Published January 15. 2026 11:05AM

The Honorable Michael Faulkner attended the Jan. 5, Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting to swear in the new board members. Melissa Bosak, Stefanie Rafes and Wesley Barrett were sworn in as new commissioners. Lora Walmer was sworn in as the new tax collector.

The election of board officers was next on the agenda.

Ron Beitler was elected by the commissioners as president and Wesley Barrett was elected as vice president.

Bruce Beitel was appointed as township manager.

Check signatories were approved and since two signatures are needed, Beitler, Beitel, Treasurer Anne Marie Dobson and Barrett were designated to sign.

David Shannon was appointed to the audit advisory committee with the term to expire the first Monday in January 2029.

Christopher Haller was appointed to the building code board of appeals with a term to expire Jan. 1, 2029.

Three people were appointed to the environmental advisory council.

George Doughty was appointed with his term to expire Jan. 1, 2028, Jennifer Mack was appointed with her term to expire Jan. 1, 2029 and Christopher Avani was appointed with his term to expire Jan. 1, 2029.

Rebecca Innes was appointed EAC chair with her term to expire Jan. 1, 2027.

Randy Cope was appointed to the parks and recreation advisory council with his term to expire Dec. 31, 2028.

The planning commission had two vacancies. Rick Zayaitz and Jennifer Mack were appointed with terms to expire Jan. 1, 2030.

Julie McDonell was appointed to the vacancy board with the term to expire the first Monday in January 2027.

Brian Higgins was appointed to the zoning hearing board with a term to expire Dec. 31, 2030.

The next Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners meeting will be 6 p.m. Jan. 15. The next board workshop will be 6 p.m. Jan. 26.

The Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners includes, left to right, sitting: Wesley Barrett, Ron R. Beitler and Stefanie Rafes; standing, Melissa Bozak and Maury Robert.

PRESS PHOTOS BY SHARON SCHRANTZThe Honorable Michael Faulkner swears in Lori Walmer as tax collector. Her husband, Loren, stands by her side.