On Oct. 7, six candidates for Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners participated in a political forum. The six candidates are running for the three vacant spots on the board of commissioners.

The candidates are as follows: Democrat Wesley Barrett, Democrat Melissa Bosak, Republican Matthew Guglielmello, Republican Brian Higgins, Democrat Stefanie Rafes and Republican Brian Shoemaker. Brad Osborne was the moderator. Shoemaker was unable to attend the forum.

Questions were directed to each candidate and equal time was given to all. The goal was to create a clear picture of each candidate. There was a 90 second introduction by each candidate.

Barrett introduced himself saying he was fresh energy. He is a lifelong resident of the area and an Emmaus High School graduate. He also said he is “a successful business owner and involved in public service and has been the chairman of the planning commission.”

Bosak introduced herself by suggesting she would have a “fresh perspective.” She is a four year resident of the township and works with manufacturing and operations. She considers herself as having good problem solving skills and works well with customers and vendors. She is interested in responsible development.

Guglielmello is interested in open space. He audits public entities and researches public records.

Higgins, who is seeking another term as a commissioner, is the current president. He has been a resident of the township for 21 years and has three sons. He feels as if the crossroads are not the current situation. That was 15 years ago.

Rafes has been a resident for five years and lived in Whitehall before this area. She is a physician assistant in the field of cardiology. She considers herself a problem-solver. She is interested in climate related issues such as flooding and is aware of the “ancient trees.”

The role of a commissioner was discussed. Topics included the importance of studying area communities, an obligation to understand the importance of issues and to make sure services meet residents’ needs.

There are five Lower Macungie Township commissioners and they each have equal power. The role of a commissioner was discussed which includes supervision of township management and balancing the budget and how it affects taxes. Commissioners run meetings and sign checks and the township manager does the hiring of employees. It was mentioned Lower Macungie Township has a great staff.

The topic of police coverage was raised. If the plan to charge communities for state police coverage is resurrected, the situation could change.

Higgins said the state police are happy to cover the township. Comments have been made that Lower Macungie Township is very well served by the state police. There has been discussion occasionally to share neighborhood police forces.

Rafes believes residents are concerned with the time delay on police response times. Barrett suggested funding issues would be of biggest concern. Bosak believes there is a lack of relationship between residents and the state police and suggested the possibility of a county police force.

The topic of current zoning was discussed. Higgins said in 2017, zoning laws changed to stop the warehouses. Truck traffic has become a major issue within the township. The state says the township cannot regulate the truck usage of area roads.

Rafes mentioned air pollution. Barrett agrees the ban on warehouses was a good idea. Bosak mentioned the truck traffic concerns and Guglielmello talked about the issue of data centers. These centers will take a heavy toll on electric usage.

The topic of flooding was presented. Barrett spoke of tree planting and the use of natural methods. Many open fields flood during heavy precipitation and building adds to the problem. Bosak suggested meadows with grasses, clover and other items that are natural resources.

Guglielmello suggested maintaining infrastructure. An update may be necessary. Higgins said building in the 500-year flood plain is not supported.

Barrett spoke of community input. Neighborhood liaisons were suggested as well as a communication with homeowners’ association is necessary. Canvassing neighborhoods is an idea.

Bosak said residents want to be heard. Concerns for traffic and trash collection are big topics. Better communication is needed.

Guglielmello said open space and traffic are of concern. He added these topics also impact the school system.

Higgins said open space within the township has made unbelievable accomplishments. There is no plan to age out and plans to improve parks and trails will be included.

Rafes suggested modernizing communication for residents. Develop an online system. She also suggested completing surveys.

A resident asked about Stone Hill Meadows where there are unresolved problems in this community. Bosak expressed her concerns. There are incomplete trails and other concerns that are making home prices decrease. The train horns have been mentioned. There is a lot of frustration over what appears to be no action. Guglielmello suggested this is a township administration problem.

Higgins said the worst part of being a commissioner is timing. In the case of this development, the developers took the money and ran. All complaints are noted and copied. The township and the HOA are being given consistent updates. An answer is expected by the end of the year.

Rafes spoke of the legal issues involving the builder. Barrett said it’s a slow process. He suggested going to the neighborhood and meeting the residents. It would, hopefully, speed up answers and results.

At the end of the forum, all candidates thanked the moderator. Rafes expressed her desire for transparency and speed.

Higgins said “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve. We’re at a “move forward” time.” It was said Lower Macungie Township is considered a gem in the Lehigh Valley.

Guglielmello said he has financial expertise. He also said the school district is at a crossroad.

Bosak says she has great characteristics and expressed her concerns for the quality of trails and roads.

Barrett suggested focusing on his track record. “Conservation doesn’t end here. Continue to ask questions.”

Rafes said she is committed to transparency. She also expressed her intent to increase the speed of answers and remedies.