt Avenue Park & Playground building, where they were greeted by a large crowd, including former commissioners Kyle Kern and Richard Fahringer.

The three candidates hope to reinforce the message that neighbors matter and the township's villages and housing developments are valuable neighborhoods.

There are four commissioner slots on the May 19 primary election ballot. There are seven candidates on the Democratic ballot and one individual on the Republican ticket.

Ginder, in his fourth term, is seeking re-election.

"I take the responsibility that the residents of Whitehall entrusted to me very seriously and close to my heart," Ginder said. "I will place great emphasis on the township's street repair and upgrade efforts. Development and public safety, redevelopment of older, unused properties will also command my attention."

Ginder noted the import of "empty nesters" in the township.

"The process keeps going, young people wanting to start families," he said.

With the township mostly clear of debt in two years as bond issues are paid off, Ginder said the township will look to replace a township fire/ladder truck and build a much-needed new central police station.

The legal and legislative committee, of which he is a member, has a lot of work before it, he also said.

He also mentioned that it is imperative the state, county and the Whitehall-Coplay School Board work together. He noted much work continues.

Hower said with so many changes coming, he does not consider the job as one belonging to a Democrat or Republican.

"We all want the same thing," Hower said of the township industrial and commercial development authority moving forward with its work. "I want to be committed to do right by the community."

Armstrong said, while growing up, the front porch of his family's house played a valuable part of his life in getting to know the community. He said, when building his residence in the township, a large front porch was also important.

Armstrong is credited with initiating a student government day where high school students for a day take over the reins of township government within the executive, legislative, police, fire and other departments.

"I will listen to you and take your opinions in consultation," said Armstrong, a retired Whitehall High School teacher.

"We needed to move into the future. It was the right thing to do,"Armstrong added of the major changes undertaken regarding the collection of refuse, recycled materials and yard waste.

He noted the township is already reaping major savings.