Allentown Mayoral candidate Nat Hyman owned a business in Plaza Las Americas in San Juan for many years. He spent a great deal of time in Puerto Rico and feels a deep connection to both the island and and its people, whom he says are "among the warmest and kindest people I have ever met. So he has initiated a massive relief effort for the people of Puerto Rico, collecting nonperishable food items and household supplies. He hopes to ship over $100,000 worth of desperately needed items to the hurricane-ravaged island.
"The devastation our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico have experienced is unimaginable," he said. "It is a once in a lifetime disaster. We all must come together to lend a helping hand!"
Hyman said his strong ties to the Latino community is one of the reasons he decided to run. "Over 50% of our city is Latino," he observed. "The current Mayor has not addressed the needs of this community in any way. It is absolutely essential that the next Mayor take on the issues which are most important to the majority of our citizens, the Latino community. We must ensure that we have clean and safe streets where our children can play and the elderly can walk at night without fear. I will aggressively eliminate the 1,000 blighted buildings throughout the city and, in so doing, help those who want to achieve the dream of homeownership. Most importantly, we must ensure that every child has access to an excellent quality education which will give them hope and a bright future they deserve."
Hyman's wife, Erica, and his two daughters, Julia and Lizzie, all speak Spanish fluently. They have been meeting and speaking with members of the Latino community to understand their needs, wishes and dreams. "The people have been inviting us into their homes like we are members of their family," said Erica. "I cannot tell you how warm and kind people have been to us. When we meet, I try to explain that the main reason that Nat ran for Mayor was to improve the quality of life for the Latino population of Allentown. He will work tirelessly to give a hand up to everyone who wants it! "
If you wish to assist Nat Hyman's relief effort to Puerto Rico please drop off nonperishable food items and household supplies (diapers, toilet paper, soap, etc). at his office located at 727 North Meadow St. in Allentown between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday.
