Michael Harakal poised to retain Whitehall mayor’s seat

Michael Harakal Jr. appeared likely to keep Whitehall’s mayoral post Tuesday evening, as he was poised to defeat Commissioner Joseph Marx, according to unofficial election results.At 10 p.m., with seven of 12 precincts reporting, Harakal had gathered 77% of the votes compared to Marx’s 23%.Both candidates were running on the Democratic ticket. Since no Republican has announced plans to run, the primary election was expected to decide the race barring a successful third-party or write-in effort in November.Harakal was appointed mayor in 2017 to finish out the final 18 months of Ed Hozza Jr.’s unexpired term. Hozza departed the township to serve in the administration of Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong.Harakal found his appointment somewhat nostalgic, having served as Whitehall executive — a role similar to mayor before the township adopted its home rule charter — from 1984 to 1992.Marx, a Whitehall Township commissioner for just over three years, said he brought experience from four years on the Planning Commission and about a decade with the Whitehall-Coplay Sewer Authority.“There were some major things that happened in the past year that I think led people to believe we’re on the right track in the township,” Harakal said when reached Tuesday night. “I’m grateful for everyone who voted for me and everyone who believes in what we’re doing together to improve Whitehall.”Harakal campaigned on his accomplishments during his year and a half in office, where he helped push forward plans for a new $17.5 million public safety building to house the Whitehall police department.Harakal was also able to use news about the former Lehigh Valley Dairy building in his favor. In late March he announced that the building had an agreement of sale with an undisclosed buyer. He hoped to announce a settlement of the purchase by September.Harakal said he believed the development of this long abandoned piece of township land, situated along busy MacArthur Road, would usher in a new era for the southern portion of the township.Harakal also believes an agreement with PennDOT for the reconstruction of the Fifth Street Bridge was well-received by voters.Morning Call reporter Sarah M. Wojcik can be reached at 610-778-2283 or swojcik@mcall.com.
Source: Morningcall