Christein seeks BASD board seat

Heather Christein, Bethlehem resident and parent to a Liberty HS alumnus, has announced her candidacy for the Bethlehem Area School District School Board. With a passion for education and a commitment to ensuring each Bethlehem student thrives and is prepared for life, Christein brings a fresh perspective to the role. “My promise to you, your children, and all the residents of Bethlehem is that I will work every day to ensure the next generation of leaders, scholars, and change-makers are given the tools to succeed,” said Christein.

Christein’s professional journey began in finance, where she worked as a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®. She spent over a decade in higher education fundraising, earning her credential as a Certified Fundraising Executive. She currently works in politics, where she advocates for causes she believes in.

Christeins platform focuses on key priorities outlined on her campaign website, heather4basd.com:

“With common sense at the forefront, I’ll work tirelessly for Bethlehem’s residents to ensure our schools embody our community’s values and prioritize education and growth. I am committed to ethically stewarding your tax dollars while delivering educational excellence for every child in Bethlehem.”

Christein prioritizes education and holds a B.A. in English and Public Relations from Lehigh University and a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics from Moravian University.

Crampsie Smith seeks mayor’s office

Grace Crampsie Smith, a Democrat, is a candidate for mayor of Bethlehem in the May primary election. Crampsie Smith is presenting serving in her sixth year on city council. She is chair of the Finance Committee, serves on the Community Development and Public Works committees, and has served on the Public Safety Committee. She also serves on the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and the Bethlehem Mental Health Services Appeals Board.

Crampsie Smith was born into a politically and civically active family, with her father being a chief of police, her mother a nurse, and several of her six siblings holding political office. She is the mother of three children: Attorney Shannon Yeager, Dr. Bridget Smith and Brendan Smith. She also has two granddaughters.

“I have devoted my entire professional life to representing and serving others and I have always assured sound fiscal management of public funds while working for the people. As both a resident and a qualified candidate, I am committed to leading Bethlehem toward a future that balances smart development with the preservation of our rich history and unique neighborhoods.” said Crampsie Smith. “Assuring public health and safety, balancing economic and community development with housing that is inclusive and affordable, and encouraging sound fiscal management is a top priority. It has been an honor and privilege to represent and serve the members of our diverse Bethlehem community.”

Crampsie Smith received a master’s gegree in counseling from Lehigh University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology/social welfare from Bloomsburg University.

Crampsie Smith has spent her career working as a school counselor, addictions counselor and administrator of services for those with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses and their families. She has also taught at the community college focused on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Northampton County candidates

An unofficial list of candidates for Northampton County.

Democrats

Northampton County

County Executive

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Amy Cozze

• Tara Zrinski

County Council — At Large

(4-year term; vote for 5)

• David Holland

• Jason Boulette

• Lori Vargo Heffner

• Nadeem Qayyum

• Patti Bruno

• Theresa Fadem

Magisterial District Judge

(6-year term; vote for 1)

District 03-2-05

• Robert C. Weber

District 03-2-06

• Daniel G. Corpora

District 03-2-08

• John C. Capobianco

District 03-3-02

• Matthew L. Flower

• Robert Kemmerer

• Ellen S. Kingsley

Municipal Offices

Bethlehem

City Controller

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• George Yasso

City Council — At Large

(4-year term; vote for 4)

• Celeste Dee

• Hillary G. Kwiatek

• Jo Daniels

• Justin Amann

• Rachel Leon

• Tina Cantelmi

Mayor

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Grace Crampsie Smith

• J. William Reynolds

Bethlehem Township

Second Ward Commissioner

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Matthew Deckman

• Matthew J. Vrabel

Freemansburg

Council

(4-year term; vote for 3)

• Beth Derr Zmijewski

• Justine LaBar-Rossi

• Margaret Lorrah

Mayor

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Gerald C. Yob

Tax Collector

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Ramona Ruiz

• Theresa Sidor

Hanover Twp.

Auditor

(6-year term; vote for 1)

• Angela Brown

• Joseph Pepitone

Supervisor

(6-year term; vote for 2)

• Joseph Pepitone

• Stephen M. Gross

Tax Collector

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Joseph Pepitone

Hellertown

Council

(4-year term; vote for 4)

• Cathy Leibensperger

• Gail Nolf

• Larry O’Donnell

• Theresa Fadem

• Thomas J. Rieger

Mayor

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• David J. Heintzelman

School Boards

Bethlehem Area SD

School Director — At-Large

(4-year term; vote for 3)

• Shannon L. Patrick

• Michael E. Faccinetto

• Heather L. Christein

• Silagh White

Saucon Valley SD

School Director — At-Large

(4-year term; vote for 4)

• J. Barrett Geyer

• Kenneth Bloss

• Meghan Lomangino

• J. Christian Tatu

• Shamim Pakzad

• Cedric Dettmar

Republicans

Northampton County

County Executive

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Tom Giovanni

County Council — At Large

(4-year term; vote for 5)

• Daniel Campo

• John Brown

• John P. Goffredo

• Juan E. Martinez

• Sam Elias

Magisterial District Judge

(6-year term; vote for 1)

District 03-2-05

• Robert C. Weber

District 03-2-06

• Daniel G. Corpora

District 03-2-08

• John C. Capobianco

District 03-3-02

• Matthew L. Flower

• Robert Kemmerer

• Ellen S. Kingsley

Municipal Offices

Bethlehem

City Council — At Large

(4-year term; vote for 4)

• Joseph F. Poplawski

Bethlehem Township

Fourth Ward Commissioner

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Barry Roth

• John Merhottein

Second Ward Commissioner

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Matthew J. Vrabel

• Steven Greco

Freemansburg

Council

(4-year term; vote for 3)

• Monica Elliott

• Will Power

Mayor

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Will Power

Hanover Twp.

Supervisor

(6-year term; vote for 2)

• Barry Check

School Boards

Bethlehem Area SD

School Director — At-Large

(4-year term; vote for 3)

• Silagh White

• Shannon L. Patrick

• Michael E. Faccinetto

• Heather L. Christein

Bethlehem Area SD

Region I School Director

(4-year term; vote for 1)

• Michael Kastelnik

Saucon Valley SD

School Director — At-Large

(4-year term; vote for 4)

• J. Barrett Geyer

• Kenneth Bloss

• Meghan Lomangino

• J. Christian Tatu

• Lynn Kasper

• Shamim Pakzad

• Cedric Dettmar