BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Wandalyn Enix, Ph.D., and Dr. Paige Van Wirt, who both didn't seek reelection, on Tuesday stepped down from Bethlehem City Council to make way for their replacements.
According to the council member’s farewell citations, Enix and Van Wirt served residents with “distinction, knowledge, experience and honor.”
Incumbent Michael Colón, former eight-year councilmember Bryan Callahan and newcomer Colleen Laird — all three Democrats — outlasted three Republican potentials to secure the three open council seats in this past election on Nov. 7.
Incoming city Treasurer Kathy Fox on Tuesday also succeeded outgoing Kaija Farber.
Enix: 'Understand your strength'
Enix, the city's first Black member of council, was with the panel for the past two years, also serving as chairperson of the Finance Committee, Public Safety Committee member and Public Works Committee member.
She was appointed on Feb. 1, 2022, to take the spot of J. William Reynolds, who resigned to take the role of mayor in which he currently serves.
Enix said it’s been a “very interesting” two years.
She advised city residents to come and be involved in council meetings once or twice a year at the very least. And if you can’t make it in person, there’s always the city-provided live streams available, she added.
Enix also had a word for the new leadership panel.
“City council: you need to know and keep your strength,” Enix said. “You are co-equals with the administration, so I want you to understand your strength.”
Van Wirt: 'One of the best experiences of my life'
As for Van Wirt, she was on the panel for six years, also serving as chairperson of the Community Development Committee, Public Works Committee member, Finance Committee member and Human Resources and Environment Committee member.
She was sworn into her council seat on March 6, 2018, after being selected to fill the spot of then-councilmember Eric Evans, who stepped down to serve as the city’s business administrator. That fall before, Van Wirt campaigned as a write-in candidate but wasn’t successful.
“I just wanted to say that serving the citizens in the city has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Van Wirt said. “I grew personally and I hope that I did a good job, and thank you to the citizens for letting me do this.”
Anna Smith, a city resident and director of Community Action Development Bethlehem, showed her thanks for the two outgoing councilwomen.
“I really appreciate, Dr. Van Wirt, your hard work on the issue of affordable housing, and finally getting to see some of the ideas that you brought to the table years ago coming to fruition now through the city’s affordable housing strategy,” Smith said. “Dr. Enix: thank you so much for all of your support for issues on the South Side, and your concern and your listening ear.”
Farber: Three decades of service
Farber, the outgoing city treasurer, was first elected in 1991 and reelected several times, according to her farewell citation. She was “dedicated, diligent and talented” during her service of more than three decades, the citation read.
“I don’t know anybody that could possibly say one negative thing about you,” Mayor J. William Reynolds said to Farber. “I’m sure I will continue to run into you on a regular basis, as you continue to do everything wonderful in our community."
