Retribution in Lower Macungie Township?

On the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 3, the Lower Macungie Board of Commissioners made a decision concerning the appointment to the Zoning Hearing Board. 

Robert Rust was the incumbent on the board having served as alternate for one year followed by three years as a regular member.  His service during all of that time was impeccable. 

In addition, Bob has demonstrated excellence as a community leader serving as Chairman of NAIFA LV, co-founder of the LV Consortium of Professional Organizations, a member of Emmaus Rotary, and in past years served as President of the East Penn School Board, Trustee of Lehigh Carbon Community College, and campaign chair for the United Way. 

In short, Bob has been a pillar of the community in Lower Macungie Township where he has resided since 1972. 

When considering Bob’s character as well as his accomplishments, one has to wonder why he was removed from the board in favor of Brian Higgins. 

The answer is simple: RETRIBUTION! 

Bob was one of the attorneys who represented the appellants in the Jaindl land rezoning case. The Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners is displeased with Bob for participating in the case, so they had him removed. 

During the meeting Tuesday night, the commissioners voted 4-1 to appoint Mr. Higgins and offered little-to-no explanation for their actions other than to say that Higgins had seen some action lately and would be a good addition.  Numerous speakers including former commissioner Joe Pugliese, and present zoning hearing board members William Royer and Larry Schneider asked the commissioners to reappoint Mr. Rust. 

Even Brian Higgins wrote a letter in support of Mr. Rust. In the end, the need for political payback won out and the losers were once again the citizens of Lower Macungie Township. I would like to thank Commissioner James Lancsek for having the courage to vote no to this outrage.

Mark Spengler, Lower Macungie Township