Eight candidates are on the ballot for seats on the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners.

Jeffrey L. Dutt is the lone Republican and will appear on the ballot in November's general election.

In Tuesday's primary election, however, Democratic voters will choose four of seven candidates: incumbents Phillips Armstrong, Philip Ginder, Dennis Hower and Clair D. Hunsberger and newcomers Ann Freyman, Ed Kutz and Ronald Sterner.

The Press asked each of the seven Democrats the following question: What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?

Here are their responses.

PHILLIPS

ARMSTRONG

I have been serving the Whitehall community for over 40 years as a social studies teacher and coach at Whitehall High School. As a secondary education teacher with a master's degree in education, I was chosen to serve as the department chairperson in social studies at Whitehall, and I was elected to two terms as the secondary education chairperson for the Middle States Council on Social Studies.

I have served as a commissioner the past two years, and I have proven I am willing to listen to others and express my opinions on topics of concern in our community.

ANN FREYMAN

I am a lifelong township resident and graduate of WHS and LCCC. I serve on the planning commission, and I am deputy emergency management coordinator and a board member for Cement Belt Fair.

I regularly attend commissioners meetings and have participated in the budget process as a deputy emergency management coordinator. I would like to make sure that our infrastructure is maintained and kept up to date, public safety is adequately funded and fiscal responsibility is a must.

I believe that my roles in the township have given me the insight on how things work in the township.

PHILIP GINDER

Experience! Having served 15 years as a commissioner, I understand the responsibility required for the position.

Whitehall has come through the Great Recession of the past few years in excellent form. We have not cut back on the services the residents need and require of local government. Police and fire protection have been fully funded. Streets and infrastructure needs have been met and on schedule. Equipment and workforce needs and upgrades to help our employees get more done have been purchased.

All this has been achieved while lowering our debt service to the lowest point in over 25 years!

DENNIS HOWER

My experience as a current commissioner and my dedication to public service make me uniquely qualified for the position of commissioner.

I was a member of the board of directors for many not-for-profit organizations, including the United Way. This experience has given me the invaluable opportunity to work with people of many diverse backgrounds, which helps me look at issues from all perspectives.

This helps me understand the issues facing the residents of Whitehall and, coupled with my skills in conflict resolution, helps me build consensus among my peers to create win-win solutions to our tough problems.

CLAIR

HUNSBERGER

I have been a Whitehall Township commissioner for 20 years. I served on the planning commission for four years and the Home Rule Charter study commission for 18 months.

If elected, I will focus on the reconstruction of the Fifth Street Bridge, Fullerton, and the widening of Route 22 by monitoring the progress of PennDOT plans and meeting with PennDOT and township officials and the mayor so the outcome would be safety for motorists and pedestrians.

I will serve all residents of Whitehall.

ED KUTZ

During my 35-year career at the DOT, I served on many committees, including the Quality Improvement Task Force and as team leader of Continuity of Government-Lehigh County.

Having an associate's degree in business management, I attended instructional schools, media schooling and leadership academy for managers. I worked within my annual budget for equipment and material purchases, road resurfacing, maintenance and personnel salaries.

I met with contractors, city officials and legislators concerning road projects and agility programs. I conducted job interviews, was Lehigh County's EEOC officer and conducted labor relations and safety meetings.

Most importantly, I care about Whitehall and its residents.

Sterner did not respond by press time.