Chris Peischl has announced his candidacy for a seat on the South Whitehall board of commissioners.

“I am very excited to announce my candidacy for South Whitehall Township commissioner as a Republican candidate,” Peischl said.

“As commissioner, my goal is to ensure our township remains a highly desired place for people to settle down in and raise their families.”

Peischl says his vision for South Whitehall is to have close-knit neighborhoods, safe streets, preservation of open space to enjoy and offer dynamic programs that improve the quality of life for residents.

“I also envision adequately funded emergency services and a local government that truly represents the people it serves and makes decisions based on the long-term viability of the township that include financial responsibility,” he explained.

“I commit to actively engage with and listen to my fellow residents which will allow me to gain a better perspective when making informed decisions, ensuring there is transparency in how decisions and policies are made.

The candidate says he will continue to foster strong partnerships with the school district and other key organizations throughout the township to ensure residents have access to all vital services and build a strong sense of security and community.

“I moved into the township in 1968, at the age of 4, and have resided here ever since, having attended Kratzer Elementary, Troxell Junior High and am a proud Parkland High School alumnus (1982).

“I continued my higher education locally, earning my Bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College and a secondary education teaching certificate from Kutztown University.”

Peischl has three grown children, all raised in South Whitehall Township, and who graduated from Parkland High School.

“I have devoted most of my adult life to serving and volunteering in the community,” Peischl says. “On the highest scale, I proudly served our country as a veteran of United States Naval Reserves being activated for Desert Storm.”

Locally, Peischl served the township in numerous capacities for the last 30-plus years, including being a lifetime member (logging over 30 years of active volunteer service) of Greenawalds Fire Company serving in positions ranging from firefighter to assistant chief, as well as secretary and vice president on the business side.

“Additionally, I currently serve on the township’s Public Safety Commission (12-plus years) and Emergency Management Team (15-plus years), Peischl said.

“I was also a member of the Water and Sewer Authority for five years.”

The candidate has worked in emergency management services for the last 30 years in various roles ranging from paramedic to director of operations for the City of Allentown EMS, Cetronia Ambulance Corps and Northampton Regional EMS.

“I am also very passionate and involved in youth sports and have coached both football and baseball programs at Grandlawn and North Parkland AA, and on the collegiate level at Muhlenberg College, as well as ran the aquatics program.”

Peischl says all South Whitehall Township residents are encouraged to cast their ballot and vote for him.

“Residents who are registered Republican voters can cast their ballot in-person on May 16 or beforehand via mail-in ballot,” he said.

“Residents who are registered Democrat voters can cast their vote by writing my name in on the ballot. Residents are encouraged to follow me on my Facebook page: Chris Peischl Candidate for South Whitehall Township Commissioner, to learn more about his vision for the township and campaign.

For more information, email cjpeischl@gmail.com.