- Bethlehem Township has elections slated for its At-Large, Ward 1 and Ward 3 commissioner seats
- The candidates are looking to improve communication, maintain safety and monitor development
- Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — With some new and some familiar names on the Bethlehem Township commissioners' election slate for Nov. 7, most of them agree.
Keeping an eye on township development and its effect on area traffic and emergency services will take center stage for the incoming leadership, they said.
Three seats on the panel are open. Here's a look at where the candidates stand:
At-Large Candidates
Michael Hudak
Democrat Michael Hudak has lived in Bethlehem Township for more than 60 years. He also previously served the township as its Ward 2 commissioner.
Hudak said that at the municipal level, the main thing township leaders should be concerned about is serving the residents.
“I just want the people to know that I represent everybody," Hudak said. "I don’t care about your political party.”
He said he believes the current leadership has lost sight of their duties.
“I was always told a township commissioner’s job is to keep the roads fixed and the sewer underground, and make sure the bills are paid,” he said.
“I just want the people to know that I represent everybody; I don’t care about your political party."Michael Hudak (D), at-large candidate for Bethlehem Township commissioners
He said another one of his gripes about the current administration involves accessibility.
Hudak said a number of township residents don’t use email or text messages to get their information. He said that if he was voted in, he would be accessible by phone for anyone needing assistance.
As for township growth, he said maintaining the management of incoming development to benefit residents is key.
“I understand that you can’t limit growth; the township is going to grow,” Hudak said. “All we can do as commissioners is try to manage how it's developed.”
Steven Greco
Steven Greco, the Republican potential for the at-large seat, said he’s been having valuable conversations with people around the township, who he said told him that maintaining local green space and traffic are key concerns.
“The township is growing so quick, and we’ve had such an influx of businesses, people, apartments, condos going up and the roadways are really jammed around here,” Greco said.
He acknowledged that the current administration is doing what it can, but said he felt he’d make a great addition to the group to help “curtail” some of that growth.
Along with that increased traffic, maintaining the police, fire and ambulance services is something on which he’s focused.
“People want to live in a place that’s safe, [where] they can raise their families and feel safe in their environment."Steven Greco (R), at-large candidate for Bethlehem Township commissioners
“People want to live in a place that’s safe, [where] they can raise their families and feel safe in their environment,” Greco said.
“But if something happens with the ambulance systems and the fire department, they’re gonna have to figure out new ways to do things, new routes.”
Greco said he’s also looking to educate others and learn more about the township’s stormwater troubles and mitigation processes.
Greco has resided in the township for about 35 years. He is on the township Recreational Advisory Board as well as its Environmental Action Committee.
He’s said before that another concern from residents includes litter on township streets and along nearby highways.
He works in the horticulture industry for a greenhouse operation, supplying plants to clients nationwide.
Ward 1 Candidates
Arthur Murphy
Republican Arthur Murphy has been a township resident for 35 years, and previously served on both the township zoning hearing board and commissioners panel for a total of 18 years.
He said his main objective, if elected, would be to serve as a voice for the people.
“I don’t believe the township [government] should be political,” Murphy said. “It should be everybody doing what’s right and best for the residents.”
“I’m looking to trim the budget and remove wasteful policies and procedures. I believe in development that’s fair and sensible.”Arthur Murphy (R), Ward 1 candidate
As a former certified public accountant, he said he wants to take a look at township income and expenses, to both be sure that money is being used appropriately and to avoid tax increases.
He said the township also needs to be conservative with its comings-and-goings.
“I’m looking to trim the budget and remove wasteful policies and procedures,” Murphy said. “I believe in development that’s fair and sensible.”
He said he hoped that people also take advantage of the opportunity to cast their vote by mail.
DeAnn Lawrence
Incumbent Democrat DeAnn Lawrence was brought onto the board in March to take the spot of former Commissioner Dale Sourbeck, who died that month before.
Lawrence said that since the primary election, in which she ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination, she’s taken time to go door-to-door and help guide those unaware of how the township political processes work.
She said she found that some of the main concerns people have revolve around “overbuilding” around the township, and she referenced a recent warehouse proposal and its potential truck traffic, among other things.
“A lot of people are concerned about the building; they’re concerned about their space,” Lawrence said. “They’re concerned about their quality of life, and they don’t want to be on top of each other.”
She said that while she’s been helping people understand more about what the commissioners do, she’s also been educating herself to be the best representative she can be.
“A lot of people are concerned about the building; they’re concerned about their space. They’re concerned about their quality of life, and they don’t want to be on top of each other.”DeAnn Lawrence (D), Ward 1 candidate
Lawrence said she’s been taking classes with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission surrounding stormwater, erosion and more. Other topics on which she’s been brushing up include broader aspects of community planning, zoning and the ins and outs of running a town.
Lawrence said she feels that’s what sets her apart in the race for the commissioners seat.
“I like to continue to grow,” she said.
She’s a correctional officer in the New Jersey Corrections Department, and said she also brings experience from running businesses and other previous management positions.
She moved to the township about 10 years ago.
Ward 3 Candidates
Yuri Kulischenko
Republican Yuri Kulischenko was born in Allentown but raised in New Jersey.
After he and his wife had their first daughter in 2002, they moved out to Bethlehem Township.
He said he’s always held an interest in politics, and watching the development around the township has him wanting to get involved in a larger capacity.
He said the roads won’t be able to handle the traffic coming along with the proposed warehouses and influx of single-family homes and apartments.
“I just want to be able to be part of something and just help to continue to grow Bethlehem Township and keep it safe and a good place to raise a family."Yuri Kulischenko (R), Ward 3 candidate
“The traffic has always been just a major issue with everybody,” he said. “What used to be a three-minute drive is now a 15- to 20-minute drive.”
Among those concerns he’s heard from residents, he also mentioned protecting green spaces will a priorities if voted into a commissioners seat.
He said fiscal responsibility is crucial, especially when funding the township’s first responders.
“I just want to be able to be part of something and just help to continue to grow Bethlehem Township and keep it safe and a good place to raise a family,” Kulischenko said.
Kulischenko currently is a regional director of operations for Pink Taco, following a number of years of senior leadership positions in the restaurant industry.
John Gallagher
Incumbent Democrat John Gallagher didn't respond to requests for comment.
