There are no Democrat candidates on the primary ticket for the open seat on the North Whitehall Board of Supervisors.

Republicans Mark Hills, a former supervisor, and incumbent Richard Celmer are vying for their party's nomination for the 6-year term in the May 19 election.

Hills was appointed supervisor in 2012 to fill the vacancy left by Jerry Joseph.

Celmer unseated Hills in the May 2013 primary and beat Democrat Sam Neas in the November 2013 election for a two-year seat on the board.

Hills responded to the question, "What do you view as the major issue in this campaign and how will you address it?" posed by the League of Women Voters: "There a number of small issues that have been hanging around for any number of years and it's time to clean them up. They involve a resident here and a resident there, but it's very upsetting to the folks involved.

"Buildings that should be condemned, truck parking, sidewalk conditions, street lamps, jake brakes and Neffs Valley Park. Keep these problems in the forefront and solve them."

Celmer replied, "The acceptable transition from working supervisors to township administrators.

"The number of supervisors should be increased to five with all members serving in an administrative position in all aspects of township operations, making decisions that best serve all the residents of North Whitehall Township.

"The appointed professionals and staff will be responsible for providing the supervisors with their guidance and recommendations relative to their area of expertise.

Celmer also says future issues in the township will relate to growth.

"But we need to control growth in a manner that best serves the needs of a growing township while preserving our rural character."