Daubert Survives Political Challenge, Hite Looks to Future

South Whitehall Commissioner survived another political challenge in Tuesday's election, solidifying his distinction as the longest tenured commissioner in the township's history.

Daubert was one of four people -- and the only incumbent -- seeking three seats on the board. 

With candidates and appearing on both the Democratic and Republican ballots (which gave them an edge at the polls), the real contest on Tuesday was between Daubert and political newcomer . 

As expected, Block and Bond, who had won both party nominations in the , were the two highest vote getters, on the five-person board.

Daubert, who did virtually no campaigning, won the third seat by a 51-vote lead over Hite. He credited his extensive community contacts and his years of public service, both in the township and as a former member of the Parkland School Board, and his years as an administrator for Lehigh County.

"I have always tried to do my best,"  said Daubert, reflecting on the election.

He said he is most proud that the township has not raised real estate in the more than two decades he has served. (User fees such as garbage costs went up, however, and a municipal services tax was added over the years.)

"The people are aware of what I have tried to do," Daubert said, adding that he doesn't want residents to pay "excessive" bills that he too would not want to pay.

Township records show that Daubert will begin his 21st year as a township commissioner in 2012.

Hite, who serves on the South Whitehall Planning Commission, was making his first run at political office in this year's election.

"The results are what they are," Hite said, following the election. He called Daubert on Wednesday to congratulate him.

Hite said, however, that "all things considered, I'm proud of what I accomplished."  All things considered would be this: Hite was a Republican as a Democrat, he had little name recognition eight months ago when he started the campaign, and he came within 51 votes of winning.

He said he will "stay dedicated" to the township by continuing to serve on the planning commission. And, he said, he will run again.

"Why not try again?" said Hite, who has regularly attended township commissioner meetings over the last decade. "Good things come to those who wait."

He said he learned a lot in the campaign, such as how to market himself better and how to better organize his campaign. "I have a good foundation to build upon from this election to the next," he said.