Antonio A. Pineda has announced his candidacy for Whitehall Township commissioner in the May 16 primary election.

Pineda, a lifelong resident of the township and Whitehall High School Class of 2009 graduate, believes he has all of the tools necessary to forge a strong bond with members of the community.

“I will work diligently to ensure that service contracts are beneficial for township citizens, so that their tax dollars are used in the best way possible,” Pineda said. “I want to see a strong sense of community in Whitehall with recognition for volunteers and longtime businesses within the area.”

Pineda said he envisions running annual picnics to recognize the many volunteers of the township as well as support increased communication with them.

He would also like to create a certification program that entails commissioner meeting recognition for businesses that have been longtime residents of the Whitehall community.

He will work to keep taxes manageable for the residents and businesses in the community, he said.

Pineda graduated from Columbia University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in earth and environmental engineering. He currently works as an engineering consultant and is looking forward to keeping a keen eye on the township’s stormwater management and quarry reclamation projects.

During his college tenure, Pineda was an active member in the sports community, serving as an undergraduate assistant for the Columbia Lions football team. He currently serves as an assistant coach for Dieruff High School.

In his spare time, he volunteers as a coach for the Whitehall-Coplay Middle School Science Olympiad team - a project, he said, that is near and dear to Pineda’s heart, “helping the younger generation become inspired and challenged by scientific problems and hard work.”

Pineda said he is looking forward to meeting and discussing ideas with members of the community at the candidates’ forum, set for 6 p.m. April 26 at Fellowship Community.