Another Resident Joins Nazareth Mayoral Race

Another borough resident is interested in taking over for former Nazareth mayor Fred Daugherty Jr.

Republican candidate Deb Miller, a self-employed counselor and mother of six, has started a write-in campaign for mayor.

Jack Herbst, a Democrat who has been a Nazareth Borough Council fixture for 12 years, is the only mayoral candidate running in the May 21 primary.

However, anyone who gets 10 or more write-in votes in the Republican primary could face Herbst in the November general election.

Carl Strye Jr., the longtime president of Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1, is also forging ahead with a mayoral write-in campaign.

More about Miller:

Professional:

• Business management for various small businesses in the Lehigh Valley and Poconos.
• Self-employed since 2001 in the Borough of Nazareth as well as Bethlehem and Whitehall. Counselor with local agencies working with young children.

Education:

• B.A. in Sociology and Women's Studies from Moravian College, graduated Cum Laude
• A.A. in Business Management from Bucks County Community College

Community Service:

• Volunteered for 10 years with young families—home visits, counseling and parenting skills workshops.
• One of the original members of the Monroe County Women and Children's Health Coalition. Housed children whose parents could not take care of them.

Why are you running for Mayor of Nazareth Borough?

My husband and I live work and have raised six kids on less than $40K a year while living in the borough. I have seen many changes in the past 13 years. I would like to unify our town and make some positive changes that benefit the community as a whole. I would like to bring back government of the people, for the people and by the people. I would like to bring back common sense!

What qualifies you to serve as Mayor?

I have a clear understanding of budgeting, I possess a healthy respect for people who work for a living, I have a passionate desire to improve the borough to benefit not just the downtown merchants but all of our residents.

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

Because in recent years many of the former responsibilities of a mayor have been delegated to District Justices and Council Boards, what is left is a role of community leadership. A mayor should be an accessible presence and a unifying force that brings integrity and honesty to borough government and leads the community forward in the face of the challenges brought to our door by modern life.

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

I believe that a clear annual spending plan should be adhered to, rather than putting out fires and saying yes to every department's expenditure list. It's OK to say no! Rather than spending an unplanned $90K on a lot outside of town and not having money to pay the liability insurance on the pollice department, you refer to your spending plan and adhere to it. Common sense, self control.  Act as if you have to actually work for the money you are spending!

What are your hopes for Nazareth’s police department?

My husband having been a decorated officer in Lehigh County has provided me with many interesting hours of conversations regarding the operations of a successful police department. What Nazareth lacks at this time is a borough Council and mayor that supports its own law enforcement! I would love to see integrity and authority restored to our men in blue. I would like to see the department run efficiently and effectively and the chief of police, the mayor's office and Council work together.

What one thing would you most like to accomplish if elected as Mayor?

I would like to be a unifying force for progress in the borough on all levels—commerce, law enforcement and community building.

Anything else you would like voters to know?

I am direct, I am transparent, you will never have to wonder what I am thinking or what direction I am going. I intend to treat the office of Mayor in that manner. I am open to discussion and would love to maintain regular office hours so residents can talk with me about what is important to them. I am passionate, I possess clarity of purpose and I am here to work together to make Nazareth a better place to live, work and shop!!!