Meet Lower Macungie Commissioner Candidate: Roger Reis

Lower Macungie Commissioner Race

Candidate: Roger C. Reis

Age: 70

Family: Married to Janice Sobieski Reis.  I've lived and owned a home in Lower Macungie Township for 22 years.

Political Party Affiliation: Republican since I first registered to vote almost 50 years ago.

Tell us about your educational background: 

I earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from Kutztown University.   I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the Administration of Justice from Pennsylvania State University.

Tell us about your professional/business background:  

After receiving an Honorable Discharge at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5) from the U.S. Air Force, I enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police.  I served 25 years and retired at the rank of Captain.  I have served as a Lehigh County Commissioner, including one year as the Chairman of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners (2003). 

I was elected a Lower Macungie Township Commissioner in 2009.  When I began my four year term in January 2010, my fellow Commissioners elected me as the President of the Board of Commissioners.         

I was a member of the Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation Board of Directors for over ten years, including three years as Chairman.         

I served as the 2012 President of the Retired State Police Association of Pennsylvania and am a member of their Board of Directors.         

I received a Real Estate Salesperson License in 2010.  After my wife and I married in 2009, I got a Real Estate License to help her in her work. Jan has been a Realtor for 28 years.

Why are you running for Lower Macungie Commissioner?

A - I believe I have done a good job as Commissioner.  LMT is perhaps the only municipality in the state that does not have a real estate property tax.     

B - This Board has paid down the bond debt and refinanced the remainder, resulting in a savings of $235,000 in interest for our taxpayers.     

C - I voted to pass an Ordinance that allows legal action to collect overdue trash and sewer bills.  More then $544,000 in delinquent fees has been recovered for   Township taxpayers because of this Ordinance.     

D - We have passed a balanced Budget the past three years, with NO tax increases and while maintaining a healthy General Fund surplus.     

E -  I continue to support our parks and open spaces, while assuring the existing facilities are well maintained.     

F -  As the only candidate with education, training and experience in law enforcement, I want to continue improving Public Safety services in our township.             

The Township is in the process of doing a Police Services Study and I look forward to continuing to work closely on this project.

What qualifies you to serve on the township board?

I have a demonstrated history of leadership positions and public service.

What do you see as the board's primary role and responsibilities?

The Board of Commissioners primary role is to govern the township. It functions as the Executive and the Legislature. One of the Board's most crucial responsibilities is reviewing and passing the yearly Budget.           

Its role is not to micromanage but to pass Ordinances, set policy and give the staff guidelines.  I believe the Board's obligation is to listen to the public, give a fair hearing to all sides of a question, and then to support what they believe to be in the best interests of the entire township.

Tell us about three major challenges facing Lower Macungie and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):

A - Keeping a balanced Budget with no tax increase. I plan to continue the prudent financial planning I have practiced these past three years.

B - Smart Growth and development. Our township has grown at a rapid pace since 2000.  We need to assure good planning, economic development, and preserving open space and parks.

C - The Police Services Study.  I want to have several public meetings to allow residents to voice their opinions and desires.  I promise to keep an open mind and to support what I believe is in the best interests of the Township.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?

I expect to spend approximately $2,000.00 on the Primary.  I have received some donations and loaned money to my Committee.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

I am proud to have the endorsements of many fine and respected people. I have been endorsed by United States Senator Pat Toomey; U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent; PA State Representative Ryan MacKenzie; Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin; former Lehigh County Sheriff Ron Neimeyer; Lehigh County Commissioners Percy Dougherty and Brad Osborne, former Lehigh County Commissioner Sterling Raber; Lower Macungie Township Commissioners Doug Brown, Ryan Conrad, Ron Eichenberg and James Lancsek; and by the Pennsylvania State Police Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 40.

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.

I am not on Facebook or Twitter.  I can be e-mailed directly at "voteforreis@aol.com".  The website ""www.lowermacungieadvocate.com" has additional information about my candidacy.