Callahan Touts Economic Development at Martin Guitar

Bethlehem Mayor and Northampton County Exec candidate John Callahan stressed the importance of economic development today during a visit to Martin Guitar. Chris Martin, whose family has run the internationally renowned instrument maker for the past 6 generations, called himself a "big fan" of Callahan. He repeatedly urged people to vote for the Bethlehem Mayor, while Callahan complimented Martin's blend of new technology with old world craftsmanship.

Callahan's economic development theory is that government does not create jobs, but does create the atmosphere that makes jobs possible. In Northampton County, that atmosphere requires a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) director, according to Callahan, who called Executive John Stoffa's decision to allow that office to remain vacant a "mistake."  He also complained that the office, located "in the bowels of the courthouse" and next to a holding cell for prisoners, is an immediate turnoff to business prospects.

Callahan declined to say who he would appoint as new DCED Director, explaining it is far too early to discuss cabinet appointments.

In addition to stressing the need for a DCED Director, Callahan noted the need for infrastructure improvements. He noted that 17 county-owned bridges need serious repairs and would give them priority as Executive. He stated that, for that reason, he supports the concept o a bridge bond proposed by Executive John Stoffa.

One of the bridges slated for repairs, Bridge No. 90, is located in Bethlehem along Lehigh Street, right before the Fahy Bridge. County Council, last Thursday, authorized $195,150 for repairs to this "Priority 1" bridge, which crosses Monocacy Creek. That bridgework will likely coincide with Musikfest.

In addition to discussing infrastructure, Callahan emphasized a desire to rebuild store fronts and other small businesses whose vacant faces are a serious problem in Nazareth and other small boroughs. Callahan noted these small boroughs should be able to rely more heavily on County resources for redevelopment.

In closing, it should be observed that Callahan finished Saturday's 5k in 29 minutes, which means I could have beaten him if I had been up just 5 minutes sooner.