Zawarski Reaches Out to Bethlehem Township Democrats

Marty Zawarski is running for re-election to Bethlehem Township's Board of Commissioners. He is seeking the at-large seat, but is facing opposition from former Commissioners Bob Birk and Paul Weiss. If he makes it out of that gauntlet alive, he may very well be facing yet another opponent. Green Pond Marsh advocate Jack Glogola is waging a write-in campaign as a Democrat. What's a Republican to do? In Zawarski's case, it's reaching out to Democrats. He has sent this letter, asking them to write him in.

Zawarski Letter to Democrats

I must say I'm very impressed by the handwritten style. More importantly, he reveals his philosophy ("I am a Republican, not a Tea Party Member) and his specific position on several projects that have come up within the past four years.

• He voted NO to the development of land next to Housenick Park, which has since been preserved. 
• He was the sole NO vote to a 48-unit apartment complex next to Farmersville Elementary School.
• He successfully opposed the near elimination of nearly $1.2 million in recreation fees to be generated at Madison Farms, a major development on Freemansburg Avenue. 

Jack Glagola

His "let the courts decide" position on the Traditions of America development being proposed at Green Pond Marsh, however, troubles Malissa Davis, an astute Township resident. I spoke to Zawarski, who reiterated that, whether the plan is ultimately approved or rejected, it will end up in the courts. He added he supported the deferrals granted to Traditions because they allow for a larger  conservation area.

Democrat Jack Glagola strongly disputes Zawarski's assertions, and questions why a Democrat would support a Republican developer. He also makes clear that he's no single-issue candidate. He is also concerned about "smart growth, transparency on the current Board, traffic, congestion, lost of quality of life, parks and natural resources." He told me last nightthat people "moved to Bethlehem Township for those reasons and now see those resources being squandered away by commissioners with ties to developers."

It's likely that this conversation between Glagola and Zawarski will continue after the primary. It's increasingly likely that Zawarski will win the Republican nomination. He has worked harder. But I doubt he can convince Democrats to write him in when one of their own is engaged and passionate about his beliefs.

In other Township races, incumbent Tom Nolan is facing two Republican challengers in Ward 1 - Art Murphy and Wayne Buller. He appears to be safe. Incumbent Phil Barnard is being challenged by Fran Blatz on the Republican side and Democrat Kim Jenkins.