Bethlehem City Council Candidates Night This Monday

Did you know that seven people are running for four seats on Bethlehem City Council this year? You'll have an opportunity to lean more about them on Monday night April 27. The Northeast Blockwatch, located at the Church of the Manger (1401 Greenview Drive) is hosting a Candidates Night. The fun starts at 7 pm. All seven candidates will introduce themselves and answer questions.

I'll be there, but iIm taking my life into my hands. Last time I went, I got blasted by a bolt of lighting that I'm sure was intended for Gus Loupos.

Bethlehem's City Council consists of seven members who constitute the City's legislative body. They all serve at-large for four-year terms and are paid a salary of $7,100 (the president gets an extra $500). They are also entitled to health benefits.

This year, four Bethlehem City Council seats are up for grabs. But one of them is just a two-year seat because whomever is elected will serve out the remainder of Karen Dolan's term. She resigned earlier this year after an Investigating Grand Jury determined she had engaged in multiple conflicts of interest. Amazingly, three candidates - Olga Negron, Matt McKernan and Jeff Kocsis - are all after that one seat.

The remaining three seats are all for four-year terms. Incumbents Willie Reynolds and Mike Recchiuti are asking voters for another shot. Michael Colon and Shawn Martell are seeking an opportunity to serve as well. Cathy Reuscher, an appointee, decided against running for the job.

All seven candidates are Democrats, so this race will be decided in the Primary unless an Independent gets on the ballot or Republicans mount a write-in campaign.