Joe Setton, former South Whitehall Township commissioner, has announced his candidacy for a Lehigh County commissioner-at-large seat.

“I am a first-generation immigrant to the United States,” Setton, a Democrat, says. “I received a Bachelor of Arts from Leicester University in England.”

For the past 39 years, he has been an independent real estate broker.

“My wife, Ruth, has taught at Lehigh University and Lafayette College, Setton says. “We have lived, worked and raised three children in Lehigh County.

“I’m running for the position of Lehigh County commissioner in order to continue to give back to this community that has given my family and me so much.”

The candidate says his goal is to improve and expand affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income families by promoting home ownership.

Public safety is another of his priorities.

“I will seek solutions to the rise of truck traffic due to the expansion of industrial warehousing in Lehigh County,” Setton says.