Meet the Candidates: Carl Fischl

Age: 59

Residence: Nazareth

What is your political affiliation: Democrat, but will appear on both party lines on Tuesday

Education:

• , Class of 1970
• Graduated from Albright College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history
• Completed various graduate courses

Profession/Work Experience:

• Has been a public school educator for 34 years
• Teaches American history at Northern Lebanon High School

Community Service:

• Youth/scholastic football coach for 37 years
• Helped get the off the ground
  

Why are you running for Nazareth Borough Council?

I [feel that] I'm a new face with new ideas. We need to bring downtown Nazareth back again, and the police situation needs to be examined.

What qualifies you to serve on the council?

Being a lifetime resident. I live smack-dab in the middle of town and deal with things other council members don't see. I will bring downtown residents' concerns to council.

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

Try to give ideas to people to make the town move forward. We need to look at all the apartment dwelling and building codes. There are [a lot] of empty shops. We need to attract new people here, [and] the [] needs to get involved.

Where do you think the borough can reduce spending and/or save money? (Please be as specific as possible)

There are a lot of grants out there that are feasible.

Also, people who don't obey ordinances should pay their fines. We need to enforce that.

What are your ideas for promoting economic development in the borough? (Please be as specific as possible)

Revitalize downtown -- we need to make it look attractive. We also need a parking solution. I have an idea on how we can improve parking downtown, so people don't have to walk so far.

What are your hopes for Nazareth’s police department?

I personally hope they can maintain their own entity, but I will listen to [arguments for] other options.

Do you feel contracting services, the mayor's recommended option, is the way to go? Why or why not?

I feel we need to look into that, but I would like to see us maintain our own department.

To get the full picture of what's going on, you really need to be on the inside, I think.

What one thing would you most like to accomplish if elected to Nazareth Borough Council?

Revitalization of downtown. It would be a great thing for Nazareth. I have some possible solutions to present to council.

Anything else you would like voters to know?

My goal is to restore civic pride through civic duty.