Six candidates are seeking three seats on the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners in the Nov. 7 municipal election. Three candidates are running on the Democratic (D) ticket; three are registered Republicans (R).

The Press asked the candidates the following question: Why should voters choose you?

Their responses follow.

SHAWN E. CLARY (D)

Volunteering, and working with the public, has always been something I’ve enjoyed, something I am very passionate about and something that has always been a source of great pride for me. I am a firm believer that people, from all ages, ethnicities and social backgrounds, working together can build a strong community for all to be proud.

I am committed to finding ways to promote these relationships in our ever-changing, ever-diverse community. If elected, I will work tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of Whitehall Township to continue to make this a great community.

JOSEPH J. MARX JR. (D)

My name is Joseph John Marx Jr. I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren. I served in the U.S. Marine Corps honorably.

I am currently a small-business owner. I served four years on the Whitehall Township Planning Commission and eight years on the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority. I am currently serving as a Whitehall Township commissioner, and I have served on the board of the Whitehall Township Veterans Committee.

I feel that my experience and service to community and country are very important, and I would like to continue to do my part.

THOMAS SLONAKER (D)

The voters’ choice focuses on qualifications and the continued commitment to serve residents of Whitehall.

My qualifications: secretary/former president of the board of commissioners, former Whitehall treasurer and past Lehigh County controller, member of Whitehall and Lehigh County police pension boards, chairman of township Civil Service Commission, liaison to Whitehall planning board, member of environmental advisory board and legal and legislative and finance committees, and past president of Whitehall Lions Club.

Executing those duties by integration of my education and experiences: MBA, finance, and BA, economics; enrolled agent licensed by IRS; registered securities representative; and former auditor with Merchants Bank.

KERRY S. KRAMER (R)

If Whitehall Township taxpayers elect me, they can be assured they will have a voice at all township commissioners meetings.

They can be assured I will have their best interests in mind. They work hard for their money, and I want them to feel that when the commissioners make a decision regarding money, we realize we are spending taxpayers’ money.

I want taxpayers to feel they can write me a letter if they have a concern about something.

I would like to see all township-owned vehicles have large letters on them saying exactly what department that vehicle is assigned to.

ANTONIO A. PINEDA (R)

If I am elected to the board of commissioners, I will work diligently to ensure that the needs and concerns of the citizens of Whitehall are met in the most efficient way possible. With my education and experience in environmental engineering, I am qualified to address all present and future environmental concerns in the township in the best interests of our environment and community. This includes the stormwater management improvements that are required by the Department of Environmental Protection and the quarry reclamation projects that take place in the township.

RON STERNER (R)

As a lifetime resident of Whitehall, I served with the Whitehall Fire Department for almost 50 years. My goal as a commissioner is to serve the people. I believe it’s not what I want, but what the people want from me.