Meet Northampton County Executive Candidate: John Callahan

JOHN CALLAHAN

Age: 44

Family: wife, Mafalda; children, Sarah, John and Evan

Education: Bethlehem public schools, graduate of Moravian College; graduate of Harvard University Kennedy School of Government Executive Program on Leadership in the 21st Century.

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Professional: Worked in private sector -- including stint at Pfizer Inc.; served on Bethlehem City Council, 1998-2004; elected Bethlehem mayor, 2003.

Social media: www.facebook.com/JohnBCallahan; Twitter -- @John_Callahan

Q. What is the overriding need facing the county and what needs to be done about it?

A. There exists a complete lack of a focus on economic development as a function of Northampton County government. Economic development is thought of so poorly by the current administration that their offices are tucked away in the bowels of the courthouse next to prisoner intake. We’re not exactly rolling out the welcome mat for the business community.

The county is currently operating under a structural deficit. Two years ago, the county reserve fund was $60 million. Next year's proposed budget will leave us with $14 million, which is the minimum amount required by county ordinance. Clearly the county is on an unsustainable path, spending more money than it takes in.

We must work to grow our tax base faster. If our tax base grows, we can raise revenues without a tax increase. This means the county has to get back in the economic development and job creation business. In the city we've done this to the tune of $2 billion in private investment and over 5,000 new jobs.

Q. What would you do about the need to fix bridges and infrastructure?

A. More than anything, this is an economic development question. Roads and bridges are critical assets for our quality of life and our ability to retain and attract businesses to the county.

There are 17 bridges that require serious repairs. The county must prioritize these repairs and begin work. The county must recognize that a quality infrastructure attracts companies, large-scale employers, and allows businesses to function more efficiently. It is also critical to make sure there are shovel-ready properties available to attract new businesses and allow for existing businesses to stay and expand.

I plan to bring a strong team along with me to the county to fill out the ranks in my administration, starting with economic development. We will immediately get to work, putting pen to paper to figure out where we can improve the infrastructure, create jobs, and find efficiencies in government.

Q. How would you help municipalities in the county that are struggling to balance their budgets?

A. Again, this is an economic development question. There is no doubt that local municipalities lack guidance from the county, especially when it comes to economic development. That will change when I am executive.

One, we have to take economic development seriously again as a county service by appointing a director of community & economic development. That director will coordinate efforts between the county, businesses and communities and encourage innovation to bring 21st century jobs to Northampton County.

Two, we have to identify and coordinate small- and large-scale redevelopment opportunities throughout our communities. Whether it’s revitalizing a brownfield like we did in Bethlehem or rehabbing a borough storefront into a mixed-use facility, we must aggressively pursue every opportunity.

Three, we must make serious investments in infrastructure. We can’t keep or attract businesses here if we don’t address our failing roads and bridges. We must also ensure there are shovel-ready properties available for companies who want to make Northampton County home.

Q. Why should county residents vote for you?

A. As county executive, my priorities are straightforward:

I want our brownfields to become fertile ground for creative and imaginative reuse, not scars on the landscape reminding us of what was lost, so we must encourage innovation. I want my parents and yours to never have to worry about safe, quality care close to home, so we must continue to deliver cost-effective, first-rate nursing services at Gracedale. And I pledge to keep Gracedale county-owned.

I want our neighborhoods to be safe places to raise families, so we must invest in public safety which will encourage economic growth and attract families and businesses. I want my kids and yours to have every opportunity to find employment and thrive and prosper, so we must engage the private sector and create family-sustaining jobs right here at home.

The plan I have laid out is something I am confident we can achieve. Tough choices will have to be made, but I have consistently demonstrated the willingness to step up and make the right decisions, even if they weren’t the most popular. That’s the type of leadership you can expect with me as your next county executive and I humbly ask for your vote.