To the Editor:

I am running for mayor of Whitehall Township and am asking for your vote Nov. 7.

I am a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and have lived in Whitehall for 23 years. I care deeply about our community and have served its citizens for more than 20 years. I am a successful owner of a small business in Whitehall.

I am currently the president of the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners and have served on the board for eight years. I serve as a board member on the Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority and have done so for 14 years.

I feel my experience in business and in Whitehall public service has provided me the experience and leadership to move Whitehall forward. As mayor, I will continue to be fiscally conservative and to serve you with honesty, integrity and compassion.

One of the biggest issues facing Whitehall, which I plan to address immediately, is the fire department. To be clear, the fire department is fully funded and has the tools and equipment needed to complete its mission. The problem is lack of volunteers caused by the poor leadership.

I plan to change the leadership and improve morale, which I believe will result in an increase in volunteers and the return of those firefighters who left because of the leadership problems. This may not be a long-term solution, but it can be a bridge to address the situation more in depth and develop a plan for the continued success of the department.

I have faith the Whitehall citizens will reject the empty rhetoric, misinformation and false promises that have been published in the newspapers, social media and in mailers funded by out-of-state PACs.

For more information about my vision, visit my website at josephjmarxjrformayor.com.

Joseph J. Marx Jr.

Whitehall Township