Sunny Ghai, a regional advocate for smart growth, chair of Upper Macungie’s Good Neighbor Coalition), and former Upper Macungie Planning commissioner has announced his candidacy for Upper Macungie Township supervisor.

Ghai says he has successfully organized opposition against a number of controversial warehouse developments including the Old Dominion Freight Lines Truck Terminal in 2014 and Americold’s 135-foot-high cube warehouse in 2020.

Ghai says he has called on Upper Macungie supervisors to take more control of land development projects and to review the composition of the township’s zoning hearing board.

As a resident, he says he successfully advocated for new ordinances to reduce future trucking terminal development by cleaning up confusing laws.

Ghai also says he initiated efforts to get truck parking and route restrictions implemented throughout Upper Macungie.

As chair of the Good Neighbor Coalition, he has worked with township officials, Upper Macungie police and local businesses to implement the new restrictions.

Ghai says he collaborated with local authorities and PennDOT to install new truck restriction signage throughout the township and construct overhead “wind chimes” on Farm Bureau and Schantz Roads to further prevent trucks from entering prohibited areas.

“There is still so much to do, and I’m concerned the township is moving too slowly in getting it done,” Ghai, said. “The risk is too great to stay on our current path.

“My background as the GNC chairman and my experience as a member of the planning commission has given me great insight into what is working well and what still needs to be improved.

“While my focus will be on improved safety, smart growth and improved quality of life for our residents, my professional background as a manufacturing operations, procurement and supply chain executive will provide much needed expertise in municipal governance.

“Residents are tired of hearing that nothing can be done. My track record shows that it can. I am looking forward to the new challenges this office will bring, and I can’t wait to get started.”

A lifelong resident, Ghai graduated from Parkland High School and earned a degree in industrial engineering from the Pennsylvania State University.

He has been married for 29 years and has three adult children.

Ghai notes he has already been endorsed by community leaders on a bipartisan basis:

•Dan Hartzell, Lehigh County commissioner and retired “Road Warrior” columnist for The Morning Call:

“I believe Sunny Ghai would be a terrific addition to Upper Mac’s board of supervisors. In addition to being an effective opponent of the “warehouse row” trend sweeping the township and the Lehigh Valley, Sunny’s engineering degree and business expertise in manufacturing and facility operations, procurement, and supply chain management give him broad experience in areas important to effective governmental oversight.

“His key role in helping stop the proposed Old Dominion warehouse in 2014 was only the beginning. Voters would help themselves by helping to elect smart-growth proponent Sunny Ghai to the board this year.”

•Edgardo A. Colón, former chief of police of Upper Macungie Township:

“I wholeheartedly support and endorse Sunny Ghai for his candidacy for a position on the board of supervisors in Upper Macungie Township.

“Sunny is a lifelong resident of the township, and I have always found Sunny to be consumed with integrity and sincere interest for the betterment of the entire community, its residents, and its businesses.

“With his knowledge, reputation and standing of and in Upper Macungie Township, Sunny would be an immediate asset for this community, which needs far more representation and participation of its residents.”