Dems Keep 2, Pick 1 New for City Council
 

Early results show Reynolds could become youngest-ever member

By Kurt Bresswein of The Express-Times

BETHLEHEM--Democratic voters in Tuesday's city council primary appeared to stick with two incumbents and a candidate who could become Bethlehem's youngest-ever councilman, according to unofficial early returns.

Early results showed Councilman Robert J. Donchez with a commanding lead over six competitors for three seats on council. Councilman Gordon Mowrer was running second, and newcomer J. William Reynolds was in line to join them on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

"I'm humbled by the support that I've received from the citizens," Donchez said Tuesday night. "It seems that it's broad-based from all parts of the city. I will continue to work hard, and I will continue to campaign so I'm victorious in November."

Donchez, a councilman since 1996 who has served as council president, campaigned to build on his efforts to expand the ranks of police, firefighters and paramedics. He also wants to build on his record of improving residents' quality of life through the introduction of laws on sprinklers and noise.

Neither Mowrer nor Reynolds was declaring victory about 11 p.m., but both felt confident as precincts continued to report.

"It's like the Sands," Mowrer said of the casino developer that will bring the city at least $8.7 million a year in host fees. "I'm excited about what we're doing there and how much money we're bringing in, but I don't want to spend it until we're sure. Right now I guess it looks good."

Reynolds said, "I want to wait until they're all in, but I'm feeling good."

Mowrer, on council since 2004, was the lone candidate to have been Bethlehem mayor -- from 1974 to '78 when he pushed for the preservation of Historic Bethlehem and again in an interim role from 1987 to '88. He said his top concerns included managing the casino traffic and staying on top of financial issues such as the outstanding water and sewer loans that comprise much of the city's $353 million debt.

Reynolds campaigned on a four-plank platform: ensure the city is smart about the casino development, battle crime through the hiring of more police if warranted, continue the city's economic revitalization, and ensure an open, honest and responsive city government.

Reynolds' election at 26 would trump by two years Mayor John Callahan's mark for the youngest councilman in Bethlehem history,

Barring an upset, Donchez, Mowrer and Reynolds will be on the general election ballot to face Esther Lee, who was unopposed in the Republican primary.

Also on the Democratic ticket were nine-year incumbent Councilwoman Magdalena Szabo and challengers Ismael Arcelay, Dana B. Grubb and Ron Heckman.

The four-year terms' salaries are set at $6,900 each in 2008.
 

Reporter Kurt Bresswein can be reached at 610-867-5000 or by e-mail at
kbresswein@express-times.com.