From Dana Grubb's Campaign: Mayoral candidate Dana Grubb supports Councilperson Bryan Callahan’s proposal to use part of the $33.7 million federal COVID relief funds to reverse the impact of the 5% real estate tax increase imposed by the City of Bethlehem's 2021 budget. Grubb also feels that some of the COVID funding should be used to restore the four firefighter positions that were eliminated in that budget.
“I disagreed with the combination of tax increase, firefighter cuts, and the introduction of a stormwater tax during the pandemic, at a time when many residents are hurting financially,” says Grubb. "Some on City Council, like their constituents, were probably severely impacted by the pandemic, so I would think they would support their colleague's proposal, which is an avenue for healing."
Grubb feels that public meetings to solicit input from residents should be incorporated into the decision making process for the allocation of the COVID relief funding.
"The pandemic compels us to be our best selves, to come together to help each other and listen to each other," Grubb notes. "The residents come first. City officials should be looking out for them: not adding to their burden, but easing it." He adds that the COVID funding provides city government an avenue to help alleviate some of the hardship that came to everyone as a result of the pandemic.
Blogger's Note: Though municipalities await specific guidelines, the express language of the American Rescue Plan Act provides that money being sent directly to municipalities can be used to replace lost revenue. That obviates the need for the 5% tax hike so callously imposed in Bethlehem last year. It also should enable restoration of the firefighters.
Callahan was the sole member of Council who said No to a tax hike and elimination of four firefighters in the middle of a pandemic. When he suggested that it's now possible to roll back that tax hike and reinstate firefighters, his fellow Council members responded with stony silence. If they actually cared about the citizens they pretend to represent, that might have been a good time for them to open their mouths.
Well said. I have made my decision on two individuals who will now have my vote.
ReplyDeleteReynolds raised taxes last year, who the hell has the nerve to raise taxes on their residents in the middle of a world pandemic when everyone is struggling. Thats crazy. Just made up my mind, Reynolds is out of touch!
ReplyDeleteGrubb got into a fistfight in City Hall with a co-worker, who the hell has the nerve to cause workplace violence. Thats crazy. Just made up my mind, Grubb is a loose cannon!
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOD! SOMEONE RUNNING FOR MAYOR THAT CARES ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF BETHLEHEM. NOW THAT IS SOMETHING WE HAVEN'T HAD IN YEARS. DONCHEZ IS SUPPORTING WILLIE BOY BECAUSE THAT WAS THE DEAL THEY MADE 4 YEARS AGO. HE ALREADY GAVE WILLIE $2,500.00 TO HELP HIM. A DEAL IS A DEAL I GUESS. DANA YOU HAVE MY VOTE. OH MY GOD! AN HONEST MAYOR.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine the conversation with Donchez and Reynolds 4 years ago.
ReplyDeleteReynolds: "Bob I won't run against you now. So you don't have to raise any money and get in easy for your second term"
Donchez: "That sounds good to me"
Reynolds: "But I want one thing"
Donchez: "Whats that?"
Reynolds: "You have to endorse me in 4 years when I want to be Mayor and help me out with a large donation since you don't have to spend any money on a campaign now"
Donchez: Thats a great deal, Done!"
Something to think about for sure
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