To the Editor:

Upper Macungie deserves leadership that listens, acts and puts residents first. If elected as supervisor, I will waste no time.

On day one, I will meet with every township department to understand their needs and concerns, ensuring the voices of those who serve our community are heard and respected.

I will also begin the process of transitioning Upper Macungie to a First Class Township. With a population larger than South Whitehall, our residents deserve representation accountable and responsive. I will work to transform our current board of supervisors into a five-member board of commissioners with staggered four-year terms. This reform will provide stronger oversight, consistent leadership and more direct accountability to the residents we serve.

Preserving our farmland and green spaces is essential to maintaining Upper Macungie’s character, quality of life and natural beauty. I will champion smart growth policies that prioritize responsible development while protecting open spaces, parks and agricultural land. Every development proposal will be evaluated for its impact on traffic, the environment and long-term community needs, ensuring growth is sustainable and balanced.

My plan is practical, achievable and fully resident-focused. Within the first year, I will:

•Meet with residents and township departments to hear concerns and priorities.

•Develop a road map for First Class Township status, including legal and financial assessments.

•Launch a township transparency portal with budgets, meeting notes and project updates.

•Implement operational improvements and enforce smart growth standards to safeguard farmland, green space and open areas.

•Establish advisory councils and expand communication tools for faster resident updates and engagement.

By the end of the year, residents will see real results: preserved open spaces, safer and more efficient roads and a more transparent township.

Upper Macungie can grow responsibly while keeping its farmland and natural beauty intact. It’s time to put residents first, protect our land and plan for a sustainable, thriving future.

Patrick H. Foose

Upper Macungie Township