Reynolds: Donchez "Fear Mongering" About Bethlehem Finances

Willie Reynolds inside the belly of the Pi

Last December, when Bethlehem City Council adopted a 7% tax hike, both Willie Reynolds and Bob Donchez agreed it was the "most difficult budget" that each had ever faced as members of Council. Reynolds added, "It's only going to get more difficult." Now that both Donchez and Reynolds are running for Mayor, Reynolds claims that Bethlehem is a "strong city," thanks in no small measure to the way it has managed finances. At a news conference yesterday afternoon, he claimed that Donchez paints a "sad picture of our financial situation." He then accused him of "fear mongering."

I'd accuse him of being realistic. This year,pensions will cost Bethlehem $11.1 million. To put that in perspective, it's 55% higher than it was the year before. To put that in even greater perspective, that one payment completely gobbles the $9.4 million casino host fee. And this high payment will be made each of the next five years.

In addition to pensions, health costs have increased 60.9% since 2004, even though the workforce is at its lowest level in thirty years.

Reynolds' news conference was at a technology center, the Pi Center for Innovation, located atop the Cantelmi Hardware store on E. 4th Street. This 8,000 sq. ft facility is leased from Cantelmi by the Bethlehem Economic Development Corp. A conference room, conversation rooms, lounge, kitchenette and even an ADA‐accessible shower are shared by a number of post-incubator businesses. Tenants are attracted to this site because it is in a state‐designated Enterprise Zone and a Keystone Innovation Zone.

They like the tax breaks.

According to Reynolds, there should be more places like them. "We need more Pis," he said, though he's rather slender.

Claiming that Bethlehem is in the midst of an "economic renaissance," Reynolds claimed that more economic development is the solution to Bethlehem's fiscal stability. "Economic development is the most important thing," he said.

What about public safety? I asked. Isn't that important, too?

That's a given, responded Reynolds. He agreed that questions about safety are what he hears most often from voters as he knocks on doors. So I guess economic development is the most important thing after public safety, which is the most important thing.

Historically, Bethlehem has shied away from KOZ properties, which exempts business owners from almost all state and local taxes. But Reynolds stated yesterday that Bethlehem should consider all economic development tools, even a mini-NIZ that is under consideration in some municipalities. He claimed the City needs this to remain "competitive" with other municipalities.

Reynolds also stated that he'd try to bring more efficiency into City government.. He claimed that replacing street lights with LED lights could reduce the cost of energy consumption. He also talking about centralized accounts payable and receivable, and making online payment of tax bills a reality.

Reynolds was confronted about the propriety of partisan political activity inside a publicly funded office.  Frankly, the space is rented to BEDCO, which in turn rents to private tenants. They do get tax breaks, but are private businesses. I don't know the answer to that one.

All in all, I'd say that the Reynolds' "fear mongering" crack is a bit over the top. But since Donchez took a cheap shot himself with a mailer that included Willie's middle school picture, I'd say they're even.

Dolan Blasts Donchez "Hot Girlfriend" Campaign Mailer

Earlier this week, I complained that Bethlehem Mayoral candidates Bob Donchez and J. Willie Reynolds were just being too damn nice to each other. Finally, the gloves have come off. A little. And City Council member Karen Dolan is calling Fowl. Let me give you the back story.

Donchez has sent out a negative mailer about Willie, asking whether he's too young to lead. It includes an old picture of Willie, one I've used myself.

Since I've used it, it must be unfair.

It does make Willie look a bit like a little league ball player. It also includes Willie's famous response, after being told he had done poorly in an informal citizen evaluation of meeting performance.

“I’m sure I’ll lose lots of sleep tonight next to my hot girlfriend,” Willie said after the meeting, when told he had been given a "D".

This quotation is supposed to make Willie look like an asshole. But that's when I started to like him. I think Bob Donchez is the better candidate, but let me say that it takes a lot of maturity to sit still during a Council meeting and listen patiently as person after person heaps abuse on you. I could never do it. Reynolds and Donchez have both been the target of a lot of criticism, some of it very unkind and very unfair, from people who should know better. They both did a pretty good job of shutting up their critics last time they ran for City Council, and were able to talk freely during a debate.

City Council member Karen Dolan, who is running for re-election herself and appears to be supporting Willie, is hot as hell about that mailer. "I am infuriated right now over a vicious and inaccurate mailer I got from Bethlehem Mayoral candidate Bob Donchez attacking fellow Mayoral candidate J. William Reynolds," she says. "The photo of Willy is ten years old, the out-of-context quote is five years old, and the intent is pure "smear." Bob wants people to believe he's a "nice guy." This mailer is why so many people are disgusted with politics."

Someone has tried to defend this negative mailer with a "Willie started it" argument. But Bethlehem political guru John Blankstein observes that the Donchez piece had to have been planned well in advance, and I'm inclined to agree.

Is Willie's relative youth an issue? Yes, but in a City known for electing young mayors, not much.

Is the mailer "vicious and inaccurate"? Not by my admittedly low standards.

J Willie Reynolds' Self-Portrait at Town Hall in Time For Election

Bethlehem's latest art show is a Self-Portrait Exhibit at Town Hall. Arriving early for last night's ZHB meeting, I took a little tour and was struck by this.

That's J. Willie Reynolds, a City Councilman. Here's how he explains his art.

Or does it sum up his excitement and joy at being able to advertise himself, at no cost, in Town Hall, and just when he happens to be running for re-election? I see no difference between this and a campaign sign. Neither should be permitted in a government building.

J. Willie Reynolds Stands Behind Every Vote, Predicts Victory on E-Day

On Friday, City Council candidates Tom Carroll and Tony Simao released a powerful, but stinging video attack aimed right at incumbent Bethlehem City Council member J. William Reynolds. As a former coach at 'Lil Canes basketball and North Central Little League, Reynolds is used to being attacked. Contacted about the videos, he labels them "unfair attacks by our Republican opponents in this City Council race."

"Let me be clear, I stand behind every vote I have made on City Council. Many of these decisions have not been easy and, as you know, it is a difficult time for local governments. As you also know, I spent the first part of my career working for State Rep. Steve Samuelson here in Bethlehem. His example taught me a lot about standing my ground even when a few individuals attempt to question your motivations and discredit your record.

"I have run this campaign and will continue to run it the way I ran my first campaign four years ago. I am walking through every neighborhood in Bethlehem hoping to earn the support of the citizens. I dont hide from my votes and I give honest answers about the challenges facing our city, state, and country everyday. In a democracy, all I can hope for is that the citizens of Bethlehem agree with my vision for our City. This is a vision that I share with my fellow Democratic candidates Bob Donchez and Mike Recchiuti. I am confident that the three of us are finding success going door-to-door and will be victorious on Election Day."