I believe it is time for the community of Lehighton Area School District to look at electing individuals who are independent candidates with no group ties to the issue facing the school district. After having read the individual bios in the Times News on Jay Barthel, Robert Zellner and Jennifer Laible, it is clear that they want to balance the budget while affording the best opportunities for students without constantly rehashing the past.

I know Jay, Bob and Jennifer are honest and dependable people who will do their very best to move the district forward with positive ideas for this community. Personally, I would like to see independent thinkers as the future of the school board in Lehighton, so I will be supporting Jay Barthel, Robert Zellner and Jennifer Laible on May 18.

Bruce Hawk

Lehighton