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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Bethlehem Tp Welcomes Melissa Shafer


Though it's not official until March, Bethlehem Township's newly appointed Manager was at a well-attended January 20 meeting, where she was able to meet many residents. Commissioners unanimously approved her employment contract, under which she will receive an annual salary of $100,000.

Shafer succeeds Howard Kutzler, who resigned late last year to become South Whitehall Township's Director of Administration.

Shafer, who has a Master's Degree in Public Administration, is currently Chalfont's Borough Manager and resided in Richland Township.

After her employment contract was approved, Shafer received a round of applause.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

I see why see was picked, those dirty old men. They can dream.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You apparently are.

Anonymous said...

The township may finally be heading in the right direction.

Anonymous said...

This woman should only be judged for her accomplishments and commitment to the community. Both of which are exemplary. Feel free to join at least the latter half of the 20th Century at your earliest convenience.

Anonymous said...

She looks very young for the job. Not saying she can't do it, but she looks about 25.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You're off quite a bit on her gae, but I'm sure she likes your estimate so i won't change it. She already has 11 years experience in municipal government, along with a master's degree in Public Admin. I miss Howard Kutzler, but I'm sure he is happy to see someone of her caliber follow him.

Anonymous said...

She will show her lack of experience once she reports to work in March. She comes from an affluent portion of Bucks County, with lots of tax revenue(15.5 mills). She will have a rude awakening making ends meet with the lower tax revenues generated in BT (5.99 mills).

Bernie O'Hare said...

So says an anonymous know-it-all.

Anonymous said...

5:13 - She deserves a chance to prove what she can do, stop being so negative.

Anonymous said...

So says an anonymous know-it-all.
Bernie - This sounds like someone with a chip on his/her shoulder!
Just saying......

Bernie O'Hare said...

I agree. The anonymous know-it-all who made the disparaging remarks has a chip or, more accurately, a blockhead on his shoulder.

Anonymous said...

Breath of fresh air. BT will only benefit from a young, ambitious professional.

Anonymous said...

Wow that is and awefully high salary for a local municipal job for someone with very little experience and more importantly a working knowledge of the area and the Township. Seems like this hire was for the new board to put someone in place that will do their work no question asked. Wondering how she will get along with the staff over there? Heck Kutzler was a young guy when it came to that staff!! LOL.

Bernie O'Hare said...

The salary is about right. I can think of several managers who make more money than she. She is experienced and educated. She seems to have great people skills, too.

Once again, stop being so damn negative. I can think of no person in the various Township factions who does not think this is a great move.

This was a unanimous call of the Board, and though Paul Weiss was recently defeated, he was thrilled to death by her.

This is a good call.

Anonymous said...

7:12 PM Seems like this hire was for the new board to put someone in place that will do their work no question asked.

No different than what the previous managers did! Now let her prove herself, and give her a chance!

Anonymous said...

BT is lucky to have this very dedicated and experienced manager come their way. Her pay is right in line. People that think it's too high, cleary do not know the field.
"if you have nothing nice to say, then say nothign at all".
Thanks for your positive posts Bernie!

Anonymous said...

She is eye candy and this is not a rich Philly suburb.

She and Donahr will get on famously.

Anonymous said...

BT is lucky to have her! Their gain is Chalfont's loss.