Newsmaker Q&A: Ron Beitler

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-newsmaker-beitler-1230-20130105,0,2882315.story FROM THE MORNING CALL The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court last month reversed a Lehigh County court decision that declared invalid the approval of zoning changes that benefit David Jaindl's plan to build warehouses, homes and businesses in the western part of Lower Macungie Township. The decision was the latest in a lengthy and costly legal battle. Barring an appeal, the court ruling paves the way for Jaindl to move ahead with the project. Friends for the Protection of Lower Macungie, a citizens group that formed shortly after the zoning changes were approved, has been raising money to help pay the costs of residents who challenged the zoning changes in court. Ron Beitler, the spokesman for that group, is the subject of this week's Q&A. Q: What was your reaction to the Commonwealth Court decision? A: Obviously disappointed, but also sad. Funding of the lawsuit was an overwhelming community effort by nearly a hundred individual donors making contributions ranging from $5 to several thousand dollars. It was an amazing groundswell of support. I'm saddened for our community, because the elected officials neglected to present multiple options on how to deal with the threat of a quarry. That is why trying to stop this land development was the right thing to do.