One incumbent and two newly elected Bethlehem Township Commissioners were sworn in on Jan. 2 by Magisterial District Judge Pat Broscius. They are Mike Hudak, John Gallagher and John Merhottein. Hudak was also re-elected President of the board in a 3-2 vote, with Malissa Davis and Tom Nolan dissenting. Tom Nolan was unanimously elected Vice President.

Gallagher is a retired architect who became interested in Bethlehem Township government when developer Traditions of America sought approval of a senior community at Green Pond. He is a Democrat.

Merhottein, who started his campaign early and ran hard, is one of the few Republicans to withstand a blue wave that swept the GOP away in many other local races. His secret weapon was his 5 year-old son, John Jay. The youngster came to the swearing-in ceremony in a suit and tie to make sure his Faddy remembered to say, “I do.”