Parsons is Top Vote-Getter in Solehi School Board Primary

Southern Lehigh Public Library patron database manager Kathie Parsons was the top vote-getter in Tuesday's school board primary based on unofficial results.

Tuesday's primary narrowed the field of candidates from eight to six. The six will compete for four seats in the general election.

Parsons got 798 votes from Republicans and 534 from Democrats.

The second-highest number of votes went to Southern Lehigh School Board incumbent Thomas McLoughlin, chief of anesthesiology at Lehigh Valley Health Network. McLoughlin got 637 votes from Republicans and 375 from Democrats.

Parsons and McLoughlin will appear on both the GOP and Democratic ballots in the general election.

The GOP ballot will include:

• Challenger Brian Merkle (608 GOP, 215 Dem votes)
• Incumbent William Hayes (565 GOP, 284 Dem votes)

The Democratic ballot will include:

• Incumbent Dorothy "Patti" Mohr (412 GOP, 371 Dem votes)
• Incumbent Elizabeth "Beth" Stelts (479 GOP, 363 Dem votes)

Challengers Steven Annunziato (562 GOP, 219 Dem votes) and Dino Daddona Sr. (404 GOP, 192 Dem votes) did not win enough votes to advance to the general election.