Three Democrats – Dennis Pearson, Basilio Bonilla Jr. and Amy Zanelli – are competing for a seat on the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, District 3. Voters will choose just one in the primary election May 16.

The Press asked the candidates the following question: Why should residents vote for you?

Their responses follow.

Dennis Pearson: Born and raised in Allentown and Lehigh County, I welcome the opportunity to become your Lehigh County commissioner of District 3. I am a hard-working and creative community leader who has demonstrated great ability for 41 years in improving neighborhood livability for the East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association.

In running for commissioner, I offer commitment, dedication, hard work, experience and, importantly, common sense. But more importantly, I offer a lifetime of preparation that will enable me to serve as an active member of the commissioners on day one.

Dennis LeRoy Pearson is your must choice to be your commissioner.

Basilio Bonilla Jr.: Lehigh County needs a commissioner who will fight to better the lives of all our residents. I have lived in Bethlehem all my life and as a former member of the Bethlehem school board, I am the only candidate who has the experience needed to best serve our community as Lehigh County Commissioner. We need to create more living wage jobs, improve our human services programs, and make public safety - especially getting guns off the streets, a top priority. With nearly a decade of community service, I know what it takes to find solutions and get things accomplished.

Amy Zanelli: I’m running to make your voice heard, to bring a megaphone to what matters to residents of Lehigh County, which is protecting seniors and Cedarbrook, addressing opiate abuse, supporting the rights of working families and developing the economy. I know my community, as I volunteer in the public schools my children attend and work with seniors and underprivileged youth.

My call to action is advocacy. I’ve spent over 10 years working in human services, supporting programs that address substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence.

I listen and I hear you. I’m the advocate that District 3 deserves.

Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. is unopposed in the primary election. He will face the Democratic winner in the November general election.