Embattled Nazareth Council Takes Punches

They were elected by the people to represent the people.

But lately, the people haven't been too pleased with the people they elected.

Nazareth Borough Council members have been bombarded by residents who take stabs and jabs at their elected officials for how they are handling the safety of residents in regard to the police department's staffing and future.

New Mayor Carl Strye Jr. tried to explain to residents the challenges that he's facing in replacing Fred Daugherty Jr., who resigned suddenly in April.

"What I inherited is something else," Strye said at the board's monthly worksession in late May. "I just ask everyone to be patient."

Councilwoman Cythia Werner, who missed numerous meetings over the past few months and had residents calling for her resignation, also tried to explain her role on the council.

"It's so much different than being on the outside," she said.

At June's monthly meeting Monday, council members were once again offering some perspective on their government service after listening to over an hour's worth of complaints and criticism from the 25 people in the audience.

"You are here to represent us," Resident Toni Hummel said.

"We get battered up here," Councilman Carl Fischl said. "We do our best. I grew up in Nazareth. We don't have an agenda. We're here to make the town better."

"What these nine people are working with, they are doing the best they can," Strye said about the council members.