Democrat Mark Pinsley and Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. are seeking the Lehigh County controller seat.

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

What makes you uniquely qualified to serve?

DEMOCRAT MARK PINSLEY

Mark Pinsley, MBA, stands out as the ideal candidate for controller due to his impressive blend of financial acumen, proven efforts in saving Lehigh County $3 million in health care costs, his ability to listen to all parties and his innovative approach to fiscal oversight. He ensures his staff makes extra effort to make audits more accessible.

His diverse experience spans from entrepreneurial success to managing multi-million-dollar budgets. Pinsley’s commitment to transparency, ethical practices and impactful fiscal oversight, coupled with his dedication to societal reform, make him a uniquely qualified guardian of public finances.

REPUBLICAN ROBERT E. SMITH JR.

I will pledge to complete my four-year term and not run for another office. My opponent is running for auditor general next year, so he does not want to be controller. I do want to be a fiscal watchdog for Lehigh County. The current controller is not effective and using the office as a stepping stone to another office.

I will work with other row offices and departments to get things done in a positive, constructive, good relationship-building way. The controller’s office should not be used for political purposes or agendas. My experience of 20 years of doing city and school audits makes me the most experienced candidate for controller.