EASTON, Pa. - A Hellertown Republican running for Northampton County Council will be allowed onto the primary ballot despite committing a technical error when turning in his election forms.
In a ruling filed Monday morning, Senior Judge Edward Reibman dismissed an effort by Bethlehem resident Steven Topp to remove William Rowe from the Republican primary ballot for council's District 1 race.
- Republican William Rowe will remain on the ballot for Northampton County Council District 1
- Senior Judge Edward Reibman dismissed the case after challenger Stephen Topp failed to establish he's a registered Republican living in the district
- Rowe is expected to face Democrat Ken Kraft in the general election
Rowe turned in his candidate petition and other documents into the county election office but failed to turn in a copy of his statement of financial interest with the Northampton County Council office three floors above. State law mandates candidates turn in the form to both offices, and Topp and his attorney Larry Otter argued that was enough to deny him a spot on the ballot.
But Rowe turned around and challenged Topp's right to challenge him. The Bethlehem resident failed to turn in any documentation confirming he's a registered Republican living in the district, and he did not appear in person at last week's court hearing. Accepting Topp's challenge without establishing his identity or right to contest Rowe's petition would create a slippery slope, Reibman ruled.
"Without more, the integrity of such challenges will be compromised and havoc will ensue whereby any person could peel a name off the voter registration roll even without that person's knowledge or consent," Reibman said.
The ruling sets up a general election showdown between Rowe and Democrat Ken Kraft, neither of whom has any competition in their primaries. Kraft, of Bethlehem, previously served two terms on council before resigning in 2018 to work at the Northampton County Prison. Rowe is the founder of the Elevate Foundation, a Bethlehem-based non-profit organization. Incumbent Kevin Lott is not seeking re-election.
The redrawn District 1 includes Bethlehem and Hellertown and Lower Saucon and Williams townships.
