Four candidates are running for three open Palmerton Borough Council seats in the Nov. 7 municipal election.

Incumbents Holly F. Hausman Sell, a Democrat, and Republicans Terry L. Costenbader and Andrew Hollywood are joined by Republican challenger Raberta Hans.

Candidates were asked to respond to questions in 75 words or less. They are listed in ballot order:

Holly F. Hausman Sell

Background: I am a 23-year resident of Palmerton. I have served on council for the past 10 years. I’m hoping to continue that service. Furthermore, I work and volunteer within the community. Some of my volunteer roles have included coaching, team manager and officer for various youth athletic programs. Furthermore, I am proud to be a supportive wife to a Palmerton volunteer firefighter. However, I am most proud of being a mother of two sons.

Why you are running for office: I am running for office to continue my mission to serve the Palmerton community with integrity, fairness, and fiscal responsibility. I take pride in the community and want to make the best decisions that balance both the needs and affordability of all residents. Furthermore, I don’t vote Democrat or Republican, I vote what is best for Palmerton. I will work hard for Palmerton residents and their interests. I will vote to spend tax dollars responsibly.

The biggest problem facing the borough and how you would solve it: The biggest challenge facing Palmerton Borough is the development of the West Plant Site. I have already been an advocate of the community’s voice in voting no to tax breaks that would have helped fast track warehouse development in our backyards. Additionally, I have voted in favor of updating codes to include warehouses for any future development. I have heard and will continue to vote for the best interests of our residents.

Other comments: As a member of council, I strive to make decisions that will continue to make Palmerton thrive while being the best place to live and raise a family. I will put resident concerns and interests first. I will work hard to keep Palmerton’s small town feel while helping businesses prosper. I would like to thank borough residents for their continued support. Furthermore, I’d appreciate your vote on Election Day to retain my borough council seat.

Terry L. Costenbader

Background: I have been involved with the following: the completion of a 40 home subdivision (Princeton Pines), involved with the purchase of the $3.7 million water company, involved with the purchase of a $10 million state of the art sewage treatment plant, helped form a municipal fire company with a new $1.25 million station and started on an 120 acre industrial park (Northface).

Why are you running for office: To give back to the community that I grew up in. Public service.

Biggest problem: An access for the Northface Industrial Park. I am presently working with Northface and PennDOT on this problem.

Comments: This community is like no other. There is no politics. Everyone on this board works for the betterment of the community. I personally have never worked with a better group of people.

Andrew Hollywood

Background: I have lived and worked in Palmerton for nearly 30 years. I am thankful to be running for my second term on the Palmerton Borough Council. It has been my pleasure to represent everyone these four years and I look forward to doing this job for four more years.

Why you are running for office: Jesus was asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these. This job allows me the opportunity to glorify God and love my neighbors by representing them.

The biggest problem facing the borough and how would you solve it: The biggest challenge our town faces is maintaining its greatness. Palmerton is a well-designed town with a big, beautiful park, wonderful public pool, and new dog park. Palmerton is blessed with Pencor, the largest employer in Carbon County, and a growing volunteer fire company. I could go on listing all the great things about Palmerton. My goal, as a member of the board, is to protect and maintain the things that make Palmerton great.

Raberta Hans

Background: I am a resident of Palmerton for 25 years. I have worked in the education field for 25 years, I am married and have one adult child. I have a master’s degree in special education and I hold a Special Education Teaching certification and a Special Education Supervisors certification.

Why are you running for office: I strongly feel our community needs a new vision. The current council seems to be okay with the status quo. We need to make changes in how the community addresses the needs and concerns of the community. I love this little town and feel I need to do my part to keep us moving forward.

The biggest problem facing the borough and how you would you solve it: One of the biggest concerns in Palmerton is the current council’s lack of vision into the future. The status quo is where they stand. The community is changing and the council is making decisions based on the past. We need to take this town into the future.