We have invited all candidate to submit a photo and a response to this question: What do you see as the biggest issue for residents in your municipality/county?

CITY COUNCIL

At Large 4-Year Term

(Vote for not more than 3)

Democratic- Michael G. Colon

Democratic - J. William Reynolds

“Can we create a sustainable Bethlehem? This is the most important issue facing our city. We are in the process of answering this question by developing initiatives that improve the long-term sustainability of our city including our Climate Action Plan and our NorthSide 2027 neighborhood revitalization plans. These plans are building citizen led structures that will maintain the high quality of life in our city in an environmentally responsible way. We must continue to focus on creating a more sustainable city for our community to continue to thrive in the 21stcentury.”

Democratic - Carol Ritter

Democratic - Paige Van Wirt

“One of the biggest is affordability. How does the local government budget tax dollars for impactful city services. How do we ensure that taxes don’t increase? How do our citizens afford to live in our city? Three ways: Build the tax base - encourage development in our downtowns; don’t build new city-owned infrastructure that isn’t absolutely necessary due to legacy costs; encourage development of affordable housing by emphasizing inclusory zoning, and change our zoning code in targeted areas to make it easier for developers to build affordable units.”

Democratic - David A. Saltzer

“The biggest issue in the City of Bethlehem right now is the redevelopment of the Martin Tower site. This landmark has been a staple to the community for 40 plus years. What we do with it next is going to be here for generations and we have the ability to create something phenomenal that will impact the city in a positive way for years to come. We must be strategic and think about long term viability and feasibility of the future site plan, as well as what the site has to offer our community’s residents and employees.”

At-Large 2-Year Term

(Vote for One)

Democratic - Grace Crampsie Smith

As I meet with fellow citizens of Bethlehem, the main issue that they address is economic development. While I believe economic development is certainly beneficial and necessary, it must be congruent with the best interests of the community. It is important to maintain a balance between preserving the city’s past, honoring the people and businesses that built this city, and achieving progress in our diverse community. We also need to address the disparity between the development of luxury residential units versus housing that is affordable. Assuring our community members have affordable and suitable housing promotes stronger, safer neighborhoods, which benefits the community at large.

Democratic - Will Carpenter

For the City of Bethlehem, our biggest issue is to protect what we love about Bethlehem as we set a course for sustainable economic vitality. Cities often select projects in the best interest of developers and investors, not necessarily its citizens. I want to ensure Bethlehem is negotiating to find the best deals for our skilled workforce, our taxpayers and our quality of life. To earn my support, a project must protect our water and air quality and be consistent with the Climate Action Plan. I want to put my experience to use to keep Bethlehem wonderful.

Democratic - Ashley Daubert

Republican

CITY TREASURER

(Vote for One - 4-year Term)

Democrat - Kaija L Farber

Republican –

SCHOOL DIRECTOR

At Large Bethlehem, Lehigh County, and Fountain Hill

(Vote for not more than 3 - 4-Year Term)

Democrat - Lisa McHale

Democrat - Karen Beck Pooley

Democrat - Dean Donaher

Democrat - Emily Schenkel

Republican - Lisa McHale

Region 2 Bethlehem 11th & 12th Wards and 13th Ward 2nd - 8th Districts

(Vote for 1 - 4-Year Term)

Democrat - Craig Neiman

Republican - Craig Neiman

Region 3

(Vote for 1 - 4-Year Term)

Democrat – Silagh White

Democrat – Kim Shively

Democrat – Kyle T. Miceli

Republican - Kim Shively

Republican - Silagh White

Republican - Kyle T. Miceli