Nazareth Council Candidate's Residency Questioned

Is Lance Colondo really a candidate for Nazareth Borough Council?

The former mayoral candidate won a write-in vote in the May 21 primary election to run in the Second Ward for a council seat against newcomer Scott Dellatore. The seat is being vacated by Councilwoman Cynthia Werner, who announced she wasn't running for re-election.

Colondo emerged as a late mayoral candidate. He announced his candidacy, but the council chose Carl Strye Jr. for mayor over Councilman Jack Herbst and Colondo.

Colondo said this past week that several issues have come up regarding his council candidacy that he is researching and trying to work out with the Northampton County Board of Elections.

Colondo said his residency at 221 S. New St. is in dispute in terms of whether it's in the Second Ward.

"I can tell you when I registered to vote I was given a card that said I lived in the Second Ward," Colondo said. "Some people have said my address is in the Third Ward."

That puzzles Colondo who said one neighbor voted for him who lives in the Second Ward.

"How are people left and right of me in the Second Ward?" Colondo wondered.

Another issue, Colondo said, was raised by the county election board about whether Colondo is even eligible to run for election.

He said a resident must live a full year in the borough to qualify, but Colondo lived at a different address on Mauch Chunk Street before moving to New Street.

Colondo said the matter is being reviewed now by the Borough Council.

"If that's the case that it's a cut and dry rule, I may have to withdraw," he said.

"It's frustrating," Colondo continued. "People want change and fresh faces. But it looks like others find all the loopholes to prevent people from trying to take a proactive role."