Jay O. Barthel of Mahoning Township is seeking a seat as a candidate on the Lehighton Area School Board on the Democratic and Republican tickets.

Barthel has been a resident of Mahoning Valley for 48 years. He is a graduate of Tamaqua High School and attended Penn State University for electrical technology. Jay spent 21 years in retail store management with F.W. Woolworth, Bright’s Department Stores and Hess Department stores. He furthered his career in the building trade industry as a consultant for building supplies and kitchen and bath installations. His work experience included Highpoint Building Products in Tobyhanna, Blue Mountain Lumber and American Value Homes in New Tripoli, 84 Lumber and Service Team in Lehighton, and Palmerton Lumber, retiring in 2016.

He holds membership as a Mason in Lehighton, Lodge 621, of the free and accepted Masons and the Mahoning Volunteer Fire company, where he has assisted with the Fire Police. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he has served on its finance committee.

Barthel will bring his business background and his commonsense approach to the practices of the Lehighton Area School Board. He believes that school budgets should be fairly distributed among all students. His practical approach to problem solving will assist with all board business with an extra keen eye on finances.

He would appreciate your vote on May 18.