Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. rolled to a convincing, lopsided victory in the May 19 primary election, defeating challenger Gerard Palagonia, a township commissioner and retired police officer, by slightly more than a two-to-one margin.

Township residents cast 2,003 votes collectively in the race for mayor. The unofficial tally reports Hozza with 1,348 votes and Palagonia with 655. Both candidates were on the Democratic ballot.

There are indications Hozza had more than sufficient votes to secure the slot for mayor on the Republican ballot in November. Should Hozza prevail over Palagonia in receiving GOP write-in votes for mayor, the primary election virtually assures the incumbent mayor a third term.

Unofficial write-in votes in the mayor's race show Hozza added 454 votes to his total count, while Palagonia garnered 116 write-in votes. Also, Andy Roman, not on the official ballot, received 104 write-in votes.

Palagonia, a township commissioner for 13 years, said he would work to create more jobs and boost tax revenue via economic development and establish an economic development department, turning blighted properties into useful streams of revenue.

Hozza, who labeled himself as a full-time working mayor, ran on a record of keeping real estate taxes in check, reducing garbage fees in 2017, having the lowest debt in 30 years and working to actively increase economic development, open space and parks.

Humbled by the election returns, Hozza said, "I want to thank the good people of Whitehall for their confidence in me. I look forward to the exciting prospects that are planned in the township over the next several years."

Commissioners race

Whitehall Township Commissioners Phillips Armstrong, Philip Ginder, Dennis Hower and Clair Hunsberger fared well in the May 19 primary election.

All four will now appear as candidates on the November general election ballot. They will join Jeffrey Dutt, the sole Republican candidate for commissioner.

Unchallenged, Dutt has worked hard in developing name recognition and presenting his agenda. He faces a large percentage of township residents who are registered Democrats.

Armstrong, a retired Whitehall High School social studies teacher, led the group of Democrats with 985 votes. He has served as a commissioner in an appointed capacity, and this election marks the first time he sought elective office as a commissioner.

Ginder, in his 16th year as a commissioner on the seven-member board, came in a close second, recording 980 unofficial votes.

Hower came in third, with 924 unofficial ballots.

And Hunsberger, a commissioner for 20 years, finished fourth, registering 865 unofficial votes.

Ann Freyman, a first-time candidate, placed fifth with 854 votes, just 11 behind Hunsberger.

Ed Kutz received 792 unofficial votes, and Ron Sterner received 485 unofficial votes.

The Lehigh County Voter Registration Office will certify the election results.