New Nazareth Mayor 'Overwhelmed' on First Day

New Nazareth Mayor Carl Strye Jr. knows he has his work cut out for him.

On the first day of his new gig after being appointed by Nazareth Borough Council Monday night, Strye woke up feeling "a little overwhelmed."

After the sudden resignation of Mayor Fred Daugherty Jr., Strye has every right to be.

The president of the Vigilance Hose Company No. 1 has never served before on a government body. And being mayor isn't like filling a seat on the recreation board.

"It's a learning curve. I have to grow up into this," Strye said. "There's a lot to learn here. I was hoping to do it gradually. But I think it's going to be full steam ahead."

Strye was chosen by council over Councilman Jack Herbst and newcomer Lance Colondo.

And while council voted him in, the appointment isn't necessarily official yet. Strye needs to be sworn in, something he hopes will take place Wednesday.

Speaking to Nazareth Patch, Strye said he spent the morning "answering a lot of emails, thanking people and posting on Facebook."

He also had a converation with Police Chief Thomas Trachta since one of the mayor's duties is to oversee the police department. Strye said he received the police department schedule.

He also started thumbing through the 28-page handbook on being a mayor in Pennsylvania.

"I still feel excited," Strye said. "I'm ready to go."