To the Editor:

As a resident of Lower Macungie Township, I assumed as many others have, that our elected officials were doing their job. Recently, when PPL chopped down the 20-year-old pine trees along Sauerkraut Lane, I was stunned the residents hadn't been informed this was going to happen. We were told PPL had the "legal" right to do so. My question to the board of commissioners at the meeting was, why was there no back-up plan? The board president, Ron Eichenberg, shouted me down letting me know my argument was with PPL.

As a combat veteran who has served three tours of duty in Afghanistan since 9/11, I know leadership. I also know when there is a lack of it. The current members running for re-election, [Ron] Eichenberg, [Ryan] Conrad, and [Roger] Reis are three Realtors whose primary interest is serving developers rather than what's in the best interest of the community. They have failed. Not only that, there is a flagrant conflict of interest when Mr. Eichenberg is the listing Realtor, profiting on the sale of properties being discussed by the BOC.

These same commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding with wealthy developer, David Jaindl, who scared them into changing the zoning ordnance to accommodate his massive 700-acre high residential, commercial and industrial development plan without sufficient public input. This development is the size of Alburtis. For the past three years, the inherent qualities of Lower Macungie Township have been under siege by the current board. They have consistently granted waivers, zoning changes and favors that have hurt our township. It's time to put citizens first before developer and special interests.

I urge you to join me in voting May 21 for Ron Beitler and Brian Higgins, proven leaders and committed citizens.

Randall Fritz

Lower Macungie Township