Tom Shortell
Politics ReporterI cover all things politics for LehighValleyNews.com. As veteran reporter of the region, I previously covered the Slate Belt, Northampton County, Lehigh County and local courts during stints at the area’s two newspapers. I also penned the popular Road Warrior column at The Morning Call, keeping readers up to speed on transportation news. I graduated from St. Bonaventure University and have yet to find a pun I don't like. I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. Contact me at toms@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8209.
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Democrats in Lehigh and Northampton counties requested three times more mail-in ballots than their Republican neighbors for next week's primary election. -
PennDOT is replacing the 90-year-old Cementon Bridge thanks in part to $22.5 million in funding from the federal government. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey highlighted the improvements during a visit to Whitehall Township on Tuesday.
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Three of the four incumbents are not seeking re-election to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners this year. That leaves the Democratic primary — and future control of the board — wide open.
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Senior Judge Thomas Munley would not agree Monday to let police officer Johnathan Miklich regain his firearms if he's not cleared to work. Miklich is under investigation after his wife and ex-girlfriend sought protection-from-abuse orders in Northampton County Court.
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Stephen Baratta spent more than $115,000 in his bid for Northampton County district attorney, not including in-kind contributions of nearly $50,000. Incumbent Terry Houck raised nearly $100,000, according to campaign finance reports.
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Two women filed protection-from-abuse complaints against Moore Township Police Office Johnathan Miklich. The women claim he has been abusive, attempted to hire someone to kidnap and beat one of them and tried to enter a home where they were meeting with an attorney when he was supposed to be on duty.
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Democrat Terry Houck is attempting to secure the Republican nomination for Northampton County district attorney with a write-in campaign. The effort is opposed by Northampton County Republican Committee Chair Glenn Geissinger.
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Five incumbents are running on a record of high test scores and few tax hikes, while five challengers campaign on improvements for the district.
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Myers, who in January became the first Black person to serve as council president, accused County Executive Lamont McClure of political maneuvering to force him from office.
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Eight candidates are running for three seats in the Pen Argyl Area School Board. Three other openings on the board are uncontested.
