BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bob Donchez has held elected office in Bethlehem since 1996.
The former councilman and council president has been mayor the past eight years. Now with his tenure ending, the city native who grew up on Evans Street in South Bethlehem speaks with WLVR’s Brad Klein.
They discuss his legacy in government going back to his days on council, soon after Bethlehem Steel shut down.
"We've come a long way," says Donchez, a Democrat who is a retired history teacher.
They also touch on the challenges of transitioning from the shutdown of the Steel; development of businesses and housing on both the North and South sides; the pandemic -- and his plans for the future.
Democrat William Reynolds takes over as mayor Monday, Jan. 3.
"I really believe that mayor-elect Reynolds is going to do an outstanding job … I expect good things," Donchez said. "I expect things to move forward during his leadership.”