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Lehigh Valley Live website has provided a preliminary list of candidates running for elected positions in Northampton County. Among the list are those seeking to serve on West Easton Council. Surprisingly, it seems not all candidates filed for both 2- and 4-year seats available, but there is a possibility that unprocessed paperwork may be available tomorrow, that could change this information.

As of close of business today:

West Easton council

• Ronald D. Nixon, D (2- and 4-year seat)
• Matthew A. Dees, D (2- and 4-year seat)
• Kelly Gross, D
• Robert E. Lewis II, D
• Tricia Mezzacappa, R (2- and 4-year)

Missing from the list are two appointees now serving. Paul James and Vernon Moore are apparently bowing out. If true, I’m disappointed that Democrat voters won’t have much of a choice in the primary, other than possibly voting for one of two candidates, who filed for two seats.

Having spoken to Mr. James at the close of last nights West Easton council meeting, he did not have any signatures or paperwork ready to be filed today. He stated last night that it was unlikely he would run for election, citing a new job restricting his ability to attend and he conveyed to me that he would rather be back on the Zoning Hearing Board.

Mr. Moore was not in attendance at last nights council meeting, so I had no opportunity to ask him his intentions, but his lack of attendance at numerous council meetings since his recent appointment makes it doubtful that he had much interest in serving, other than to be a stop-gap measure to prevent the appointment of Mr. Robert E. Lewis II – the only other person who sent a letter of interest to the council seeking a previously open seat available for appointment.

Mr. Lewis, a long-time resident, but a newcomer to the political scene of West Easton was, as previously mentioned, passed over by majority vote of the council in favor of Mr. Moore, who was touted as a “super voter.” Mr. Lewis is now going to put it to the voters to decide if he should serve on council. Mr. Lewis only filed for a 4-year seat. His petition for election came as a surprise not only to myself, but others, as well.

Appointee Ronald D. Nixon may be the only appointee seeking election to both a 4-year and 2-year seat. Mr. Nixon has attended a majority of council meetings since his appointment and appears to take an interest in borough business.

Incumbent Kelly Gross, lifetime resident and current Council President, is running for re-election to another term in a 4-year seat. Kelly is the daughter of West Easton Mayor, Gerald Gross.

Also seeking election is Matthew A. Dees (me). I’m also filed for both a 2-year and 4-year seat. More about me later.

Then there is, Tricia Mezzacappa on the Republican ticket. With more than a few Republicans in West Easton it’s a shame there aren’t viable and worthy Republicans willing to run.

In all probability, you will likely see these same names in the November election, after the May primaries are over.