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Bethlehem News

New Bethlehem mayor will leave an empty seat on city council

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Bethlehem mayor-elect William Reynolds at Bernie Fritz Park, about six blocks from the house he grew up in. Reynolds says the neighborhood hasn't changed much since he was a kid. (Photo | Megan Frank/WLVR News)

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bethlehem’s new mayor, Democrat William Reynolds, will be sworn-in on Jan. 3, leaving his city council seat vacant.

And then what happens?

According to the city clerk’s office, open council seats are typically filled within 30 days of a vacancy or resignation.

Following Reynolds’ swearing-in ceremony, city council will hold its first meeting of 2022.  That’s when the appointment process will begin and the council will determine the process of filling Reynolds’ seat. 

Currently, it’s unclear whether a special election will be held.  

The person who does end up filling Reynolds’ seat will carry out the remainder of his four-year term, which ends in 2024.