Next year Northampton County's executive will be John Brown, part-time mayor of Bangor, who defeated widely-known Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan in a race many considered forgone.

According to unofficial county results, about 39,000 residents participated in this election, and Brown won over Callahan by about 1,300 votes. Overall, it Callahan won in Bethlehem city precincts by wide margins, but Brown brought in a handful more votes per precinct in other municipalities.

Considering the low turnout – estimated at only 6,130 Bethlehem residents total – it quickly added up.

Brown, via email, credited his win on a citizen-focused campaign, in which he personally knocked on thousands of doors to speak with people directly about their concerns.

He is now meeting with county employees and identifying key roles, but he said once in office he will utilize the strategy that was so successful for him as mayor of Bangor.

"We have to be able to operate government in a cost effective way and keep taxes as low as possible without sacrificing core operations," he said. "The only way to do this is to focus on managing and controlling cost and broaden our views to work together on a regional basis. Throughout the county we need to work across municipal boundaries and support regional efforts where it makes sense."

He continued, "During my four years as Bangor's mayor, using these principles, we were able to eliminate a deficit and create a generous surplus that allowed us to reduce taxes in 2013. Bangor has adopted a preliminary budget for 2014 that proposes a tax reduction for the second year in a row."

He said he will be aggressive and proactive in seeking economic development opportunities, especially by working with regional partners such as Lehigh Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Brown said the current administration has a plan in place to repair bridges and infrastructure, which he intents to expand, but Gracedale nursing home is suffering from an outdated image.

"We have to create a different expectation of what it means to be part of the Gracedale community that more accurately reflects the services available. There is a robust plan in place that is currently being executed which has the potential to significantly impact future financial performance. It will take two to three years to realize the full benefits of this plan," Brown said.

"We will have to be patient."