PALMER TWP., Pa. — Palmer Township on Monday selected a new supervisor to fill the remainder of the late Charles “Zeke” Bellis III's township supervisor term, and it’s a familiar face.
Baron Vanderburg will fill Bellis’s seat for the rest of the year, after which time he will run for election to the open seat, supervisors voted.
Board Chairman Jeffrey Young stated that it was a “tough time to do it, but we have to move ahead and know that Zeke would want this."
The motion to appoint Vanderburg was made by Michael Brett and seconded by K. Michael Mitchell, with the board giving its unanimously approval.
Vanderburg was sworn in before taking pictures with some of his supporters, including Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone, Allentown City Councilwoman Cynthia Mota, Easton-area attorney Jeremy Clark, former supervisor Ann-Marie Panella and his family.
The newest supervisor is a 2008 Easton Area School District graduate who got a bachelor’s degree in political science at Easton Stroudsburg University and a master’s degree in education at Kutztown University.
“Graduating Easton in 2008, I am among some of the best and the brightest scholars that this area has produced," Vanderburg said.
"And many of them are in many different parts of the country, all around the place, but some of us stayed home, and some of us needed to be here to take care of home.
"And I count myself among that number."
In 2012, Vanderburg joined Easton Area School Board, on which he served for six years.
“I have a true belief that anybody who wants to be involved in politics should really start with the school board, because it’s going to teach you everything,” Vanderburg said.
'He brings a lot to our board'
Outside of politics, Vanderburg is a regional recruiter in college admissions for a state institution in Virginia, and as a deacon for Greater Shiloh Church.
“So I do a lot of things to not only keep myself busy, but keep myself connected to the community and give back the best way that I can,” Vanderburg said.
According to Young, Vanderburg’s name was provided by another board member. After meeting with him individually and learning he wanted to serve out Bellis’s term before running for another, the pair met with the other members to vet Vanderburg.
“He brings a lot to our board, and he knows that he has big shoes to fill, and I'm sure he's going to do it."Board Chairman Jeffrey Young
“He brings a lot to our board, and he knows that he has big shoes to fill, and I'm sure he's going to do it,” Young said.
Vanderburg said that the irony of the situation is one that is not lost on him.
“As you may know, Zeke and I were opponents in 2023 so it's a little bit surreal, but also I’m happy to step into a place of legacy,” Vanderburg said.
“Zeke is a very, very well-respected community member, and I'm honored to have an opportunity to step into his role. It's an honor that I don't take lightly, and it's very important to me.”
Vanderburg said his priorities include maintaining responsible government, addressing the needs of the township and keeping accountability.
“That's really kind of it," he said. "I think that is a good umbrella for all of the other things that come into play.
"There are some different development opportunities going on. There are some stormwater things that are being worked through budgetary things.
"I just want to bring some positive government to the board of supervisors, not that it's absent of positive government, but just to continue in that way."
