Ballot Challenge Slated in Magisterial DJ Race

Officials at the Lehigh County Board of Elections confirmed that Magisterial District Judge candidate Ronald Clever of Wescosville is challenging the petition signatures of rivals and.

The challenge is scheduled to be heard tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the Lehigh County Courthouse in front of Judge William Ford. 

The open seat in District 31-3-02 serves the communities of Alburtis and Upper Macungie, Lower Macungie, Lowhill  and Weisenberg townships.

Nominating petitions must carry 100 signatures and require a $50 fee payable to the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office at the time of filing.

Clever could not be immediately reached for comment. His Linkedin.com public profile states he is the owner of Ronald Clever Law Offices in Allentown.

Palmer, an Alburtis Borough Council member, said Clever's initial challenge targeted the validity of petition signatures. However, late last week, Palmer said Clever withdrew a portion of the challenge.

"(My signatures) are all fine," Palmer said. "I didn't see a whole lot in the challenge and it didn't specify anything. There were no specifics I saw in this challenge." 

Faulkner, who currently serves as a supervisor and commander with the Allentown Police Department’s vice and intelligence unit, was not immediately available for comment.

The three candidates running for Magisterial District Judge in District 31-3-02 have all cross-filed and will appear on both Republican and Democratic tickets.

On the Republican ballot, Faulkner drew the top spot, followed by Clever and Palmer. The order on the Democratic side is Faulkner on top again followed by Palmer second and Clever third.