SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - Michael Wolk resigned from South Whitehall's Board of Commissioners after almost three years of service because he is moving to Delaware.
The commissioners presented him with a Distinguished Service Award after he announced his resignation at their Nov. 2 meeting.
- Michael Wolk resigned from South Whitehall's Board of Commissioners after three years because of his family's decision to relocate
- He began his political career as a citizen advocate for more transparency surrounding the controversial Ridge Farms development
- Throughout his time on the board, he pushed for more transparency, financial accountability and moderate growth and development
- The Board of Commissioners is now accepting applications to fill the vacancy
The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, township staff and citizens of South Whitehall would like to recognize Michael Wolk for his outstanding public service as a member of the Board of Commissioners,” Diane Kelly, president of the Board of Commissioners, said. “We applaud the dedication and leadership efforts demonstrated by Michael during his term of office.”
“It has a strong foundation, it's heading in the right direction and it will make great progress in the coming years. I truly believe that I’m leaving South Whitehall in a much stronger position than when I came into office. The future is very bright in South Whitehall.”Michael Wolk, former South Whitehall Twp. commissioner
In a speech to the board, Wolk thanked the residents who have trusted him as their commissioner. He said he regretted leaving the position, but it was necessary due to his family’s decision to relocate, and he thinks the township is in a good place.
“It has a strong foundation, it's heading in the right direction and it will make great progress in the coming years,” Wolk said. “I truly believe that I’m leaving South Whitehall in a much stronger position than when I came into office. The future is very bright in South Whitehall.”
Wolk’s political career
In 2017, Wolk formed the group South Whitehall Concerned Citizens because of the proposed Ridge Farms development. The controversial development caused a political shift in the township, with a complete turnover of the Board of Supervisors in the years following its preliminary approval.
He then ran for Board of Commissioners in 2019 and won. His campaign had four main platforms: moderate growth and development and balance it with land preservation, improvement of financial accountability, maintaining and enhancing public safety and improving transparency.
When Wolk came into office, he learned that the township had 10 years of outstanding audits. He said it took a lot of time and effort from the board members and staff to complete all of them
“But now it's done,” Wolk said. “And now looking forward, our new finance director is working on the improvements to our policies and procedures that will be required so that we have a good financial system going forward.”
Wolk said since he started as a citizen advocate, he understood how important transparency is. As a commissioner, he worked with staff members to share more information with both the board and the public.
“We now have great transparency, as best evidence that we just went through the latest budget preparation for 2023,” Wolk said.
As for moderating growth and development, Wolk said he is proud of the township’s new comprehensive plan, which will serve as a guide for the township’s future growth.
“One of my greatest regrets is that I won't be here as a commissioner for its completion and when it moves into its implementation phase,” Wolk said.
“But I think we have the right board and the management team in place to be able to move forward with that plan, effectively into implementation and actually get things done.”
Wolk’s move from the Lehigh Valley
Wolk has lived in the Lehigh Valley for 47 years—his entire adult life. He worked at Air Products for 38 years before retiring in 2014.
Wolk said his family has considered relocating for a while, but they recently decided Southern Delaware was the right place for them.
“We wanted to be a little closer to the beach. We wanted a little warmer weather. We wanted to still be close enough to our children to commute to see them. And Delaware is a tax friendly state. So put that all together, that's why we chose southern Delaware,” Wolk said.
Wolk said what he will miss most about the Lehigh Valley is the friends he’s made.
“But I plan to visit so I can see them fairly often. And they're always welcome to visit us in our new location in Delaware,” Wolk said.
The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners is currently accepting applications for a new commissioner to fill its vacant seat. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume for consideration, which are due by 4 p.m. on Nov. 16.
