Whitehall Township has a contested race for mayor in Tuesday's primary election. Voters will choose between Democrats Edward D. Hozza Jr. and Gerard Palagonia.

Hozza is the incumbent. Palagonia is a township commissioner.

The Press asked the candidates what they believed made them uniquely qualified for the position of mayor. Their responses follow.

EDWARD D.

HOZZA JR.

Serving the 26,738 residents, 116 employees, 140 firefighters and hundreds of volunteers of Whitehall Township as your full-time working mayor has been the most fulfilling, rewarding position of my life.

My 23 years in the private sector and my experience as mayor have given me a great foundation to continue to lead this great community. Together, we invested over $4.5 million in rebuilding our township streets, reduced debt by $5.4 million, added $6.9 million to our police pension plan and added 32 acres of open space.

Moving forward, we will invest even more in emergency services, streets, parks and pools.

GERARD

PALAGONIA

After I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, where I served during the Vietnam conflict, I made Whitehall Township my home. I became a police officer and made it my life's mission to improve the lives of my neighbors. I have also done this by volunteering as a youth sports coach and for numerous community organizations.

I have served on the zoning hearing board and the township board of commissioners for 13 years. I have shown a commitment and a desire to collaborate with others to improve Whitehall.

That is why I am uniquely qualified to be mayor.