South Whitehall Commissioners Christina “Tori” Morgan and Thomas Johns are seeking re-election on the Republican ticket, while Mark Pinsley is waging a campaign on the Democratic side in the May 16 Municipal Primary Election.

Residents may vote for not more than two candidates for a four-year term on the board of commissioners.

Morgan, who has been board president for five years, became a commissioner in 2008.

A graduate of Muhlenberg College, Morgan is an environmental compliant specialist with SUEZ.

Her service includes the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, the Parkland School District business advisory council, the Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce board and the South Whitehall comprehensive plan steering committee.

She has been a supporter of the volunteer fire companies, the Jordan Greenway trail project, park and recreation initiatives, pension reform, public accreditation and development of the township historic ordinance.

Morgan says she is dedicated to keeping South Whitehall beautiful, safe and prosperous with a well-managed budget, open communication and responsible growth.

She commented on her desire for re-election.

“I want to make our community a great place to live, work and play; to make good planning decisions; and to provide necessary services to our residents,” Morgan said.

“I love this township. I want to continue to grow and prosper,” says Morgan.

Johns, a self-employed contractor and home- builder, is seeking a third term on the board.

Johns offered comments on his bid for re-election.

“I didn’t finish what I started,” Johns said. “I want to make sure the township stays the way it is-first class. I feel I owe it to our people.”

Johns mentioned implementation of a third-party inspection services as a positive change during his years on the board.

“It saves money for taxpayers,” says Johns.”

Pinsley, owner and president of Derma Med Solutions LLC, graduated from Kutztown University, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Northeastern University and an Master’s degree in Business Administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

He has served on the board of his synagogue, Congregation Keneseth Israel, and Jewish Family Services; and has been on the marketing committee at Lehigh Valley 2000.

Pinsley said he became motivated to run after the 2016 election and came together with seven other people to form a group called United for America.

He says there should be more balance on the board of commissioners which is comprised of five Republicans.

Pinsley explains the township has more registered Democrats the Republicans, and it doesn’t seem right to have no Democrats on the board.

Overall, he says commissioners are doing a good job of making South Whitehall a great place to live with a good police force.

Pinsley says he wants to cultivate community to find things that bring people together and to support local businesses.

He has been a South Whitehall resident for 12 years.