Politics & Government

Carl Strye Chosen as Nazareth's New Mayor

Carl Strye Jr., the longtime president of Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1, will fill the unexpired term of former mayor Fred Daugherty Jr., who resigned.

Nazareth Borough Council has chosen Carl Strye Jr., the longtime president of Vigilance Hose Comapny No. 1, as the borough's new mayor.

In a 5-3 vote Monday night, council selected Strye to fill out the unexpired term of .

Council chose Strye over Councilman Jack Herbst and newcomer Lance Colondo.

Find out what's happening in Nazarethwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The vote began with a motion made by Councilman Christian Audrenreid and seconded by Vice President Larry Stoudt.

The first three votes for Strye were all "no," coming from Council President Dan Chiavaroli, Herbst and Councilman Carl Fischl.

Find out what's happening in Nazarethwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Then came the five straight "yes" votes that put Strye in the driver's seat. Those came from Councilmen Frank Maurek, Michael Kopach, Stoudt, Audrenreid and Charles Donello.

Before the meeting, each candidate offered a summary of why he should be mayor and answered a few questions from Fischl regarding taxes, the police department's future and the status of the municipal pool.

Colondo talked about council choosing a candidate "outside the box" who had no government experience but offered a "fresh perspective and new set of eyes."

Herbst basically told the audience that, due to his 12 years on council, he was the best candidate for the job.

"I'm the most qualified," he said. "My work speaks for itself."

Strye told the audience that he's had 34 years of service to Nazareth, starting with being a fire department volunteer since age 16 and president of Vigilance Hose Company No. 1 since 1987.

"I have a lot of passion for this town," he said. "You gotta love this community. I'm honest and caring. I think I'll be a respected ambassador."

At the close the the meeting, Strye told the audience:

"I'd like to thank the Borough Council and the community fo your support."

Strye shook hands with residents and Chamber of Commerce President Tina Smith and was offered congratulations from Colondo.

Then he held his first interview as mayor with Nazareth Patch.

"I was relieved," Strye said after the meeting. "I'm happy with the way it went. I'm excited. For the first time in my life, I'm speechless."

Strye said he wouldn't have been surprised if Herbst had gotten the nod. He did say that Herbst has more power on council than he would since the mayor cannot vote.

"I'm looking forward to working with these guys [council]," he said. "It's going to be a challenge."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here