At Bethlehem City Council’s reorganization meeting Jan. 7, incumbent President Adam Waldron was reconfirmed 4–3 for a second term as president of the seven-member council. He defeated the other nominee for the office, Councilwoman Olga Negrón.

Negron’s candidacy for the position was encouraged by over 20 speakers who unsuccessfully urged council members to vote for Negron. Each speaker in support of Negrón got a smattering of applause at the conclusion of their remarks.

One of Negrón’s supporters also took the opportunity to criticize Waldron’s leadership. Barbara Diamond was concerned about what she described as a “breakdown in order and decorum as far as meetings have been handled.”

Al Worth, who said he is a political scientist, pointedly did not indorse a candidate, but encouraged Democrats to work toward inclusiveness if they want to succeed in the 2020 elections.

Waldron said he had received positive support from council members when he had called them. He said he has a “soft gavel” which allows people to speak their mind without being gaveled down.

Negrón recounted her experiences, pointing out that “leadership is part of my nature.”

Waldron was elected 4–3. The councilpersons who voted for Waldron were Michael Colón, Grace Crampsie Smith, William Reynolds, and Adam Waldron. Those voting in favor of Negrón: Bryan Callahan, Olga Negrón, and Dr. Paige Van Wirt.

At that point Spirk called for nominations for vice president. Colón and Van Wirt both were nominated, and Colón won 4-3.

“It has been almost 40 years since there has been a female president [of the city council],” said Van Wirt. “We have lost an opportunity tonight that would have meant a lot to people of this community.”

Van Wirt also advanced her support for a female mayor of Bethlehem, a sentiment that got applause from some of the audience.

Colón won the vice president job 4–3 with votes from Callahan, Colón, Crampsie Smith and Waldron.

In regular business, council approved 7–0 a contractor to develop a “climate action plan” for the city. The resolution was sponsored by Councilwomen Negrón and Van Wirt.

“It’s been a long road to get to this place on a climate action plan,” said Reynolds. He recounted the three-year history of the resolution and expressed hope that a final plan can be approved in 2020.

Waldron later recounted the annual report reflecting council’s achievements during 2019: Council held 24 regular meetings and 14 committee meetings, adopted 272 Resolutions, and passed 51 Ordinances.