By DOUG GRAVES

Special to The Press

Lehigh County commissioners have extended the deadline to apply for the District 5 commissioner seat formerly filled by Emmaus resident Nathan Brown, a Republican.

Brown announced his resignation from the post at the commissioners’ Nov. 11 meeting.

The new deadline is at 4 p.m. Dec. 5.

So far, four applicants have applied for the position which will be filled by a vote by commissioners.

Vince Tucciarone of Coopersburg, Nathan Mercer and Wanda Mercado Arroyo, both of Center Valley, and Joe Vichot of Upper Saucon Township have all submitted applications.

Vichot, in a statement submitted with his application said, “I believe fair, honest and lawful elections are paramount to our Republic.

“We can argue and debate policies but only if the people believe in the integrity of our democratic system.”

Mercado Arroyo said, “It would be an honor to serve in this position.”

According to rules under the county charter, the replacement must be a Republican as that is the party Brown represented.