Panto: Why Easton Has Approximately 50 Net New Businesses

Q. How many new businesses have there been in Easton since you've become Mayor?

Panto: "Whoo. You know, everybody can express a large number, but there's also ones that close. I would say we have a net increase of at least 50 businesses. We know that because our business privilege tax is up. I could give you the exact number if I code department or zoning department. But we know that our business privilege tax has gone up, especially over the last two years. Almost 25%. Which means businesses are doing better. The ones who are here are doing more, and new ones coming in are doing better.

Q. And what do you credit that to?

Panto: "Oh, I credit that to the Ambassadors, the Main Street program, the overall self-confidence, the additional police protection, the increase in police officers from 52 to 63, the Crayola Factory, the State Theatre, the new art openings, the Sigal Museum. There's a whole synergy of things that takes place for that to happen. You can't just open up one store ---

Q. --- The crime rate's gone down in Easton, whereas its gone up in Bethlehem. It's gone down in Easton.

Panto: "We are very fortunate. Our UCR reports level 1 is the lowest it's been since 1970."

Q. Congratulations, that's great.

Panto: "Yes, it's working, we have a great police department."

Q. Boots on the ground.

Panto: "It's feet on the street. They have to be there. Eye in the sky and feet an the street."