Township Commissioner, Judge Candidates Take Voters' Questions

Three of the four candidates for South Whitehall commissioner took voters' questions at a candidate forum Monday night at , addressing development, township spending and environmental issues, among other topics.

, and were on hand for the forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. Incumbent phoned prior to the start of the forum to say he was ill and could not attend, a league member said.

Candidates for Lehigh County Judge -- Democrat Dan McCarthy and Republican Doug Reichley -- also attended the forum, primarily outlining their qualifications since judicial code prevents them from commenting on issues.

Here's what the South Whitehall commissioner candidates, all Republicans, had to say to voters, in part:

-- On environmental issues

Block, who serves on the township zoning board, said he favors alternative energy proposals, such as "I think green is the direction to go," he said. Block also said would seek expert advice on environmental issues, but would look to perpetrators to cover costs in instances of environmental mishaps.

Bond talked about the value of green initiatives, such as the township's recycling program. 

Hite said officials need to be attuned to new businesses that move into the township, particularly when they take over exisiting buildings, to assess the potential impact of the ventures on the township and emergency services.

-- On balancing the township budget

Given that the township had to use $4 million in reserves to , Block, an accountant, said he would use his financial expertise to find out why the township is spending more than it's taking in. "It's imperative to find out where we're overspending...," he said.

Bond, who is a divisional vice president of transportation for a department store chain, said he would look to "right size" the budget, a process he expected to be challenging. "You can't spend more than you bring in," he said. However, Bond said, it would be inappropriate to judge the current township administration, since he is not privvy to the finances, but would examine the budget and other areas, including the township's bidding processes. 

Hite, who has a certificate in business logistics, questioned how much fees the township might be paying consultants. He questioned whether the township's bidding specs might be too stringent, given, for example, that the township only had one bid on a recent contract, even in a struggling economy.

-- On housing developments and disappearing farmland

Block, a lifelong resident of the township, said South Whitehall can't stop development, but that it can stop overdevelopment. He said projects, such as the proposed off Walbert Avenue, could be good for the township because it would bring in additional tax revenues. 

Bond, who has lived in the township for 14 years, talked about the need for balance, as he acknowledged the township's deep agricultural roots. He pointed to the value of the township's new comprehensive plan, which details strategies for development. He alluded to the development woes of neighboring municipalities. "It's a balancing act," he said.

Hite, a lifelong township resident, emphasized his years on the township planning commission in echoing Bond's call for balance. "I like seeing farms, I like seeing barns," Hite acknowledged. He said South Whitehall has a good mix of agriculture, businesses and residences. His concerns, he said, however, center on infrastructure, and he pointed to the gridlock that occurs on major roads through the township.

Block and Bond will be on both the Republican and Democratic ballots in the Nov. 8 election, having won both nominations in the primary. Though all Republicans, Hite will be on the Democratic ballot, having won that nod in the primary, and Daubert will be on the Republican ballot. 

Lehigh County Judge Race

Following the hour-long township commissioner segment of the forum, candidates McCarthy and Reichley talked about their qualifications for Lehigh County Judge.

McCarthy, who is also a Lehigh County Commissioner, emphasized his more than 35 years of experience in the law, including as a mediator. He said his experience is broad, in civil, criminal and domestic areas, and sets him apart from his opponent. "I've got a very broad breadth of experience," he said.

Reichley, a state lawmaker, pointed to his 25 years of law experience, including as an assistant district attorney in Lehigh County, prosecuting criminal cases. He said he also dealt with civil law in his private practice. As a state legislator, he said, he wrote the law that protects elderly residents from theft of their assets.

Since judges are mandated to retire at 70, Reichley made issue of the fact that McCarthy, who is 63, would not be able to serve a 10-year term. McCarthy countered that he is not interested in making the judgeship a "personal dynasty." He said he would make his time on the bench "seven good years" and that he could serve in retirement.