Late last month, when Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez ended a contract with Barnsdale Associates to accept debris from City-owned property after discovering that Business Administrator David Brong is part owner of the company. He also directed his Solicitor, Bill Leeson, to investigate whether Brong had any knowledge or role in this contract.
Brong told me he is one of six owners in Barnsdale Associates, which was started by his father-in-law in the '80s. He denied any involvement in their day-to-day business, which consist at this time of the operation of an old quarry once owned by Bethlehem Steel. That is their sole remaining asset. He also denied knowing about the contract.
Today, Mayor Donchez cleared Brong of any wrongdoing in these conflict of interest allegations after receipt of a 15-pager investigate report from Solicitor Leeson.
"I am pleased to hear the conclusion of this review. Mr. Brong brings a wealth of operations and budgeting knowledge to City Hall. I am glad to continue working with Dave in serving the citizens of the City of Bethlehem”, stated Donchez. The Mayor also noted that “I have used this opportunity to remind my department heads that my Administration will operate in a transparent manner, always putting the interest of our residents first.”
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