WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Whitehall Township Commissioner Thomas Slonaker's name cannot appear on the Democratic ballot for township treasurer/tax collector in the May 20 primary election, a Lehigh County Judge ruled.
Judge Melissa Pavlack ruled Monday that Slonaker did not file a statement of financial interest with the township prior to the March 11 filing deadline, rendering his ballot invalid.
Candidates seeking office in Lehigh County must file financial statements of interest to both the township and the county board of elections.Lehigh County Court hearing
Candidates seeking office in the county must file financial statements of interest to both the township and the county board of elections, the latter of which Slonaker did.
Tina J. Koren, the Democratic incumbent treasurer/tax collector, filed the petition challenge.
Koren is in her first term. She has no opposition now on the Democratic or Republican ballot.
According to the court filing, Slonaker filed his statement of financial interests with the county board of elections.
Slonaker, the board president, is running again for township commissioner. He served as township treasurer/tax collector from 1994-97.
Twice this year, the township board of commissioners rejected an ordinance to initiate a referendum on the primary election ballot to amend the township charter to eliminate the treasurer’s position and instead appoint a finance director.
