Incumbent Christina “Tori” Morgan has cross-filed for re-election to a four-year seat as South Whitehall Township commissioner.

Thomas Johns, also an incumbent, is seeking re-election on the Republican ticket, and Mark Pinsley is waging a campaign on the Democratic side of the ticket in the Nov. 7 Municipal Election.

Morgan’s name is appearing on the Democratic ballot as she won sufficient write-in votes in the primary to obtain a listing there.

Residents may vote for only two of the three candidates for 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, police 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 it to continue to grow and prosper.”

Morgan responded as follows to the Lehigh County League of Women’s Voters Guide question as to what she viewed as the major issue in the campaign and how she would address it:

“Controlled, responsible Township growth with special attention to traffic, the balance of rural, suburban, and business development; reuse of vacant/existing commercial/industrial properties; and enhancement of our existing parks/greenways and community programs. Maintain a vision/plan for future needs of our community, including traffic calming initiatives, municipal cooperation and innovative building options that maintain our unique and historic character, while sustaining a balanced budget that keeps high level services and considers tax rate impacts to residents/businesses.”

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

Johns offered remarks 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 third party inspection services as a positive change during his years on the board.

“It saves money for taxpayers,” Johns said.

Pinsley graduated from Kutztown University, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Northeastern University and a Master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

He served with the Army Reserves while in college.

Pinsley 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 200.

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

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

Pinsley explains the township has more registered Democrats than 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 good 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.

He responded to the Lehigh County League of Women’s Voters Guide question as follows:

“Ensuring South Whitehall is a kind and affordable place to live. As a homeowner with two children in our public schools, I am committed to a balanced budget, ensuring a local economy that is good for small businesses, and using our tax dollars to cultivate community. Our tax dollars need to remain focused on police, fire, snow plowing, leaf collection and other essential services but also provide areas and events that bring our community together.