Whitehall Township set a standard Monday for candidates running for the offices of mayor, commissioner and treasurer, ensuring transparency by putting on the books a Pay to Play legislation that establishes limits on political contributions a person or political committee can make to a candidate in township municipal elections.

The board of commissioners, in unanimously adopting an ordinance that governs such conduct, noted residents should know their elected officials are above reproach when dealing with legislation that involves business entities or others doing business with the township.

Commissioners President Phillips Armstrong said Whitehall is the only municipality, outside of Allentown, that now has such legislation. Allentown incorporated a Pay to Play ordinance in the wake of an alleged scandal inside its city hall; an FBI investigation is ongoing. Lehigh County also adopted similar legislation.

“We owe it to the people in the township,” Armstrong said, stressing they should know their elected officials are above board when they vote on issues coming before them or when dealing with matters presented to them.

The legislation states its purpose is to “eliminate the possibility of corruption or the appearance of corruption in local elections arising out of disproportionately large political contributions by adopting limits on the amount of political contributions that any person may contribute or otherwise make available to candidates for positions within Whitehall Township and those who support or oppose such candidates.”

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said, “This ordinance did not come out of the (township) ethics board,” but rather from the township solicitor, Attorney Charles Fonzone, and an associate, who put together what Philadelphia, Allentown and Lehigh County have adopted.

Commissioner Linda Snyder, the longest tenured commissioner on the board, said she supports the legislation.

“I never took a penny from anyone,” Snyder said, adding she has served 30 years as a commissioner by running on her positions and her record.

“I think this was a great day,” Armstrong said.

The audience applauded on hearing the board’s action.

Commissioner Joseph Marx asked what methods are involved in the reporting aspect so that the ordinance doesn’t create “witch hunts.” Armstrong replied candidates have to file detailed campaign expense reports.

Commissioner Philip Ginder said the township does not want to be similar to other places like the “wild, wild west.” He added there has been no hint of any Pay to Play politics in the township.

Regarding contribution limits, the legislation states no person, except the candidate, can make a political contribution to a candidate or a candidate committee greater than $2,000 for a mayoral candidate and $1,000 for potential commissioner or treasurer.

In addition, a person serving in a township elective office may not be involved in any matter involving a person who has made a political contribution to his or her campaign; instead, that elected official must recuse himself or herself from any such matter.

The township board of ethics will hear complaints from anyone in the township regarding alleged violations of the ordinance and may investigate and adjudicate complaints. Fines of $1,000 per instance can be imposed per violation regarding the office of commissioner or treasurer and $2,000 for the office of mayor.