Heidi McMahon Seeks Township Commissioner Seat

Heidi A. McMahon, a project management professional with experience in business operations, said she decided to seek a South Whitehall commissioners seat to give back to the community and to help maintain the quality of life she has enjoyed since moving here more than 10 years ago.

McMahon, 52, said the position would also allow her to use her business background to serve the community.

McMahon is running in the Republican primary on May 17th for one of three available seats on the township board of commissioners. The term is four years. She is one of six candidates, including one incumbent, seeking her party's nod for the position.

She will also seek the Democratic nomination as a write-in candidate.

McMahon has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire, and a master's in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University, according to her resume.

She said she has more than 25 years experience in several industries, including industrial equipment, telecommunications, medical devices, consumer products and real estate.

She has served on the local board of the March of Dimes, supporting fund-raising drives, and on the operations committee for the Celtic Cultural Alliance.

Active in politics, she was elected to the Lehigh County Republican Committee for South Whitehall District 5 in May 2008, and she was elected judge of elections in 2009. She has actively supported a number of candidates. 

Having moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1997, McMahon said she recognized South Whitehall as an ideal location to raise her son, now a student at Parkland High School. They have participated in sporting clubs and used the parks to ride bikes and enjoy nature.

In announcing her candidacy, McMahon pointed to the need to maintain the tax base and review township costs. 

"In striving for excellence, ...there is always room for improvement," she said in a prepared release. "As our township evolves over the years, we will want to balance efficiences with cost effectiveness in support of our businesses and residents."

She said the township also must review and consider incentives for growing its emergency preparedness team, particularly its volunteer fire departments.

She said she also advocates attracting and assisting small businesses in the township to increase the tax base, while also preserving open space and farmland. The goal, she said, is "to attract businesses which blend with our community ideal, while meeting the needs of our residents, from newborn to seniors."

McMahon can be contacted at McMahon4SWcommissioner@gmail.com.