There are six candidates seeking seats on the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners: Democrats Thomas Slonaker, Michael Dee and Joseph J. Marx Jr. and Republicans Andy Roman, Karen S. Wilt and LoriAnn Fehnel. Voters will choose three in the Nov. 2 election.

The candidates were asked to respond to the following question in 100 words or less:

What do you see as the most important issue for voters in this election?

THOMAS SLONAKER

Addressing the balance of revenues and expenditures is one of the most important functions of the board of commissioners. This upcoming fiscal year presents the need to chose how to balance these issues due to the COVID crisis. The board is forward looking on how to deliver the services and needs of the community. Today we must utilize our collective experiences and qualifications to achieve results. I have earned the confidence and trust in my abilities as a dedicated, qualified and experienced commissioner to maintain Whitehall’s strong presence in Lehigh County. Facts determine what course of action is followed.

MICHAEL DEE

The most important issue facing our residents is how to move forward with the fire department. A lack of volunteers, especially during the day, leaves our fire houses challenged to properly fight fires. This potentially puts both property and lives in danger. A paid department will be costly and will undoubtedly lead to a large tax increase. We must look at every option, including increased recruitment, retention and training opportunities, a hybrid of a paid/volunteer force, intermunicipal cooperative agreements and conduct a comprehensive cost analysis of what our needs are and how much a paid department will cost the township.

JOSEPH J. MARX JR.

The most important issue facing the voters is our fire department. Volunteerism is at an all-time low and the truth is the fire department isn’t getting out on calls during regular working hours. We will surpass Easton on the number of calls made this year. Easton has a professional, paid fire department. Whitehall has mutual aid agreements, but we cannot depend on them. We need to provide 24/7 service. It’s going to cost money and needs to be carefully planned. Minutes are precious in emergencies. I can, on behalf of the citizens, make the hard decisions to solve this problem.

ANDY ROMAN

Good government requires “checks and balances” to keep people honest.

Right now, with one party rule in Whitehall, that is impossible to accomplish. $77,992 is “missing” or stolen from the treasurer’s office. The investigation, as reported a local daily newspaper Jan. 12, 2021, is inconclusive. So where is $77,992 of our taxpayer money? No one knows! Commissioner Slonaker and Commissioner Dee voted to BLOCK holding the treasurer accountable. The treasurer is also the mayor’s sister. As your new township commissioner, I will provide that “check and balance” and find our $77,992. We should call in the state police.

KAREN S. WILT

Our country is in danger from the presidency down to the local level. We have no balance in our commissioners department. That’s not healthy. A deficit of $77,992 wasn’t resolved as per 1/11/2021 minutes. But my main concern for all is false, one-sided information everywhere. Our freedoms are slipping away. People remain divided and fearful. Americans need truth! It sets you free. United we stand; divided we fall. Paul Harvey’s radio broadcast always said, “And now you’ve heard the rest of the story.” Links to sources on trekeroflife.blogspot.com. Also see timetofreeamerica.com. Don’t have to say, “If only I had...”

LORIANN FEHNEL

My number one priority is restoring transparency and integrity to Whitehall Township. I believe constituents should be able to pay their taxes online, where it leaves a paper trail. I believe in having a paid fire department and keeping our volunteers as well. I believe in supporting small local business. My other priority would be to encourage Lehigh County to have its own local health department. I am a strong believer in preserving open space. If elected, I promise to be a fair and open-minded commissioner. I will continue to advocate for all of our constituents in Whitehall Township.