Bethlehem City Democratic Committee

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[Click the ▼ after each candidate for bios and more information.] Incumbents are noted with an asterisk (*) … All candidates listed in order as they appear on the ballot.

Bethlehem City Candidates

For Mayor (vote for ONE):

  ✓    J. William Reynolds *  

Willie became Bethlehem’s 14th Mayor following a 2021 election victory that saw him capture nearly 65 percent of the vote while sweeping all 37 city wards. Since he took office in January of 2022, Bethlehem has continued its economic and cultural renaissance.

His Administration has focused on initiatives related to economic revitalization, maintaining a safe community, city fiscal health, housing affordability, sustainability, infrastructure, neighborhood investment, and parks development throughout the community. These collective initiatives with community and private sector support has found Bethlehem continuously named one of the 100 best places to live in America. A full list of the Reynolds Administration first term accomplishments can be found here.

Before being elected as Mayor, William became the youngest City Council member in Bethlehem’s history when he was elected in 2007 with a vision of redeveloping and revitalizing Bethlehem in the aftermath of the closing of Bethlehem Steel. William became Council President in 2014 and a few years later launched Bethlehem 2017 – a set of policy initiatives aimed at making Bethlehem a more innovative community. The centerpiece of Bethlehem 2017 included the creation of Bethlehem’s award-winning Climate Action Plan which was completed in 2020 and is currently being implemented within City Hall and throughout the City of Bethlehem. Bethlehem’s Climate Action Plan has also helped Bethlehem acquire over $15 million dollars in grant funding to support recreational and infrastructure investments throughout Bethlehem.

Mayor Reynolds is a 2024 graduate of the Bloomberg/Harvard City Leadership Initiative. He currently also serves as Chairman of Bethlehem’s World Heritage Council following Bethlehem becoming the United States’ 26th World Heritage Site in 2024. Mayor Reynolds has also served on Moravian University’s Board of Trustees and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s Transition Team. J. William Reynolds graduated Magna Cum Laude from Moravian College in 2003. He resides in north Bethlehem with his wife Dr. Natalie Bieber and son, Leo.

For City Council (vote for FOUR):

  ✓    Rachel Leon *  

Rachel Leon is a dedicated community advocate with a proven track record on the City Council of Bethlehem. Passionate about driving meaningful change, she combines grassroots organizing with responsible fiscal leadership to boost local economic development, improve affordable housing, and deepen participatory democracy. With a clear vision for a future that honors Bethlehem’s rich heritage while embracing innovative progress, Rachel invites you to join her mission to create a more inclusive, thriving city for all.

  ✓    Jo Daniels   

Jo Daniels writes: “I’m running for Bethlehem City Council to do the will of the people — to fight for you. I’m committed to improving your quality of life, giving you a strong voice at City Hall, and working tirelessly to make your life easier and more enjoyable. I won’t back down at the first sign of defeat, and I will never bow to corporate or political bullies. I know that my seat at the table belongs to you, and I will honor that trust by fighting for your needs every day. I’m proud to be endorsed by Lehigh Valley for All, the Bethlehem Fire Department, and the Lehigh Valley Labor Council AFL-CIO. Let’s build a stronger Bethlehem, together!”

  ✓    Hillary Kwiatek *  

Hillary Kwiatek has been serving on Council since 2022. She is Chair of Parks and Recreation Committee, Redevelopment, and Authority and Blighted Property Review Committee Liaison; Bethlehem Housing Authority Liaison. An employee of Lehigh University, Kwiatek has served the City through various organizations including: Friends of Bethlehem Area Public Library (Secretary 2014-2015, President 2015-2017); Bethlehem City Democratic Committee (2005-Present, Secretary 2018-2020); and KaBoom Playground Build Captain (2010).

  ✓    Justin Amann   

Justin Amann is a lifelong Bethlehem resident and a graduate of Liberty High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from East Stroudsburg University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan. He currently serves as the executive director of the Foundation for
the Bethlehem Area School District and director of theatre at Freedom High School.

Justin’s campaign is fueled by his energy and enthusiasm for Bethlehem. He is the grandson of a Bethlehem Steelworker and the son of a nurse and maintenance man. His wife, Lauren, and he are both educators. Justin views his story similar to the story of Bethlehem — a fallen steel town turned titans of industry in healthcare and education. His priorities are simple: he believes the basics matter. Safe streets, strong city services and smart growth. 

Justin writes, “I made a promise to myself when I first started my journey in education that I would help students find their passions, face their defeats and rise to their potential. As your councilperson, I pledge to do the same. I will invest in people, industries and small businesses, upholding the same values that make Bethlehem special: hard work, resilience and transformation. Bethlehem's story is a history of progress built upon our rich history. Together, we will shape our future.”

For City Controller:

  ✓    George Yasso *  
George Yasso has served as the city controller since being appointed in 2015. The Office of the Controller is an autonomous office of City government headed by the City Controller, an independently elected official. The services of this office include financial and operational audits and investigations in order to identify and deter waste and fraud. In addition, the office reviews policies and procedures and analyzes financial information in order to recommend revenue enhancements and cost savings to the Administration and/or City Council.

For Bethlehem School Board At-Large (vote for THREE) :

  ✓    Shannon Patrick *  

Shannon Patrick was first appointed to the BASD on 12/9/2011, she elected November 2013 for a 4-year term, and has been re-elected twice since then. She served as the board Vice President from December 2013 though this year 2025.

Shannon is the owner/operator of The Puppy Palace Doggie Day Care and Puppy Palace Pampering Canine Spa, both located in West Bethlehem. She has been a resident of Hanover Township for 22 years. She is also a Joint Committee Member of BAVTS. Shannon writes: “I have been fortunate to serve the district since before my daughter started school. We must continue to advocate for our students and families by demanding fair funding from the State of Pennsylvania. Our children need more services than ever these days. We also need to fight for Charter School reform, both cyber and brick & mortar. There is still work to be done, and I am hopeful to continue in my role.”

  ✓    Silagh White *  

Silagh White was elected to the School Board in November 2021 (4-year term) … she is running for her second term.

  ✓    Michael E Faccinetto *  

Michael E Faccinetto was elected to the BASD school board in November 2009, and has been re-elected twice. He has served as the Board President since December 2011.

Michael Faccinetto writes: “I am a dedicated public servant, educator, and advocate for students and families in the Bethlehem Area School District. I was first elected to the BASD Board of Directors in 2009. I have served as Board President since 2011, providing over 15 years of steadfast leadership and vision.

“My path to education began in the private sector. After earning a B.S. in Insurance from Penn State University, I spent nearly two decades in the insurance industry. However, my growing passion for public education inspired a career change. In 2016, I enrolled in Lehigh University’s Master of Elementary Education program and graduated in 2019. Today, I serve as the Assistant Principal at Southern Lehigh Middle School.

“As a school board leader, I have championed equity, fiscal responsibility, and student-centered policies. My leadership has been recognized statewide. I served as President of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) from 2018 to 2019 and was inducted into the prestigious Allwein Society in 2019 for my advocacy and service.

“As I seek re-election, I remain committed to fostering inclusive, high-quality public education for every student in Bethlehem. My unique combination of classroom and administrative experience and board leadership ensures that I bring both practical insight and strategic vision to the district’s future.”

For Bethlehem School Board DISTRICT 1 (Southside, Fountain Hill & Ward 6 on the northside) :

  ✓    Winston Alozie * (WRITE-IN)  

Winston Alozie was appointed by the Board 3/23/2020, and elected to a full 4-year term in November 2021. He is running for his second full term.

  ✓    Tara Zrinski   

Tara writes: “I have spent my life fighting for the people of Northampton County—as an advocate, a public servant, and a leader committed to building a better future for all. As your County Controller, I have worked tirelessly to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and efficiency in our government. I modernized financial oversight, strengthened county operations, and hired and advanced staff to make our government work smarter and more effectively for taxpayers.

Before serving as Controller, I was honored to be elected At-Large to Northampton County Council, where I championed environmental initiatives, supported working families, and fought for responsible government policies. Throughout my career, I have been a coalition builder—bringing together diverse voices to create meaningful change and ensure that Northampton County remains a place where all residents can thrive.

Beyond public office, I have been deeply engaged in shaping policies that protect our environment, promote social justice, and empower working families. I have served on multiple boards, including: Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Wildlands Conservancy, Northampton County Conservation Districts Board, and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation Board.

My commitment to advocacy runs deep. As a local coordinator for Food & Water Watch, I fought for clean water, sustainable agriculture, and climate justice. I have been an outspoken speaker and organizer, rallying for women’s rights, workers’ rights, human rights, and environmental justice. Whether standing with labor unions, fighting for fair wages, or protecting our natural resources, I have always stood on the side of the people.

As an educator, activist, and mother, I understand the struggles that working families face every day. I know that strong leadership requires not just policy expertise, but also a deep sense of responsibility and vision for the future. That’s why I’m running for Northampton County Executive—to continue the work of ensuring our county is fiscally responsible, economically strong, and environmentally sustainable for generations to come.”

For Northampton County Commissioner At-Large (VOTE FOR UP TO FIVE):

  ✓    Theresa Fadem   

Theresa Fadem is a dedicated public servant and experienced community manager, bringing over two decades of leadership in residential cummunity associations to her candidacy for Northampton County Council. As Vice President of the Hellertown Borough Council, she has championed initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvement. Her active roles on the Climate Action Committee and Saucon Rail Trail Commission reflect her commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all residents. Theresa’s extensive background in budget preparation, contract negotiation, and capital improvement planning uniquely positions her to promote responsible development and fiscal responsibility at the county level. Theresa Fadem is ready to serve Northampton County with integrity and deication.

  ✓    David Holland   

David Holland has deep roots in Northampton County, where he has spent his life dedicated to public service. Growing up in a family that valued community involvement, David learned early on the importance of giving back. His passion for helping others led him to pursue a career in public service, where he has consistently worked to improve the lives of those around him. Motivated by a desire to create a better future for his community, David is running for County Council to ensure that all residents have a voice in local government.

Dr. David Holland has spent over a decade serving in various roles within local government, gaining invaluable insights into public administration and policy-making. His commitment to community service is reflected in various roles in the community. Dr. Holland has worked to support education, public health, and social services, demonstrating his dedication to fostering stronger, healthier communities.

His leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach, fostering teamwork and innovation to address complex issues effectively. His leadership positions, including his tenure as a Board Member at St. Andrews Nursery School in Easton, PA Board Member at AIDSNET in Bethlehem, PA and School Board Director for the Quakertown Community School District.

David is dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication with residents, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed promptly.

  ✓    Nadeem Qayyum   

Throughout his career of more than 30 years in business management, working for companies both large and small, Nadeem has become an unrivaled expert of balancing budgets and maximizing the value of a dollar.

Before immigrating to the United States, Nadeem practiced law in Pakistan, specializing in the prosecution of white-collar crime. He is still a member of the bar council and continues to participate in virtual proceedings for former clients.

As a former CEO of the Ladybug restaurant, He learned to manage the company’s overall operations, including creating budgets, overseeing payrolls, developing policies and managing the organizational structure of a business.

He worked as a general manager. During that time, He gained valuable insight into fiscal forecasting, which he is able to use to predict future revenue and expenditure trends that could influence the company’s policies.

Nadeem hold a Master of Science in Administration from the University of Phoenix, as well as two bachelor’s degrees in law and arts. “Education is a treasure, and I look forward to continuing to learn how I can better serve our community as a commissioner.” -Nadeem

Nadeem’s progressive ideology, combined with his professional experience, empowers him with the compassion and skills needed to serve as commissioner who can uplift Northampton County toward a bright and fulfilling future for all.

  ✓    Lori Vargo Heffner *  

Lori Vargo Heffner has spent 35 years working as a psychotherapist in schools, hospitals and agencies , and is currently employed by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Her experience with people of diverse backgrounds, many of whom came to her at their lowest points, gave her the impetus to be involved with county, state, and national groups during her career. She ran for County Council in order to utilize her background and experience to work for the people of Northampton County.

​Lori currently serves as the President of Northampton County Council. In the four years she has served on County Council, Lori has served in a variety of leadership positions including two years as Vice President of County Council and chair of Human Services, Finance, and Governance.

​Lori knows that, now more than ever, government needs to work for the people. That’s why she worked to create the Responsible Contracting Ordinances so Northampton workers earn a living wage and worked to ensure a lower budget and no new taxes for Northampton residents – all while saving taxpayers money. Throughout the pandemic, Lori was a voice for our essential workers and got Northampton’s small businesses millions in relief grants.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Moravian College, master’s degree in counseling from Kutztown University and master’s degree in adult and organizational development from Temple University. She serves on the Discover Lehigh Valley Board and is a member of Assumption BVM Catholic Church and serves as a lector and on the Liturgy Board.

  ✓    Jason Boulette   

Jason Boulette has over 25 years of business experience in the financial services field.

Jason is a vice president at BNY, where he leads a team of programmers as a business systems analyst. When clients have a technology problem or need to adapt their business, it’s Jason’s job to design a solution for them and then lead his team in implementing it. His role requires him to excel at data analysis, finance, project management, and technology — all skills he wants to bring to serve the people of Northampton County.

Jason is also an elected member of Wind Gap’s Borough Council. On council, Jason has been an advocate for transparency and community engagement. He’s voted to support our police officers.

Family has always been the bedrock of Jason’s life. He was raised by a single parent who taught him the value of sacrificing to make sure your children have a better life. And from his father (a Marine, US Customs Officer, and police officer) he learned the value of service.

Jason’s grandfather (a proud member of Insulators Local 42) and uncles were all union men, and they showed him at an early age how important unions are to building a solid middle class life for the family.

Jason’s wife Vanessa was born and raised in Northampton County, and together they decided it was exactly the right place to raise their family. They are the proud parents of a 12 year old who, when he’s not attending our county’s public schools, serves as Jason’s campaign manager (he’s paid in chocolate chip pancakes). Both Vanessa and their son perform with Easton’s Big Easy Easton Brass band.

Jason wants to make sure Northampton County continues to be a fantastic place to raise a family. That means making sure our schools thrive, making sure our economy remains vibrant, and tackling housing and rental costs.

Jason’s greatest passion is our National Parks (what filmmaker Ken Burns called America’s best idea), dating back to the family road trips he took as a child with his mom. This passion has led him to deeply appreciate the value of our open spaces — because he’s seen firsthand that protecting our beautiful, scenic places not only enhances everyone’s quality of life, it also serves to drive the economy forward.

Northampton County is blessed with incredible outdoor spaces, including the Delaware River, the Appalachian Trail, the D&L Canal, and our many county parks and preserved farms, and Jason wants to do whatever he can to support them for the community.

For Northampton County Court of Common Pleas (VOTE FOR ONE):

  ✓    Jeremy Clark   

Jeremy Clark served for nearly a decade as the Divorce Master for Northampton County. In this role, he worked to resolve divorce cases through settlement and conducted formal hearings when agreement wasn’t possible. Over the years, Jeremy managed dozens of hearings —handling difficult witnesses, ruling on objections, and keeping the process fair and efficient. Now, the lawyers who practiced before him are supporting his campaign because they’ve seen firsthand his calm demeanor, fairness, and command of the courtroom.

In his private practice, Jeremy built a diverse legal background of legal experience. He has conducted criminal jury trials, civil non-jury trials, and custody trials. He’s litigated cases in state and federal courts and has experience in Pennsylvania’s appellate courts. Jeremy also brings a deep knowledge of municipal law—representing clients in zoning and land development matters and serving as solicitor for zoning hearing boards and currently for the City of Easton.

As a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Jeremy brings discipline, leadership, and sound judgment to everything he does. He led two infantry platoons and completed three combat deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. A graduate of the elite U.S. Army Ranger School, Jeremy understands what it means to stay calm under pressure and make difficult decisions that affect lives. That same clarity and responsibility are what he will bring to the bench.

and VOTE YES TO RETAIN these Northampton County Judges!!

  YES TO RETAIN    Judge Samuel P. Murray for Court of Common Pleas

  YES TO RETAIN    Judge Paula Roscioli for Court of Common Pleas

Lehigh County Candidates:

For Lehigh County Executive :

  ✓    Josh Siegel   

Josh grew up recognizing the power of public service and the importance of who gets elected. The leaders at the table and the values they hold determine who gets ahead and who gets left behind. They determine whether government is about opportunity or oppression, whether it expands freedoms or takes them away, and whether government works for working people or only the wealthy, well-connected, special interests. They can choose to unite us around a vision for something or manufacture fear of something.

Josh was inspired to run for office by the experience of his father and sister, a gay man and trans woman, and a belief that public service is about inspiring and unifying people around a concrete and positive vision that includes everyone. In 2019, at the age of 25, he was elected to serve on Allentown City Council. Josh proudly made Allentown one of the few communities in the Commonwealth to offer its employees six weeks of paid family leave, so mothers and fathers didn’t have to choose between parenthood and providing for their family.

When Allentown’s police cars and firetrucks weren’t being repaired fast enough because an out of state corporation running the city garage was abusing union workers and putting profits over public safety, Josh brought the garage back under city control and terminated the contract with the company to save taxpayer dollars and protect our residents.

In 2022, Josh was elected as one of the youngest members of the Pennsylvania State House where he voted to triple the child and dependent care tax credit, delivered the largest tax break for Pennsylvania seniors in two decades by expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate, and voted for the two largest-ever state increases in public education funding. Josh has been a champion in Harrisburg for housing affordability, union rights, public safety and economic development.

Josh shares the frustration of many that the government has been ineffective, unresponsive and broken. He watched elected officials scapegoat and target people like his father and sister to divide and conquer and distract from their actual agenda: enriching the wealthy, cutting taxes for Wall Street, and empowering billionaires to write policy that would benefit special interests and their industries while working families suffered and paid for it all.

Josh recognizes that too many politicians are eager to advance their careers by pitting Americans and Pennsylvanians against one another, creating a lie, a false competition and zero-sum game, convincing people that someone else’s progress has come at their expense.

Cowardly politicians constantly create “others” in their lust for power and their service to billionaires and special interests, turning us against each other and taking us from neighbors to enemies, all of it to distract from the fact that they have no plan for us. They have no real agenda to reduce costs, keep us safe and improve our lives.

Josh’s public service has been built on rejecting that divisive playbook and focusing on delivering for working families and enduring the belief that government can be a force for good in our community and people’s lives.

Josh lives in Allentown with his wife, Sara.

For Lehigh County Commissioner District 3 :

  ✓    Zach Cole Borghi *   

Zach Cole-Borghi is running for Lehigh County Commissioner in District 3.

Zach is a lifelong resident of Bethlehem and attended East Stroudsburg University. He is a former camp and outreach director and he is currently a sales team supervisor and trainer.

Zach wants to increase access to affordable and green public transit options, and recognizes the incredible impact that federal infrastructure investments could have across the Lehigh Valley. He understands the important role that local elected officials can play in educating their constituents about the climate crisis and how they can do their part.

We urge voters to support Zach Cole-Borghi, the pro-environment choice, for election to Lehigh County Commissioner for District 3.

For Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas:

  ✓    Mark Stanziola   

Mark B. Stanziola has practiced law for more than 37 years, representing families and individuals in matters of estates, bankruptcy, child/spousal support, and complex custody battles. He previously served as a Custody Master in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, and as a Custody Hearing Officer in Monroe County, helping families resolve disputes with fairness and compassion.

Outside the courtroom, Mark has long been a champion for inclusivity and community engagement. He is a founding member of the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, where he established the organization’s Legal Clinic to ensure underserved populations have access to legal resources. Mark also served on the Executive Committee of Church Council at The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Emmaus and was actively involved with Pinebrook Services for Children and Youth, Pride of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and North Penn Legal Services.

“I am running for Judge of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas to uphold the rule of law and ensure that everyone—regardless of their background or identity—receives fair treatment in our Courts,” says Stanziola. “Our judicial system must remain a place where every person is heard, and every case is decided with integrity, empathy, impartiality, and respect for the law.”