The new First Ward commissioner in Salisbury Township vows to put “community first.”

Heather Lipkin fulfills the first ward term until Dec. 31.

Lipkin is a write-in candidate on the Nov. 5 Primary Election ballot.

Lipkin was nominated for first ward commissioner by Commissioner Rodney Conn and seconded by Commissioner James Seagreaves at the Oct. 10 township meeting in the municipal building.

Conn, Seagreaves and board President Debra Brinton voted 3-0 to appoint Lipkin. Commissioner Joanne Ackerman was absent.

Lipkin’s appointment brings to a majority of three the number of females serving on the board.

“My policy is community first. I think that the board of commissioners has done a wonderful job. I hope to continue that tradition,” Lipkin said in brief remarks at the podium before being sworn in.

Salisbury Township Solicitor, Atty. John W. Ashley, administered the oath of office to Lipkin following the vote.

Lipkin was chosen for the post after a Sept. 26 interview by township commissioners. Another applicant for the first ward seat, Kenneth Wied, was also interviewed.

Lipkin received 20 votes as a write-in candidate in the May primary election.

Lipkin, a registered Democrat, succeeds Robert Martucci Jr., who retired. His resignation was effective Aug. 31.

“At this level, party doesn’t matter,” Lipkin told a reporter for The Press after the meeting. “It’s more about taking care of the community for the residents,” she said.

Lipkin is a 15-year resident of Salisbury. Her husband, Matthew, is a project manager for PC Connections, a computer software firm. They have two daughters, Hannah, 18, and Abby, 15.

Lipkin has been involved in the parent-teacher organization at Harry S Truman Elementary School, Salisbury Township School District.

She was a Girl Scouts leader, Troop 644, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Allentown.

While Lipkin is now a homemaker, she said she plans to start a home-cleaning products business.

“Do you want to take your seat?” Brinton asked Lipkin after she was sworn in.

“Sure,” Lipkin replied, adding, “Might as well go to work.”