Could Nazareth Mayor Lose GOP Write-in Bid?

Nazareth Mayor Carl Strye Jr. has spent a week now in the borough's big chair.

In another week, he will face a possible challenge to his appointed seat.

Strye is running in Tuesday's primary election as a write-in candidate on the Republican ticket.

He needs to get at least get 10 write-in votes to get on the ballot in the November general election. But an unknown Republican candidate could actually beat Strye on write-in votes and get the November party nod.

"There's a chance that could happen," Strye said Tuesday. "If it happens, it happens."

Strye stated that he should have filed on the GOP ticket for mayor instead of running as a write-in. Councilman Jack Herbst is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket for mayor.

Strye was selected over Herbst by Nazareth Borough Council recently to replace Fred Daugherty Jr., who resigned last month.

Either way, Strye said he likes his chances.

For one, resident Deb Miller ended her bid last week as a Republican write-in candidate.

Secondly, Strye is running as a Republican for one of two council seats in November in Ward 3. Herbst and Councilman Charles Donello are running as incumbents on the Democratic side for the two open seats.

"I still would have an opportunity for a council seat," Strye said.

Meanwhile, in Tuesday's primary, there is one contested council race.

Democratic newcomers Thomas Heckman and Scott Dellatore are running for the council seat in the Ward 2. That seat is being vacated by Councilwoman Cynthia Werner, who is not seeking re-election.

Heckman and Dellatore could not be reached for comment.