ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners is looking for its newest member.
The governance committee of the board met Wednesday night to interview 10 candidates who applied to fill the unexpired term of Jon Irons, which runs through the end of 2027.
Irons, who was initially elected to the board of commissioners in 2023, resigned earlier this month ahead of a planned move to Atlanta for new job opportunities.
The full board of commissioners plans on voting to appoint a new commissioner on Aug. 12.
The committee spent several hours asking specific questions to each of the candidates on the topics of skills and experience, understanding of government roles, attendance at meetings, running for public office, politics, priorities/goals, budgeting and property taxes.
The following are excerpts from the opening/closing statements.
Phillips Armstrong Sr., Whitehall Township
Former Lehigh County executive; retired chair of the social studies department at Whitehall High School; executive director, County Executives of America
“It is a very important job for this board to be here to listen and to make sure we provide the safety and the welfare that is needed for the population that we’re serving. In my eight years (as county executive), I spent every year attending a meeting in every one of the municipalities. And I think it’s important that the people that sit here also are the people that represent all 25 municipalities. And to do that, you have to know what’s going on. And I think that is a strong message that I gave as county executive.”
Heather Dean, City of Allentown
Owner and insurance broker, The Dean Agency
“I’m here today because I want to bring a fresh level of fiscal discipline, collaborative leadership and a passionate voice to advocate for the people of Lehigh County. I fully understand that the commissioners core responsibility is to oversee our county’s mandated operations — from our courts and human services to our aging programs — and to adopt policies that protect our community’s quality of life. As a commissioner, I’ll channel my experience into three key policies: affordability, public safety and responsible growth for traffic and infrastructure.”
Stevie K. Draklan, Washington Township
Partner at Cincilla & Draklan Law
“It’s my plan to demonstrate to you that I am well qualified for this post and that I’m excited to serve our community in this capacity, and then that I’m prepared to put in the time necessary to do so to the best of my ability. Lehigh County is a vibrant place, and I have absolutely no doubt that whoever winds up filling this appointment, the county will continue to grow and continue to be the amazing place that it is.”
Keith M. Miller Sr., City of Allentown
Clinical therapist, Preventive Measures
“It’s great to be in power, but it does come with a cost. Yes, it’s easy to agree and disagree, but there is something effective when you look past your opinion and you see the greater cause. It was Frederick Douglass who said, ‘If there is no struggle, there is no progress.’ And as I stand before this body, I cannot promise I alone will change this county, but I can ensure I will bring integrity, compassion and a servant’s heart to each decision because I believe with vision, collaboration and a commitment to the people.”
Jason Nagle, City of Allentown
Program manager, Victory House of Lehigh Valley
“I’ve spent the majority of my career serving the underserved, and I’d like to take my experiences working with this population and apply that to being a commissioner within the state of Pennsylvania, and hopefully, lend some guidance in terms of what it truly means to be fiscally responsible. I want to provide services for the residents of the county that are done in such a way where it places unnecessary burden on other members of the county. I’d like to bring honesty and integrity to the board.”
Jay Rohatgi, Upper Macungie Township
Chief technology officer, QPharma; co-owner, The Goddard School of Macungie
“I want to make sure that I can create a positive impact on the community, and that’s why I’m here. I think this position allows me to create that positive impact even further. I’m familiar with how the finance process works. I know that’s a big thing for the county. I am familiar with how the commissioner committees work. I’ve studied the home rule charter, and more importantly, I’m willing to learn.”
Ben Stemrich, City of Allentown
Lead weather anchor and head of weather department, Ben Stem Media/Blue Ridge News 13
“I really want to do this to serve my community. And I know that’s obvious, but I believe the best way to do that is by shaping local policy and lending an ear to the community, and and that’s what I hope to do. I was a journalist for about 10 years, and through that, I’ve spent countless hours in small government meetings, learning how things operate from the other side. It’s also given me an opportunity to dive into the budget side on all different levels and gave me an itch for transparency and accountability.”
Juan Vargas, South Whitehall Township
Owner and CEO, Nowhere Coffee Co.
“Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of advising Fortune 100 companies and serving in finance leadership roles. Those experiences have taught me that good leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about listening, understanding the facts, weighing competing priorities and making thoughtful decisions that serve the long-term interests of the people you represent. I don’t believe this appointment is about advancing an ideology; I believe it’s about public service. The board’s responsibility is to ensure the county government functions efficiently, delivers the services residents depend on, and plans responsibly for the future. I will ask thoughtful questions, and I will approach every decision with an open mind.”
Rev. Geoffrey S. Whitcomb, Lower Macungie Township
Minister of music at St. James African Methodist Zion Church; music teacher and chorus director at Southwest Middle School, Reading
“I believe that the Lehigh County commissioners need some good news. It’s time to put on some new people who have not been connected to the system and to bring in some people who will work with other people. We have to work with everybody, and we have to understand where people are coming from. I believe we have to agree and compromise to get things put in place and to get things accomplished for our county. Lehigh County is an amazing place to be, and it’s an amazing place to work and live, and I want to try to do everything and anything I can to help the county.”
Sean Ziller, North Whitehall Township
Deputy director of economic development, City of Bethlehem
“Seeking this appointment wasn’t something I had planned. But I believe this is a moment in time where my experience can meaningfully benefit the Lehigh County as it faces tremendous opportunities. The people of our 25 municipalities — from the senior citizens who raised their own families here, the first-time home buyer in the aftermath of the pandemic and everyone who calls this area home — they deserve leaders who approach decisions with thoughtfulness and integrity. If appointed, I will listen or collaboratively evaluate every issue on its merits and make decisions based on facts and what I’ve determined is in the county’s best interest.”