Lehigh County commissioners have a challenging task ahead of them having discussed at their June 11 meeting the 16 applications received for the open seat vacated by Scott Ott.

The candidates have been asked to answer a host of written questions drafted by commissioners. They will then be interviewed June 24 in public.

"We have a very strong field of candidates," Commissioner Percy Dougherty said. "I would consider it an honor to serve with many of them on this board."

Commissioners have until July 14 to fill the vacancy. The individual appointed will serve the remainder of Ott's four-year term through December 2015.

Commissioner Brad Osborne recommended to the candidate pool they make every effort to present themselves as uniquely qualified and of value to the board.

"It's an opportunity for candidates to impress and to stand out," he said. "If they don't do well, it could be a disqualifying thing."

Osborne also suggested to the candidates they set up informal meetings with commissioners before June 24.

Osborne said such meetings will allow the individual candidates to market why they are the right person for the job.

After the interview process, the appointments committee will recommend a finalist for nomination who will be voted on and appointed by the board.

"What the committee is doing is winnowing the field for us," Dougherty said.

The committee must make its recommendation by June 29. At the June 24 meeting, candidates will have one minute to answer a question from each commissioner. The successful candidate must receive five votes.