Colondo States Case for Nazareth Mayor

Nazareth resident Lance Colondo became the third candidate in the race to replace the recently resigned Mayor Fred Daughterty Jr.

Nazareth Borough Council is expected to choose a mayor Monday night. The candidates are Colondo, Councilman Jack Herbst and Vigilance Hose Co. President Carl Strye Jr.

Colondo explains why he thinks he is the best choice:

Why am I running for mayor?

The borough needs an active face to represent its residents. As mayor, I want to be at community events and new business openings. The mayor needs to be out talking to residents and business people to find out what is on their mind and what issues they are facing.

The mayor can be a bridge for better communication between residents and council.

What qualifies you to serve as mayor?

As a banker [manager of First Niagara Bank of Bethlehem Township], I have a strong background in business operation, people management and networking. I love living in Nazareth, and I believe it not only has a great history, but has the potential for a great future.

What do you see as the mayor’s roles and responsibilities?

In many smaller communities the mayor role has become ceremonial. In the case of Nazareth, we need an active and involved person who can be the bridge to help residents and council work together to make our community better. Whoever is appointed and/or elected mayor must WANT this position and be passionate about it. They must want to take an active role and prepare to roll up their sleeves for the good of our Borough.

Where do you think the borough can reduce spending and/or save money?

I would like to sit down with council and review the annual budget/spending plan line by line. I want to make sure we have a budget that has been reviewed for any cutting or reallocating of dollars if it appears to be going toward anything wasteful or non-essential. The budget or annual spending plan should not be a moving target. The Pool issue is going to be the single greatest financial issue we are faced with in the coming months and year.

What are your hopes for Nazareth’s Police Department?

I know many communities have created Regional Police Forces and disbanded local ones in order to run more efficiently and effectively, so that option certainly has an upside, however, a true final decision cannot be made until the Colonial Regional Police provide us with a contract to review in order to see exactly what we will have to spend, and what we will receive in return. How will these numbers stack up to our current Police Department's expenses?  Speaking as a resident first and a mayoral candidate second, I want to know things like how will response time be affected if Colonial Regional is responding to Nazareth calls? The mayor and council need to work together and provide complete clarity and transparency when it comes to their decision on the Police Department issue.

What one thing would you most like to accomplish as mayor?

I want to establish the role of mayor with a face that the community recognizes and sees at events, and am someone who the public can come to with their concerns. A proactive Mayor can go a long way in helping to restore faith in our local government.

Anything else you want the voters to know?

I am approachable, and speak very directly. I am also a fellow resident, and a parent. You will know where I stand on an issue once I make up my mind. I believe in clear communication. I am not concerned about political affiliation but about doing the right thing. We need less bickering and more action. I love living in Nazareth and I want all residents to take up that same sense of pride. If we did not care about our community, we would not come out to council meetings or be willing to get involved.