There are eight candidates seeking four open Lehigh County commissioner-at-large seats in the Nov. 7 municipal election.

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

What is it you can offer Lehigh County residents and the county as a commissioner the other candidates cannot?

DEMOCRAT SHEILA ALVARADO

I will create relationships, bridge the gap between government and citizens and create trust by sharing information directly with constituents to help them better understand how impactful county government is to our everyday lives. I have worked in private businesses, the nonprofit arena and currently in state government as a legislative assistant to a state representative.

I understand governance as well as the communities’ necessities and concerns. I am a first-generation college graduate, a Latina woman, mother of two and a wife. I have a heart to serve, and I hope to be the voice for many in Lehigh County.

DEMOCRAT DAN HARTZELL

As the only incumbent in this election, I can offer nearly eight years of experience as a commissioner as evidence of my familiarity with the issues facing Lehigh County government. One of my priorities is ensuring the county retains ownership of its Cedarbrook nursing homes so that this essential service continues to be available.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed extreme challenges to nursing homes nationwide, and I believe our staff dealt with those difficulties very well. I had a hand in the decision to move ahead with the new building now under construction at Cedarbrook Allentown, and I’d like to remain on the board to help see that project through to completion.

DEMOCRAT APRIL RIDDICK

I’m a person who doesn’t mind asking hard questions and taking the time to create solutions for the residents of Lehigh County.

Making sound financial decisions is what you’re elected for as well as serving in good faith and trust. I have been actively involved in the Lehigh County area for over 30 years in the community.

My interests include human resources, community services, our elderly needs, out-of-the-box thinking to help public schools, affordable housing, infrastructure, inmate education, mental health, maintaining our green spaces and parks.

DEMOCRAT JON IRONS

My background is in education and nonprofit data management. I have both the perspective of a case manager working with needy families and an analyst of regional data evaluating the impact of interventions and programs in education, behavioral health and school climate. As Lehigh County commissioner, I will bring a data-driven perspective on budgeting and oversight and will ground my initiatives in targeted, trackable outcomes.

I will call on the county to publish and present data and outcomes to the public in the name of transparency and aim to save taxpayer dollars by investing in programs with the biggest impact.

REPUBLICAN PAUL MOAT

REPUBLICAN RITA SISSELBERGER

REPUBLICAN GARY S. FEDORCHA

REPUBLICAN JACQUELINE RIVERA

I stand out as a county commissioner candidate due to my unwavering dedication and passion. Having previously run for District 3 in 2021 and actively participating in county meetings for years, I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of our community’s needs and county-level operations. This knowledge enables me to effectively communicate the role of commissioners to our constituents.

Importantly, I pledge that my decision-making will consistently prioritize the well-being of all county residents, devoid populism. My commitment is to deliver a rational, balanced approach to governance, providing our county with the effective leadership it deserves.