Editor’s note: In a printed notification in last week’s edition and on social media posts, The Press invited candidates to respond to the following question: What do you believe to be the No. 1 issue for your voters? The list below includes all candidates who will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. Those who emailed responses to the question by the Oct. 19 deadline have that additional information after their name.

Judge of the Superior Court (vote for one)

Democrat Brandon Neuman

Republican Maria Battista

Liberal Daniel Wassmer

Judge of the Commonwealth Court (vote for one)

Democrat Stella Tsai

Republican Matt Wolford

LEHIGH COUNTY

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (vote for one)

Democrat Mark B Stanziola

Stanziola’s response: I believe the biggest issue for people voting for the position of judge is that, given the divisive nature of today’s political climate, people need to know that should they need to go before a judge, that judge will be fair, impartial and unbiased in all respects regarding political affiliation, race, creed and/or nationality. Judges are the first line of defense against the erosion of our democracy and the Constitution, and our voters need to have faith in who they elect. I will make decisions based on facts and law, not based on politics or outside influence. Voters must have confidence that their judges work to uphold the rule of law, serve ethically and with the focus on keeping our community safe. I believe that I am the right person at the right time for this position.

Republican Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen

County executive (vote for one)

Democrat Joshua Siegel

Siegel’s response: The biggest issue facing voters is concern over the state of politics in our country and the way our political system approaches solving our challenges. I believe people are frustrated by a politics of constant anger, outrage and animosity and want bold leaders who are committed to advancing policies and ideas that can unify and move our area forward. I believe that people want to build a new politics that isn’t about left vs. right or red vs. blue but right vs. wrong. I’m running on One Lehigh, which is about rebuilding trust and faith in government and democracy by coming together around shared principles and priorities like affordable housing, preserving open space, sustainable growth and development and standing up for everyone in our community and resisting divisive politics. I think this moment calls for courage from our leaders to fight back against the chaos in Washington, D.C.

Republican Roger MacLean

County commissioner District 3 (vote for one)

Democrat Zachary Cole Borghi

Republican Jacqueline Rivera

CATASAUQUA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

School director (four-year term) (vote for no more than four)

Democrat Shawn McGinley

Democrat Christy Onkotz Cooper

Democrat/Republican Dale K Hein

Democrat Jamie Nattress

CATASAUQUA BOROUGH

Mayor (vote for one)

Democrat Anthony Alcade

Alcade’s response: The No. 1 issue for Catasauqua voters is property taxes. The cost of living and public safety should also be top concerns. As mayor, my primary role will be to oversee the police department. Our borough is in a crucial spot currently, so ensuring that our residents feel safe and protected, while also ensuring that our department completes the accreditation process and operates in a fiscally responsible manner will be integral pieces to the role. Improving efficiency in borough operations is key to keeping Catasauqua a desirable place to live. I believe that there is work to be done in changing the community’s feelings about overall police presence and providing a partnership between the department and residents, and I believe that my experience can lead this change.

Republican Samuel Safadi

Borough council (vote for no more than three)

Democrat/Republican Tara Nicholas

Democrat/Republican Howard Cunningham

Cunningham’s response: I voted to reduce taxes in December 2024. The goal of borough council should be to promote financial stability. The budget should link to a broad view of Catasauqua’s goals and focus on getting the best outcome-based value while holding the line on taxes. Catasauqua’s infrastructure should always be the foremost priority, which includes public improvements of, but not limited to, water, roads, stormwater management, police department, fire department and the high cost of homeownership in relation to average incomes. Responsible planning creates a systemic process that anticipates and plans for the future while managing time constraints and the budget.

Republican Robert Zakos

Zakos’ response: The biggest issue facing residents of Catasauqua is quality of life. Over the last four years, our taxes have been doubled, but we have seen no return on our investment. Infrastructure is deteriorating, and borough services are not operating at an optimal level. I don’t see any positives to be happy about. Our pool has been shuttered and filled in with dirt. Our park has become a disgrace with the shoddy playground equipment, periodic vandalism and public debauchery at Friday night concerts. Going to our park is depressing. I do not feel safe taking my child there. Once I am elected to council, I will increase transparency between our town and residents by promoting more two-way communication. Better use of social media, a newsletter mailed to residents and an email subscription to receive quick updates. I will not vote for any tax increases and work toward ways to lower them.

David Bernini (no affiliation)

Bernini’s response: Catasauqua taxpayers are anxious for relief from the 2023 tax increase adopted as an emergency tactic against bankruptcy. It was a debilitating but imperative burden on taxpayers. It generated $2-mil more annually, enabling Catasauqua to pay short-term obligations and strengthen its financial position. Tax relief hasn’t come. Now, an $8-mil capital plan is poised to keep taking every penny of that extra revenue away from taxpayers through 2028 under leadership that seems satisfied to let it. The 2025 budget spending adopted unanimously by Catasauqua’s current council wasn’t even covered by taxes! It required nearly $500,000 extra in borough cash to break even. Voting to lower taxes regardless of imprudent spending might look good in campaign announcements, but it’s a recipe for failure and a return to bad habits. I will not vote to raise taxes, and I will closely scrutinize all spending objectively to seek savings responsibly.

Tax collector (vote for one)

Democrat Stacy A Zellner

Republican James Delbertis

HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LEHIGH COUNTY

County commissioner District 3 (vote for one)

Democrat Zachary Cole Borghi

Republican Jacqueline Rivera

Township council (vote for no more than three)

Democrat Bruce E Paulus

Republican Robert Lawlor

Republican Bob Heimbecker

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Judge of Common Pleas Court (vote for one)

Democrat Jeremy Clark

Republican James Fuller

County executive (vote for one)

Democrat Tara Zrinski

Zrinski’s response: The top priority for Northampton County voters is building a strong, resilient community that protects essential services while planning for a sustainable future. As county executive, I will safeguard our finances, deliver transparent government and ensure fiscal responsibility with taxpayer funds and grants. With experience as county controller and former commissioner, I see this role as a steward — protecting what makes our county special and supporting those who need us most. Farmland preservation is personal: we’ve protected over 20,000 acres, keeping rural roots strong, feeding families and safeguarding an environmental asset. Investment in Gracedale — the county-owned nursing home — means better senior care, stronger staff retention and vital health services. My commitment is to responsive leadership that listens, puts people first and works every day to keep Northampton County a place we’re proud to call home.

Republican Tom Giovanni

County council-at large (vote for five)

Democrat David Holland

Democrat Theresa Fadem

Democrat Lori Vargo Heffner

Democrat Jason Boulette

Boulette’s response: I want to use my 25 years of business experience (as a vice president in the finance industry) to make sure that Northampton County remains fiscally stable over the next four years. I’ve led projects valued in the millions of dollars, I understand budgets, and I can dive into the numbers and make sure every tax dollar is being spent efficiently. My other priorities include dealing with the affordable housing crisis in the county, preserving open space and farmland, combating warehouse overdevelopment and protecting Gracedale. On council, I want to bring people together to find solutions for the problems facing our residents and I’m proud to be endorsed by both elected Democrats and Republicans because we need a council focused on cooperation and not confrontation.

Democrat Nadeem Qayyum

Republican Sam Elias

Republican John P. Goffredo

Republican John Brown

Republican Daniel Campo

Republican Juan E. Martinez

NORTH CATASAUQUA BOROUGH

Mayor (vote for one)

Democrat William J. Molchany Jr.

Council (vote for four)

Democrat John Joseph Yanek

Republican Scott Holmes

Holmes’ response: I think the biggest issues for voters is knowing who to vote for. It doesn’t matter which party you are or which party the candidate is. What matters is that you go out to vote for the person you feel will represent you the best. It doesn’t matter if it’s a federal, state or local election. This country needs to go back to the basics. Each person elected is there to represent you, whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent or some other party. Both major parties have forgotten that. They need to put the fighting behind them, work together and represent their constituents. The biggest issues affecting all of us are all the same. They are the issues dealing with the quality of life. I ask for your support on Nov. 4.

Republican Michael Macsisak III

Republican Peter Paone

Republican Daniel Snyder

Tax collector (vote for one)

Republican Donna M. Schifko