Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez wants another four years leading the Christmas City.
Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez just announced he is running for re-election. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo) lehighvalleylive.com file photo)
The Democrat announced Friday afternoon that he plans to again run for mayor in the May 15, 2017, primary. No challengers have announced their candidacy.
“I believe that Bethlehem has made great progress under my administration,” Donechez, 66, said in asking for the support of voters. “But, there is so much more to do to continue to keep moving our city forward.”
City Council President J. William Reynolds, who lost his 2013 mayoral primary bid against Donchez, has already says he will not run against the mayor. In fact, Reynolds has said he plans to support Donchez’s candidacy and focus on governing.
If re-elected, Donchez says he will continue to make fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic development and improving business districts his top priorities. He will prioritize strong neighborhoods, government transparency, improving recreational facilities and the city’s repaving efforts.
Donchez touted the city’s improved finances under his watch, pointing to its upgraded bond ratings and cash balance. City council enacted Donchez’s zero tax increase budget for 2017, which focuses on city services.
“Bethlehem continues to be one of the safest cities in Pennsylvania,” Donchez said in a news release. “The implementation of the beat officer, increased patrols, partnerships with Lehigh University, Moravian College and the Bethlehem Sands Casino have proven to be effective.”
The city is currently in the midst of consolidating its 911 emergency center with Northampton County to comply with a state mandate.
As part of that the city is working on a text 911 implementation, he said. Donchez has directed the city’s new 911 Director Robert Novatnack to study the feasibility of setting up a 311 system to report non-emergency issues in the city.
“This would improve efficiency, accountability and resident service,” he said.
Throughout his tenure, Bethlehem’s seen small business growth and the continued redevelopment of former Bethlehem Steel property at LVIP 7 and Majestic Realty, the mayor noted.
And development is finally underway in Bethlehem’s CRIZ — at Greenway Commons on Third Street and Dennis Benner’s building at Third and New streets –after changes to the CRIZ law were enacted by state lawmakers.
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He pledged to continue his hard stance against the owners of blighted properties, noting the 2017 budget includes $500,000 for the city to acquire blighted properties and rehab them.
Bethlehem was recently named conservator of the old Goodman Furniture building and an adjoining vacant lot, 30-32 E. Third St. The city has spent years trying to get the property’s owner, Lehigh University professor Alvin Kanofsky, to clean up the site.
The designation allows the city to oversee the selection of a developer to rehab and redevelop the property without having to purchase it.
“The city will continue to be aggressive in citing property owners who let their property deteriorate,” Donchez said.
His administration has sought to foster government openness by enacting a gifts policy that bans city employees from accepting free meals, gifts or tickets.
And Donchez hosts a monthly open door event where citizens can come to City Hall to discuss concerns with him.
“I am proud to say over 200 residents have taken advantage of this initiative,” Donchez said. “In addition, I have conducted nine walking tours throughout our city, followed by neighborhood meetings.”
Donchez noted that by partnering with city colleges, the Bethlehem Area School District, St. Luke’s University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network, the city’s been able to bring new programs for residents.
He cited as examples the South Side Ambassadors, the mounted police unit, bike cops, school resource officers and housing inspector.
Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
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