Of the three regions represented on the Northampton Area School District Board of Directors, just one has a contested race in this November’s election.

In Region I, Allen and Lehigh townships, three candidates are seeking two seats: Barbara J. Knoll, John E. Becker and Robert Mentzell.

We asked the candidates the following question:

What is your position on property tax reform?

Their responses follow.

Democrat

Barbara J. Knoll

I realize that the voters passed a referendum to eliminate the school property tax as many felt it burdensome. As a property owner, I feel it’s my duty to help pay for our schools. Education is a necessity for all of our children, and all communities need to guarantee that they will help to provide for the next generation so they can fulfill our needs. Reform may be needed, but elimination of taxes is a huge step backward, and until we know what income is garnered from the substitute tax(s), it would be reckless to depend on that alone.

Democrat/Republican

John E. Becker

I believe that residential property tax needs to be reduced or eliminated, especially on our senior citizens. I would keep the commercial property taxes as they are. This would require the Pennsylvania state government to increase its support of public schools. It would require some type of tax increase at the state level, but I believe a compromise could be reached to achieve this end.

Republican

Robert Mentzell

As a homeowner and retiree on a fixed income, I favor property tax reform provided the legislature does not place added burdens on any taxpayer. It is essential that Harrisburg provide a sufficient, fair and predictable revenue stream so that school boards may use these funds efficiently to educate our students. The NASD school board has indeed crafted budgets that minimize tax impacts but maintain robust educational programs and activities. As an NASD classroom teacher for 38 years, my first priority is to provide a quality education for students while respecting the taxpayer.

In Regions II and III, the following candidates will take seats on the board.

Region II, Northampton and East Allen Township: Michael Baird, Democrat/Republican

Regional III, Chapman, Bath and Moore Township: David Gogel, Democrat/Republican; Jim Chuss, Democrat/Republican