Thomas R. Beltz is seeking the Republican nomination for the May 18 primary for the position of Franklin Township supervisor.

Thomas became a Franklin Township resident at the age of 1. He was raised in Franklin Township and graduated from Lehighton High School. He attended classes at Lehigh Community College and the Allentown Police Academy, where he graduated first in this class.

Thomas became a part-time patrolman for the Franklin Township Police Department in 1981. He continued in the position until January 1985. At that time he was promoted to full-time patrolman, where he stayed until being promoted to the position of chief of police. He continued in that position until his retirement in 2016 and remains an active member of the Carbon Schuylkill Lodge 13.

Thomas also served as the Franklin Township zoning officer for several years. He also served on the Franklin Township recreation board.

When Thomas started his career in law enforcement, he had the privilege of working under Chief George Strausberger. Strausberger taught Thomas the values of being a good police officer. He also worked with Supervisor Ronald Solt, who taught Thomas the inner workings of the township.

Thomas feels Franklin Township has a lot to offer for all residents of the township. He would like to see all the individual departments within Franklin Township continue to grow and serve the public. He will continue to show fiscal responsibility, especially in the face of current situations. No department will be downsized or eliminated.

Thomas said, “I would like to continue to serve all the people of Franklin Township. I have lived my entire life in Franklin Township and have seen its continued growth. I ask all residents to exercise their right to vote. It would be my honor to be the person receiving those votes so I may continue working for Franklin Township.”

Thomas is the son of the late Willard and Hilda Beltz. He has a brother Ronald, also of Franklin Township. He is married to the former Barbara Knappenberger and has a son, Brian Beltz, who resides in Southampton, Pennsylvania.