BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Three Democrats, including one incumbent, on Tuesday officially assumed their positions on Bethlehem City Council.
Those three included incumbent Michael Colón, 2014-21 Councilman Bryan Callahan and city native Colleen Laird, who are set to serve four-year terms among three other Democrats.
The newest three beat out three Republicans for the seats this past November.
Leaving council were Wandalyn Enix and Paige Van Wirt, who did not seek reelection.
Northampton County Judge John Morganelli officiated the swearing-in proceedings.
“I am excited to start this new chapter of service to my community. I am so grateful to those who’ve supported me on this journey so far.”
Bethlehem City Council newcomer Colleen Laird
“It’s always been an honor and a pleasure — as I’ve stated at previous council meetings — to serve on council to begin with, and I look forward to doing my best to serve as council president into this new year and next year as well,” Colón said.
Later, Laird said, “I am excited to start this new chapter of service to my community. I am so grateful to those who’ve supported me on this journey so far.”
And Callahan said, “We’re not here as a rubber stamp of the administration; we’re here to work with them and make our city better. And that’s what I intend to do for the next four years.”
New president, vice president
The new group also held a vote for its president and vice president, who before the vote were Colón and Crampsie Smith, respectively.
After a brief discussion, the two candidates for president were decided to be Colón and Crampsie Smith. Candidates were able to vote for themselves, which they did in each vote.
Callahan showed his support for Crampsie Smith, as he said it’s “due time” for a woman council president.
Officials then recognized that Dolores Caskey was the council’s first woman president, who took that position in 1980 and left office in 1985.
The group voted 5-2, favoring Colón. He’ll be set to serve in that role for the next two years.
Michael Colón and Rachel Leon are set to serve as Bethlehem City Council's president and vice president through January 2026.
As for the vice president vote, Councilwoman Rachel Leon and Crampsie Smith were selected as candidates.
Colón voiced his approval of Leon to take the role, saying she’s shown “a willingness to be involved and engaged” and has been shown to be “a remarkable leader in and outside of the council chambers.”
Callahan again showed support for Crampsie Smith.
The new council voted 5-2, supporting Leon. She’ll also be set to serve in that role for the next two years.