Lower Mac BOC Candidates Explain Views on Issues

The five Republican candidates running for three seats on the Lower Macungie Board of Commissioners shared their views Wednesday with a room full of interested voters.

Incumbents Ron Eichenberg, Ryan Conrad and Roger Reis were joined by candidates Brian Higgins and Ron Beitler to lend their perspectives to questions that ranged from the sale of parts of the Kratzer Farm to the Jaindl Spring Creek Development plan to Willow Lane School to the eventual use of the now vacant Daytimers property and the ongoing study regarding the township's police protection.

John Yurasits, the sole Democrat, did not attend. 

There were few jabs, but when they surfaced they centered around one candidate's recent party change to become Republican, and laying blame for choosing warehouses over a quarry and who is really responsible for the $135,000 the township spent in legal fees to defend itself in the ensuing legal battle.

All in all it was a clean discussion among five men who all clearly care deeply about their township and want to make it a better place to live. 

The Kratzer Farm, located across from The Willows restaurant on Willow Lane, was the subject of some disagreement. The incumbents and the other two commissioners who are not up for re-election—Douglas Brown and James Lanscek— have been discussing the house, barn and driveway that occupy a very small part of the property. The township is trying to get out of the "landlord business" they say.

"The Kratzer Farm is a jewel," Higgins said, "We should keep it as the cornerstone of a central park or preserve."

Beitler, who grew up next door to the farm said he holds the property "near and dear."

The commissioners should "push the pause button," however, because selling the barn makes no sense when the township is considering the construction of a pole barn for storage. Beitler also wants a permanent conservation easement and the permanent preservation of 50 acres of the farm, he said. 

Reis said currently the township is collecting no tax money from the property. Instead, money is being spent to maintain it. And a new storage building is being considered to store road salt because the Kratzer barn leaks.

Eichenberg said the issue is still a matter of discussion.

"Why are people so hyper when no decisions have been made yet? Nothing is set in stone," regarding the Kratzer property, Eichenberg said. 

Moderator Barbara Williams also asked the candidates what three things they would like to accomplish if elected. Some ran out of time before they could name all three. In alphabetical order:

Beitler:

1. To institute a transferable development rights system that would fairly compensate land owners.

2. To do a cost/benefit analysis on development projects that would include legacy costs.

Conrad:

1. To keep the township in financially good order.

2. Conrad listed several studies initiated by the current board including one on the greenways system, the Hamilton corridor, police and smart growth.

3. To review the Southwestern Lehigh County Comprehensive Plan.

Eichenberg:

1. Work to develop strong economic development with smart growth that will increase revenue and enhance the quality of life for residents of the township.

2. Develop the Hamilton Blvd. area by using planning to create a quasi-urban environment and to develop the greenway system that would allow residents from the Sauerkraut Lane area to it.

Higgins:

1. Said what he wants to do is not as important as what the citizens want. He mentioned a proposed dog park in which many people have shown an interest might be feasible as long as it's fiscally responsible.

Reis:

1. The police issue.

2. To see Hamilton Crossings completed.