Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. and Commissioner Gerard Palagonia, at a candidates forum April 28, touted economic development as the engine that creates jobs and keeps property taxes from spiraling out of control.

The Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the program, held in the Zentz Community Room on the Fellowship Community campus.

Palagonia said the idled 23-acre Lehigh Valley Dairy property is a development priority.

"My feeling is we need a hotel in Whitehall," he said.

Hozza said the township is moving forward with programs in partnership with Lehigh County and the Whitehall-Coplay School District that could provide tax incentives for developers, noting there is $1.5 million that came from former Gov. Ed Rendell that can be applied to that land.

Hozza said he anticipates Lehigh Valley Network to make an announcement regarding its plans for the 143 acres it owns across from the municipal building on MacArthur Road, which some say could be used as a medical facility.

Also, the Lehigh Valley Mall, Hozza said, is considering an expansion project that would face MacArthur Road, near its Lifestyle Center. The mall could issue an announcement soon on its future plans.

"I have the vision to be mayor and a plan to make Whitehall better," Hozza said. "My objectives are to create more jobs through economic development and increase public safety, for example, by acquiring a much-needed new aerial fire truck, restore fiscal responsibility, preserve open space and improve the quality of life."

"Service is the word that describes me best," Palagonia said.

Palagonia served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam conflict, 28 years as a Whitehall Township police officer, 15 years with the Whitehall Emergency Squad, as a coach and mentor to children for several athletic associations and as director of security at Fellowship Manor for four years, "keeping our parents and grandparents secure," he said.

Hozza, in his opening remarks, said as a full- time working mayor, he "represents each of the 26,738 residents, 116 employees and hundreds of volunteers that make Whitehall work each and every day."

Hozza also said he brings 23 years of experience in the private sector, a degree in business management from DeSales University "and the experience of hard work and dedication in leading this great community ethically and with fairness to all."

Weathering the 2008 national economic downfall, Hozza said since then, "We have been able to invest $5.1 million in our township streets, bridges and parks. We reduced our debt from its high of $8.6 million in 2007 to $3.2 million in 2014, a reduction of $5.4 million. We added 32 acres of open space with grants from federal, state and county sources."

Improvements to the police pension fund resulted in an increase in value of $6.9 million, and a hiring freeze saved the township to date $2 million. These cost savings, Hozza said, resulted in higher fund balances and provided for a rainy day fund for the next economic downturn.

"We did all of this without having to cut any of our municipal services," he said.

Palagonia said long-deteriorated buildings need a makeover and "we need a bigger tax base.

"We need more businesses in Whitehall Township," Palagonia said. "That means the less we burden our taxpayers."

Both candidates agreed developers have to be shown they can prosper in Whitehall. Expanding the tax base via sites that would provide tax incentives is the approach the township is formulating, they said.

"Bridges are a big asset," Palagonia said, noting the Fifth Street Bridge in Fullerton must remain open to traffic.

Hozza looked at the Route 22 road and bridge widening as a plus for businesses and residents.

In closing, Hozza said, "We have a lot to look forward to."

Palagonia closed by referring to his five-point plan. "We need new leadership in Whitehall Township," he said. "We need someone who can lead by consultation and not confrontation."