FAQs

1.  What does a Township Commissioner Do?

          All Townships legally classified 1^st Class (as is South Whitehall Twp) are governed by a Board of Commissioners (equivalent to a Supervisor in a 2^nd Class Township).  Five positions exist on this Board which forms the governing body for the Township.  Members are elected at-large for four year terms and all members must be residents of the Township.

        The South Whitehall Township website (click here to visit) lists the following functions for the Board.  The Commissioners are the ultimate authority on such issues as tax rates, expenditures, purchases, legal position of the Township, uses of public facilities, the establishment of zoning districts, conditions for land development, budgets, and remuneration and benefits for its staff.  It establishes law by the passage of ordinances, and expresses its wishes by resolution, motion or consensus.

2.  Why is this election important?

          Commissioners’ terms are four years and every two years (in odd-numbered years) “half” of the Board is up for election – 2 in one election and 3 in the next, the latter of which is the case this year.  One current board member, Steve Seyer, is retiring and therefore not seeking re-election.  The Primary Election resulted in Howard finishing second on the Republican ticket.  In addition, the two Republican incumbents earned spots in the November General Election.  Two other candidates received enough Democratic Write-In votes to qualify for the General Election (one being a registered Democrat and the other a registered Republican), as did Howard.  However, Howard is the only candidate who garnered a spot on both tickets.

        The General Election of November 6, 2007 will determine which three of these five candidates will help govern the Township for the next 4 years, at a point where many critical decisions need to be made, and change from the status-quo is required to successfully address these issues in a pro-active manner.  The four year term would start in January 2008.

3.  How do the Commissioners work with the citizens of South Whitehall Township?

          As shown on the Township website, Public Meetings are held generally the first and third Wednesday of every month, and at times Special Meetings are called.  These meetings take place at the Township Municipal Building at 4444 Walbert Ave.  At any given meeting the Board hears and discusses a myriad of problems identified by the general public, the members themselves and the staff.  They open the meeting to public comment twice during the meetings, generally at the beginning and ending of the meeting, and the agenda lists it as “Courtesy of the Floor”.

4.  I’m a Democrat (or Independent) who wants to support Howard Ellsworth for Commissioner.  Do I need to wait for the General Election in November to demonstrate my support?

        No, in fact he needs your support now!  With the last minute addition of one registered Democratic candidate running for Township Commissioner, it is critical that Howard's qualifications are made apparent to your Democratic and Independent friends.  His commitment is to represent all the residents of the township without regard to political affiliation.  He promises to be fair, to be honest, to listen to the issues brought to the meetings, and to act responsibly to resolve problems and be pro-active toward minimizing or eliminating future problems.  Point your friends to this web-site or encourage them to contact Howard with any questions or concerns they may have.  This would greatly increase his chance of winning election in November.

5.  What can a citizen of South Whitehall Township do to make sure we elect the best candidates to the Board of Commissioners?

          First and foremost exercise your right to vote.  With so much at stake in the future of the Township, especially controlling its growth and development, it is vital that we elect Commissioners who have the experience, the qualifications, and the demonstrated leadership to ensure the future of the Township (See “About” elsewhere in this website).  By supporting Howard Ellsworth for Commissioner, you can help select this kind of Commissioner on November 6th.  Elsewhere on this website you learn more about Howard, volunteer to help in his campaign, or make a contribution to the campaign.  Visit a Commissioner's meeting and see the board in action, observe the type of skills that are required to perform well and in the interests of the township residents; review each candidate's backgrounds and opinions as stated in the League of Women Voters survey, and then act according to what you have learned.  We believe you'll agree that Howard deserves to fill one of the three Commissioner 4-year terms up for election.

6.  I want to vote but I can’t get to the polls that day.  What can I do?

          Applications for Absentee Ballots are available at the Lehigh County Government Center and they can be mailed to you at your home address or any address you choose.  If you cannot get to the Government Center, contact us and we can ensure that you get the proper form.  For further information, click here to visit their website.