Three of Bethlehem Township's Commissioners were up for election on May 19. Eight Republicans and one Democrats were in the running. Campaign signs were everywhere. So it came as no surprise that their May 4 meeting was a quick one.

Even Michael Hudak, who isn't running for anything, said, "I'm not in a confrontational mood tonight." The most contentious item discussed was a trench restoration ordinance aimed at getting utilities like UGI to leave roads the way they found them instead of a string off six-by-six foot holes extending along 300 feet of roadway. Commissioners decided to put even that off until Manager Melissa Shafer comes back with pictures, showing a need.

They did vote on establishing no parking zones along three roads intersecting with Brodhead Road, where several commercial businesses and no residences exist. They also voted to send a police officer for additional training.

Though commissioners were in no mood for controversy, they have no control over courtesy of the floor. Several citizens weighed in with concerns. Green Pond Marsh proponent Jack Glagola argued for more transparency. Martin Comer referred to the proposed $250,000 restroom facilities for the Bulldogs as the "Taj Mahal of outhouses." Roy Roth, Barry Roth and Wayne Kresge, citizens who attend nearly every meeting, serve as an informal check on commissioners.

Commissioners also heard from one former Bethlehem resident who used to live in New Jersey but recently returned to the township. His wife works in New York City. He's upset at the volume of traffic along Bethman Road, where his newly built home sits. "I woke up this morning to the sound of a tractor trailer at 6:30 a.m.," he complained. "What can we do to stop people from using Bethman Road as a cut through?" he asked.

Nothing, responded Hudak, noting that people do have a right to drive along public roads.