WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A Lehigh County judge has ruled a Republican candidate’s nominating petition for township board of commissioners invalid.
Judge Michele A. Varricchio handed down her ruling late Tuesday afternoon following a hearing that morning.
The decision removes Betsey H. Charles as a candidate for the May 20 primary election.
Republican candidate LoriAnn Fehnel filed the challenge on March 14 against Charles, based on alleged deficiencies on the latter’s petition.
"The exclusion of one signature from the petition left the candidate one signature short of the 10 required by state statute."Lehigh County Court ruling
Fehnel contended that Charles did not completely fill out her Statement of Financial Interests nor did she file it with the township secretary.
Fehnel also contended that Line 7 of Charles’s nominating petition does not contain the name of a valid elector. The signature of Brian Charles, the candidate’s husband, was rendered invalid because he is not a registered Republican in the township.
The exclusion of that signature from the petition left the candidate one signature short of the 10 required by state statute.
Brian Charles subsequently submitted his voter application to change his registration to Republican on March 16, after the deadline.
The judge heard testimony from township commissioner Elizabeth Fox, Lehigh County Chief Clerk to the Election Board Timothy Benyo, township executive assistant Larissa Bruder and Charles.
Fehnel is running for township commissioner for a third time. Her bids were unsuccessful in the past.
The following candidates will be on the ballot for commissioner:
Democrats: Thomas Slonaker, Taylor Stakes, third seat is now vacant.
Republicans: Lee Christman, Paul Moat, Fehnel.
