SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - South Whitehall Township will soon have a new commissioner, and he may be the youngest in the township’s history.
Township commissioners Wednesday unanimously appointed 20-year-old Penn State student Jacob Roth to fill the vacant seat left by former commissioner Michael Wolk’s resignation.
- South Whitehall Township commissioners appointed 20-year-old Jacob Roth to the board
- He's a 2020 graduate of Parkland High School and a student at Penn State University, studying political science
- His priorities: Promoting responsible growth, balancing the budget, preserving history and listening to resident concerns
Roth said he was “deeply honored and humbled” to be selected.
“I think you will find me to be incredibly driven, meticulous, transparent, and most importantly, always dedicated to the best interests of the residents,” said Roth, a Republican.
He said in an interview afterward that while some may have concerns about his young age, he thinks he has the the depth of experience necessary for his new role.
“I look forward to getting a lot done and showing that young people really can be involved and make progress and make responsible decisions for the good of the residents of South Whitehall,” said Roth, who currently sits on the township's Parks and Recreation Board.
“I look forward to getting a lot done and showing that young people really can be involved and make progress and make responsible decisions for the good of the residents of South Whitehall."Jacob Roth, appointed South Whitehall Township commissioner
A swearing-in date has yet to be set. Roth’s term as commissioner will end in January 2024. He said he is not sure yet if he will run for the position when his term expires.
About the new commissioner
A 2020 graduate of Parkland High School, Roth is studying political science at Penn State University's main campus.
He is involved with the Penn State Lion Caucus, a student organization that advocates for Penn State to local, state and federal elected officials.
He was previously a member of the Lehigh County Youth Advisory Board. He is also an Eagle Scout.
Roth first got involved in South Whitehall politics when he was 16, he said, because he was concerned about the impact the controversial Ridge Farm development would have on public safety and traffic.
“I decided to attend a Board of Commissioners meeting about that plan, and I've been involved ever since. I've attended nearly every meeting, I have always strived to learn more about municipal government and learn more about the ways South Whitehall works,” Roth said.
Roth recently committed to attending Villanova University School of Law in fall 2023. He said he plans to attend law school while serving out the rest of his term.
Legislative priorities
Roth said one of his top legislative priorities is promoting responsible growth and land preservation.
“Reducing traffic congestion and preserving the beautiful farmland that we have here in South Whitehall, that's one of my top priorities,” Roth said.
He said he also wants to ensure that the township has a balanced budget so it does not have to raise taxes on residents.
“I'm never inclined to support a tax increase,” Roth said.
Another one of Roth’s priorities is preserving township history. He said he is a fifth-generation South Whitehall resident, and he wants the township to consider adopting its own historical commission.
“We have a lot of history right here in the Lehigh Valley and a lot in South Whitehall. And I really think that our township needs a solid plan for preserving local historic structures for educating the public on the history of this area,” Roth said.
Roth said he wants to connect with township residents to hear what is important to them.
“A lot of residents felt that the decisions being made by previous boards weren't really reflecting their concerns. So it's super important for me to always be in touch with residents to know what they're concerned about,” Roth said.
Addressing his age
Roth said while he does not have many years of experience in local politics, he has attended almost every commissioners and planning meeting for the past four years and has done extensive research into the township code and its ordinances.
Roth also said bringing a younger perspective to the board is important to ensure there is a diversity of viewpoints.
Roth said he believes more young people should get involved in local politics. He said most of his friends who are politically active focus on the federal and state level.
“There's certainly a lot of value to that," he said. "But I've always found the local level to be very interesting, because you really can have an immediate impact.”
Roth was one of two applicants for the vacancy. Commissioners interviewed him and Richard Wehr on Nov. 21.
Commissioner Brad Osborne said Wednesday the board had not discussed who they would vote for, and the process was entirely transparent.
