City Hall's rotunda erupted into applause after Diana Morganelli was appointed to the Bethlehem Parking Authority in a 7-0 vote by council on May 21.

Morganelli, a long-time stay-at-home mother, had come under criticism due to the gap in her resume during the years she spent parenting her children.

Council member Karen Dolan addressed Morganelli during the meeting, saying, "We never fault any parents who have a gap in their work history due to parenting. I learned a lot about treating people with more respect in all situations. I feel very sad that this has created some public stress for Mrs. Morganelli. I hope that this has not hurt you, and that if it has, it will pass. I support Mrs. Morganelli."

Council President J. William Reynolds also voiced his support for Morganelli.

"I served with her on the library board. Her skills will fit in well with the parking authority," he said.

Lynn Fryman Rothman, also a long-time stay-home parent, was appointed to the Environmental Advisory Council with a 7-0 vote during the same meeting.

Dolan also expressed her support for Rothman.

"She spent the last 15 years as a stay home mom," Dolan said, "and she is very smart and engaged. She will do a great job on the Environmental Advisory Council. She is a great candidate."

During the new business portion of the council meeting, council member Bryan Callahan voiced his concerns to Mayor Robert Donchez that council is hesitant to challenge the views of the mayor for fear of over-reaching their authority.

"One hundred percent of the time council is in agreement with the Mayor and I don't think it's a healthy thing," Callahan said. "If council has a disagreement or questions, it is part of our job. It is not being power hungry or over reaching."