Voters will select four candidates from a slate of eight to serve on the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners in the Nov. 3 general election.

Running for one of the four seats are newcomers Democrats Dan Hartzell of South Whitehall Township, Joanne Jackson of Upper Saucon Township, Bob Martin of Upper Macungie Township, Hillary Smith of Lower Macungie Township and Republican Marty Nothstein of Lowhill Township.

Also running are Republican incumbents Amanda Holt of Upper Macungie Township, Vic Mazziotti of the City of Allentown and Brad Osborne of South Whitehall Township.

The Press asked each of the candidates the following question: What will be your first order of business if elected to office?

Dan Hartzell

“I will work to convince my colleagues on the board to move ahead with the county administration’s plans for renovations at Cedarbrook.

“The initial phase of these plans - renewal of the facility’s D wing - should have begun when first proposed more than a year ago and might now be nearing completion.

“Investing in the modernization of the utility systems in these structurally sound buildings and altering the floor plans to eliminate the aging design, in which four residents share a room, would improve Cedarbrook’s reimbursement rates and its overall financial performance, benefiting both Cedarbrook residents and county taxpayers.”

Joanne Jackson

“Having served on the Allentown School Board, my priority is community involvement, making sure citizens have a voice. I will attend crime watch and community associations’ meetings to outreach in terms of what is of priority and needed by residents.

“I will visit county staff and facilities. I want to hear from the regular folks about how they see and understand the decisions made by the commissioners and to see the needs they have in the operation of their jobs and facilities.

“I will assist in bridging the gap between partisan opinions to provide the best results for the county.”

Bob Martin

“First, I’d look for the best way to get started on the renovations at Cedarbrook Nursing Home. The current commissioners have been delaying this project for nearly two years, and the residents there shouldn’t have to wait a day longer than necessary for the improvements to begin.

“I’d also reach out to the county government’s elected officials and department heads to make sure they know I want to work with them to find the most efficient ways to provide services to the residents of Lehigh County to enhance quality of life here in the long term.”

Hillary Smith

“My first priority, if I have the honor of being elected, is to change the political climate from one of working against each other to working together on behalf of the citizens of Lehigh County.

“The current board has proposed slashing our law enforcement budget, endangering the safety of our communities. They’ve talked about abandoning our seniors when they talk about selling Cedarbook. They disregard the needs of our most vulnerable children.

“I want a county government that enriches people’s lives and makes our communities a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Marty Nothstein

“As a newly elected commissioner, I would first like to meet with the county department heads, administration and employees. It is important that I understand where they feel they are succeeding and struggling when providing county services.

“Then I will begin working with my fellow commissioners to continue the streak of tax cuts we’ve seen in Lehigh County. In the past three years, commissioners have passed two tax cuts and one tax rebate. There will likely be another tax cut this year.

“I will work to continue the tax cut streak that our citizens not only want, but need.”

Amanda Holt

“I will continue to focus on serving the people and acting in their best interest, using my analytical skills and fresh perspective to review the budget and operations of the county. Government must live within its means while avoiding burdensome taxes.

“The current board has cut taxes, maintained services and ended with a surplus. By working collaboratively with the other commissioners, I will continue to improve accountability by reviewing contract processes and policies, increase transparency and efficiency through implementing paperless solutions, and craft clear and measurable strategies for county services.”

Vic Mazziotti

“If re-elected, I will continue to apply my skill and experience to help bring about a cost-effective Lehigh County government. I will remember that, just like the average taxpayer, Lehigh County must find ways to do more with less.

“I ran for election in 2011 in response to a 16-percent tax increase. I have been fighting to reduce the county real estate tax rate, while maintaining needed county services.

“In the last four years, the county commissioners have reduced the county tax rate three times, without reducing county services, while maintaining a healthy rainy day fund balance.”

Brad Osborne

“As chairman of the board of commissioners, I will continue my efforts to open up a productive working relationship with the executive.

“While Lehigh County is in good hands and the finances are healthy, we can accomplish more in terms of long-range planning and investments in the community if our two branches of government coordinated their efforts and moved forward together.

“Our victories can be shared accomplishments and credit, and everyone wins. This is what people expect of their elected officials - and rightfully so.”