Five candidates vie for two seats on South Whitehall board
BY DEBRA PALMIERI
There are five candidates, two Democrats and three Republicans, running for two four-year seats on the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners.
The Lehigh Valley Press asked the candidates the following question:
“What issue in your township is the most important?”
Thomas J. Johns Democrat
Transparency is the key improvement to the board of commissioners. Transparency is especially crucial with the growing pains the township is experiencing.
Transparency further encompasses service on the board without losing sight of to whom the benefit should accrue - South Whitehall residents.
Public notice should never be overlooked even with time constraints and should be publicized.
Joe Setton Democrat
As a commissioner, my priority is the safety and welfare of our citizens. My mission has been and always will be to have South Whitehall Township continue to be recognized as the model of what every township hopes to become.
I bring leadership and over 35 years of real estate experience to the job. I’ll work to ensure that developers contribute their fair share to our community with infrastructure, safety, open space, and enhancement of our township. I have a strong understanding of my constituents’ needs and wishes. I’ll continue to bring my passion for excellence as your commissioner.
David Kennedy Republican
The current leadership of the board of commissioners has failed to put the people of South Whitehall first. It’s time for change in SWT.
Three key issues are:
1) Sensible Growth
Uphold all SALDO development requirements. Preserve farmland and green space. Put public safety first.
2) Watchful Spending
Protect your tax dollars. Complete all audit requirements on time. Provide necessary resources for fire, police and emergency medical services.
3) Transparent Government
Encourage public input on important issues. Properly advertise all openings for volunteer boards and commissions. Promote respectful, open debate between members of the board of commissioners.
Christina Tori Morgan Republican
The most important topic referred to by some as “an issue” is development. Development is not necessarily a bad thing as it is synonymous with growth and in most cases is legally allowed through state law.
Growth does not mean “outsizing” ourselves but rather moving into the future as a community by adapting and enhancing our resources, including open space, residential and business, in a balanced and well thought out way.
Development itself is not an issue in most cases but rather the understanding of the basis for it and willingness to have a vision for our future generations.
Monica Hodges Republican
Important issues include fiscal uncertainty, deteriorating roads and infrastructure, and loss of farmland. These all relate to the most important issue: overdevelopment.
With dense projects like Ridge Farm, Parkview, and new warehouses, traffic congestion will increase, infrastructure and schools will be burdened, and first responders will be overwhelmed.
Taxes may need to be raised to pay for new schools, aging infrastructure, and increased emergency staff and equipment.
We must ensure that the new Comprehensive Plan promotes moderate growth over dense growth, and farmland preservation.
By doing so, the beauty and character that makes South Whitehall so desirable will be maintained.