BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Some new and some familiar faces took their spots at the table for the first time at Bethlehem City Council’s first meeting of 2026 on Monday.
Incumbent Councilwomen Rachel Leon and Hillary Kwiatek, both Democrats, have their positions back for another four years.
The panel also saw the addition of account executive Jo Daniels and local educator Justin Amann, also Democrats.
The four swore to do right by the city and uphold the duties of their council roles “with fidelity.”
Daniels and Amann will take the place of outgoing panel members Grace Cramspie Smith and Kiera Wilhelm, making for another council made up solely of Democrats.
The newcomers have both said they're ready to put in the work required but also understand there's plenty ahead to learn alongside fellow council members and constituents.
George Yasso, another Democrat, also was sworn in as city controller for his third and self-imposed final term.
Mayor J. William Reynolds is set to take on another four-year term. He was absent from the meeting.
'In the direction of inclusivity'
Monday also marked a historic date for the city, as Daniels, who’s also the daughter of the city’s first Black firefighter, became the first-ever elected City Council member of African American descent, according to now-Council President Leon.
“It is an honor and a privilege to continue to see the city move forward in the direction of inclusivity. It is a great, great thing that happens within these chambers, even when the pressure cooker is on high.”Bethlehem City Council President Rachel Leon
“It is an honor and a privilege to continue to see the city move forward in the direction of inclusivity,” Leon said.
“It is a great, great thing that happens within these chambers, even when the pressure cooker is on high.”
The first Black person to be appointed to a position on City Council, Dr. Wandalyn Enix, who served from 2022-24, was in the audience.
So was Bethlehem NAACP President Esther Lee — known as being the first African American woman elected to public office in the Lehigh Valley, serving on Bethlehem Area School Board.
Leon also said that when she and Councilman Michael Colón previously joined the panel, it marked the first time two Hispanic people were elected to the seats.
'Neither a crown nor a sword'
In her farewell statement, Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith, who served from 2019-26, said she’s found it’s always best to “vote your conscience.”
“My hope is that moving forward, all of City Council will be objective in thought and action, tolerant of the beliefs opposite of their own and recognize and exercise their power as an equal, separate and significant level of government within our city,” Crampsie Smith said.
She said she wants better for the new members, as she’s seen “disruptive mannerisms, both non-verbal and otherwise” and a “perceived lack of decorum” from others representing the city within the council chambers.
“No matter how much pressure was put on you by anybody, you always did what you thought was best for the city — and that I will never forget."Bethlehem City Councilman Bryan Callahan to outgoing Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith
“I think it’s important that we all remember it is an honor and a privilege to serve our community in both the administrative and legislative level," she said. “It's neither a crown nor a sword.”
Councilman Bryan Callahan told her, “You were always a rock. I wanted you to know that.”
“No matter how much pressure was put on you by anybody, you always did what you thought was best for the city — and that I will never forget,” Callahan said.
Reflecting on work done together in campaigning and legislation, Kwiatek wished Crampsie Smith the best.
“I know that this isn’t the end for you in terms of public service because you have a drive for that, and that will not change just because you’re not up here at this desk,” Kwiatek said.
'Honored to have served alongside of you'
Wilhelm, who joined in 2022, advised the newcomers to stand firm in their values, do proper research and keep an open mind moving forward.
“Those of you who have worked together respectfully, even through disagreement — I’m honored to have served alongside of you,” Wilhelm said to her fellow members.
She said she appreciated “the processes, procedures and people required to make a city run.”
“I can no longer set foot in another city or town without wondering how their public transportation system works, being curious as to whether that development project elicited ire or support from the public, or taking mental notes to bring back to Bethlehem. And I’m glad for it."Outgoing Bethlehem City Councilwoman Kiera Wilhelm
“I can no longer set foot in another city or town without wondering how their public transportation system works, being curious as to whether that development project elicited ire or support from the public, or taking mental notes to bring back to Bethlehem." Wilhelm said. "And I’m glad for it.”
Newly appointed Council Vice President Colleen Laird said Wilhelm’s “restraint combined with her words” made her a good fit for the role.
“It’s evident that you really care about the community,” Cramspie Smith told Wilhelm.
Resident Stephen Antalics, coming from a different angle, said, “It appears that council has lost its mission as a citizen advocate for public welfare and has become an extension of local government.”
Mark Will-Weber, another city resident, said Crampsie Smith has always been “very attentive to big and small issues.”
“I just wanted to salute the councilwomen and councilmen up there for doing what I know I wouldn’t have the temperament to do,” Will-Weber said.
2 council members in for raises
Kwiatek and Leon are in for a raise, according to a council vote back in March.
Amann and Daniels also would see the increased salary, while the other three council members with terms ending in 2028 (Callahan, Colón and Laird) would have to be re-elected to get the new pay.
Wilhelm proposed the salary increases, which include upping the next council president’s salary from $7,600 to $11,400 a year and council members’ annual pay from $7,100 to $10,650.
