South Whitehall Commissioner Candidates Address Their Qualifications, Township Matters

With the primary on Tuesday, May 17, Patch posed SIX QUESTIONS to the candidates for  Commissioner in an effort to help voters get to know them better.

Since Tuesday, Patch has been providing the candidates' answers, two by two.

Patch reached out to all six Republicans running for the three seats on the board. There are no Democrats running, but several of the Republicans plan to seek the Democratic nomination as a write-in candidate.

Each candidate was sent the same six questions last week, and they were given until Monday, May 9, to respond. Patch solicited questions from readers, and so the questions reflect readers' concerns.

The candidates were asked to respond in three to four sentences. Their answers are presented in full, and unedited. 

If a candidate did not return the questionnaire, "Declined to Participate" appears next to their name.

The candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the Republican ballot in the primary.

Today, the candidates respond to questions about the search for a township solicitor and engineer, as well as their qualifications for the position.

QUESTION: South Whitehall is currently interviewing candidates for township engineer and solicitor, and the process could result in the township changing its long-time engineer and solicitor. What is your position on what the township should do?

R.A. (Rene) Rodriguez: The township has always had excellent service from the solicitor and the engineer.  The current people have been with the township for many years and have great deal of background in why decisions have been made in the past and what the history of development in the township has been.  I feel it would be pennywise and pound foolish to replace them to save buck. Lower Macungie Township’s experience with the quarry debacle is an example of that.

Glenn Block: The Board of Commissioners put in place a process for choosing an Engineer and a Solicitor so that the decision making process would be done in a fair manner.  A “Request For Proposal” (RFP) is available to qualified applicants.  The Board of Commissioners chooses a committee which is part of the Board.   The committee reviews the proposals for services requested and presents the candidates they feel best meet the Township’s requested qualifications for the Board’s final approval.    I believe this is a fair process and I respect the decision that the Board of Commissioners will make with regard to this current matter on their agenda.

Brian Hite: The commissioners should be commended for finally doing their due diligence in examining the fees and rates for these services to assure that South Whitehall is in line cost wise with neighboring municipalities, they are doing exactly what they should be doing at the moment.

Since I have no knowledge of the proposals submitted or the interaction of the various legal and engineering professionals during the interviews, I cannot answer what the township should do at the end of the process.

I would encourage the commissioners to require detailed itemized billing for all legal and engineering work for the township along with a copy of all "pass through" bills sent to applicants before planning and or zoning as well as making the engineer and solicitor prepare their own bills to property owners.

The commissioners should know exactly how much a business or home owner is paying to the engineer or solicitor for their reviews.

Dale Daubert: (Declined to Participate)

Heidi McMahon: (Declined to Participate)

David Bond: Most importantly is to have a firm that fits the needs of our township. These positions are critical not only to our current township business but are crucial to our successful long term growth & future. 

QUESTION: Why are you the best choice for township commissioner? That is, what is in your background that makes you suited for the position?

:  My background as previous commissioner and as a planner would make me effective immediately as a commissioner.  I have a background that would permit me to pull my weight in making decisions on the comprehensive plan implementation, on negotiations with the unions immediately after being sworn in.

 In a time where finances and budgeting are more important than ever, choosing a candidate that is experienced in all aspects of business and finance would be a very positive decision.   Having a Certified Public Accountant and business owner as a Board member would be a great asset in determining and deciding some of the tougher budget decisions and changes that will need to be made now and in the future.  In addition, my ownership of a security company affords me as an expert in crime prevention and fire protection.  Learn more about my qualifications at http://www.glennblockcpa.com.

 I am a current member of the South Whitehall Planning Commission as well as someone who has attended over 225 Board of Commissioner meetings as a member of the public for the past 10 years. 

I was born and raised in South Whitehall, 3rd Generation Resident, and proud to have been educated by the Parkland School District. 

My background in Transportation services and Business Logistics combined with my Planning Commission experience and lifelong residency would bring a perspective to the Commissioners that would be beneficial to all Residents and Businesses in the Township.

I have done my due diligence to know the past and current issues, the time requirements and planning required to be an exceptional commissioner, I am ready, willing and able to serve all residents of South Whitehall to assure our quality of life is maintained if not improved for the future.

 : (Declined to Participate)

(Declined to Participate)

 I feel that my community involvement experiences, as well as my Leadership & Business experience has helped prepare me for the role of Commissioner.  I believe strongly in team relationships, and in collaborative thinking when solving problems. These skills, coupled with my desire to listen and learn from our residents, will benefit us in making the right decisions. I truly believe I can represent South Whitehall Township residents in the manner in which they deserve.  

On Wednesday, the candidates addressed budget shortfalls and services.

On Tuesday, the candidates addressed priorities and development issues.