Vincent Smith has announced his intention to run for re-election to the Catasauqua Borough Council.

"My eight years as a proactive borough councilman, including two as council president and four as the LVIA liaison, 27 years as the owner of Biery's Port Bodyworks, 27 years as a part-time historical home renovator, and 14 years as a landlord give me valuable experience to draw from," he says.

During his years on council, he has worked with state and federal elected officials and commission members and with numerous agencies, nonprofit organizations and governing boards and agencies.

"A few of the private entities I have worked with include JG Petrucci, Housing Development Corporation, NAI Summit, Weston Solutions, Woodmont Properties and FL Smidth," he says. "Working with these individuals, organizations and corporations has enabled me to assemble a comprehensive list of contacts in the government, business and private sector. These contacts allow me to be a very effective councilman for Catasauqua."

He says he has also developed an extensive number of skills as the owner of Biery's Port Bodyworks, Blocker's Restorative Hardware and numerous commercial, residential, rental and personal properties in the borough.

"I've revitalized 16 residential and commercial Catasauqua properties and brought five new businesses into the borough," he says. "These accomplishments have prepared me for the challenge of being an effective councilman."

The skills he has developed as a businessman and councilman include: "the ability to plan for sustainability and growth; to promote, partner and network effectively; to utilize input from residents to guide in my decision making process; to balance budgets; manage and account for funds and debts; to manage employees and work with customers and vendors; meet deadlines and negotiate transactions; organize; lead; resolve conflicts and disputes; maintain and manage properties; communicate clearly on issues and project and manage growth.

"My years of experience as a businessman and councilman works for Catasauqua every day," he says. "I feel I lead by example as I live, work, govern and participate in the community that I love."

Smith has volunteered at the George Taylor House, painted the planters in the business district, worked on planning the emergency/ municipal services center, BMX and skate parks, helped acquire the George Taylor House and volunteered for canal cleanup efforts.

He supports gateway improvements, downtown revitalization efforts and FLS brownfield development.

"I am not a councilman merely addressing a few pet peeves," he says. "I am a councilman who cares about my community, and wants to help improve the borough for all residents."