District 5 encompasses the City of Allentown, wards 5, 7, 12, 13 (districts 3 and 4), the boroughs of Emmaus, Coopersburg, Macungie, the townships of Lower Milford, Salisbury, Upper Milford and Upper Saucon. Residents will vote for one candidate for a 4-year term.

The Press asked the candidates the following question: "What is the most important issue in this election and why?"

Nathan Brown (R)

"Through the past year there have been major cuts to our public safety system, social services and grant money that was awarded to our local businesses but then sent the money back to the federal government because of an ideology. The county has alienated our local municipalities by trying to eliminate the green future fund money that helps preserve parks and open space for generations to come. You the people voted 2-1 in favor of this grant and the current District 5 commissioner went against your vote and said, 'I know what is good for you.' We need true public servants; a person that listens to the voice of the people and is willing to go door-to-door and work on your behalf. The Federal and State government puts mandates on the local municipality to provide such things as handicap ramps on sidewalks but they also provide the monies for those projects. We had local municipalities apply and get awarded those monies so we did not have to raise local taxes to do these mandated projects. This is your taxpayer money coming back to your town to do projects that normally would not be accomplished. We need to work together as a team and for the people. There is no place in Lehigh County for Washington-style politics. After six years serving Emmaus Borough as a councilman I look forward to serving you."

Norma A. Cusick (R)

"The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners has the duty and responsibility to be vigilant with tax dollars. This responsibility must be inextricably linked to the maintenance, and whenever possible, the enhancement of the quality of life for the residents of Lehigh County. Another way of saying this is that the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners should not diminish or compromise the quality of life for the residents of Lehigh County. There is an equally important role and responsibility for the commissioners and that is exercising checks and balances with the executive and judiciary departments of the county. I will work to control spending and manage the cost of county government by using well-considered budget reductions when indicated. Any reductions will be targeted and specific, not vague or indiscriminate. I will work to improve county infrastructure and cultivate a business/job friendly environment in Lehigh County. I will work with local municipalities and as an advocate for regional land-use planning with emphasis on preserving farmland and improving parks and recreation. With all of these challenges I will be an independent common sense conservative voice."

Kevin P. Ryan (R)

"I believe Lehigh County government should focus on core functions only. I have drafted a mission statement that I would push for the board to adopt. Here is my draft: VISION: Excellence in management of residents' tax dollars to enable individual growth and opportunity. MISSION: To sustain our quality of life by providing cost effective judicial and civil services required in support of The Rule of Law and our Common Infrastructure. To administer Human Services in a limited manner providing for individual needs while respectfully honoring individual responsibility. VALUES: We treat residents as customers; We provide services at the pleasure of the taxpayer; Our success is built on the strength and dedication of all employees. As part of focusing the county on core issues, I would propose returning the county back from the home rule form of county government to the three commissioner form of government. A strong county executive is more conducive to maximizing county government as this executive position is often a stepping stone to higher office and that strong politician needs to show new programs to the voters in his quest for higher office. The three commissioner form of government is more compatible with the limited government mission statement I have drafted above. Why do we need two nursing homes? I would like to explore if one of the county facilities could be converted to a non-profit retirement authority similar to the Lehigh County Authority that provides utility services. This would reduce the exposure of the taxpayers. The current employees of Cedarbrook could form the board of this new authority. The county could retain the Bethlehem Cedarbrook as a safety net for our seniors."

Michael P. Schware (R)

"Lehigh County budget and tax rate. I want to use my skills to help make county government more efficient and more focused on its core functions. My goal is to find savings to pass along to the taxpayers in the form of a tax cut. Last year, we were able to cut county taxes by $3 million. That's certainly a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done."

Wesley Barrett (D)

"Lehigh County has been moving forward for a number of years, but we are at a true crossroads in this election. Extreme agendas and flawed ideology have ravaged the long standing common sense approach to County government. Proposed cuts to things like Meals-on-Wheels, highway safety programs, and open space and park funding have regularly generated headlines and packed board rooms with dissatisfied residents and elected officials of all parties. Common sense thinking about how Lehigh County uses Federal and State grant money to help pay for progress has all but been lost. Meaning, some on the current board are actually saying NO to grant money and letting it go to other counties in the state and country under the guise that it will somehow save the national debt. Unfortunately it does not and only hurts us here in Lehigh County through missed opportunities. As County Commissioner, I will remain focused on the residents here in our county and not nationally charged political issues. Fortunately for all residents of Lehigh County, we can continue the long standing forward progress of past boards by electing the right candidates in this election. As a business owner for the last 20 years I promise to bring my common sense approach to Lehigh County."

Stephen P. Walters (D)

"County government has got to be more responsive to our communities. While knocking on doors, I found seniors with no understanding of how to access state and county programs that would make their lives easier. People feel our county government isn't benefitting them. I will work hard to simplify county government and make it more accessible and responsive to our communties."

Editor's Note: Information was provided by the candidates and the League of Women Voters.