Meet City Council Candidate Bryan Callahan

Bethlehem City Council Race

Candidate: Bryan Callahan

Age: 50

Family:
My son Cody is a 19 year old sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering at Penn State University.
My daughter Erica is a 15 year old Honor Roll Sophomore at Freedom High School.
My wife Lucia sadly passed away from Cancer in 2006.

Political party affiliation: Democratic

Tell us about your educational background:

• Liberty High School, Class of 1980
• B.A - Journalism/Public Relations, Lock Haven University, 1985
• B.S./Teaching Certification-Health and Physical Education, East Stroudsburg University, 1994
• M.S. Ed. -Wilkes University, 1999

Tell us about your professional/business background:
I am a veteran educator in the Bethlehem Area School District. I have served as the Vice President of the Bethlehem Education Association, an Athletic Director and currently as a Department Chairperson at Freedom High School. I have also been a small business owner for over a decade. I co-own a photography business and also own a Driver Education/Safety School.

Why are you running for City Council?
As a small business owner I understand the unique challenges local business owners face, whether a restaurant, retail shop, or studio. As a City Councilman, I will hold the line on taxes to ensure that Bethlehem remains an affordable city for families and an attractive environment for businesses. I've grown up here and seen first-hand the progress we've made. I want to continue making Bethlehem one of the best places to live and work n America.

What qualifies you to serve as a City Councilman?
I believe my experiences and perspective as an owner of two small businesses, along with my educational background in Journalism/Public Relations, Health and being an educator for the last 20 years uniquely qualifies me to serve our City. I've grown up in West Bethlehem, attended Nitschmann Middle School and Liberty High School, I was married here and started my own family here in Bethlehem. I know our neighborhoods and the issues that we face. I love this City with a passion and I have seen first-hand where we have been and the progress that we have made over the last ten years. I will work everyday to ensure our quality of life remains high so that our neighborhoods remain strong and vibrant.  

What do you see as City Council's primary role and responsibilities?
City Council's primary role is the keeper of the purse and to pass a balanced budget. Along with passing ordinances and resolutions, City Council acts as a watchdog for the citizens of Bethlehem and acts as a check and balance on the issues facing the City with the Administration.

Tell us about three major challenges facing Bethlehem and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):
Keeping our taxes down: We need to continue to grow our tax base to ensure that Bethlehem remains an affordable place for families and businesses.
Economic Development: We need to continue responsible and sustainable development to bring family sustaining jobs into the city.
Safety: Bethlehem has been rated as one of the safest cities, of it's size, to live in the United States. I want to deliver high quality city services so we can continue to keep our neighborhoods strong and safe.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?
I will end up spending between $12,000 and $14,000. All of my funding is coming from family, friends, and associates.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?
I have been endorsed by Equality Pennsylvania and by members of the Bethlehem Area School District School Board

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.
Website: www.callahanforbethlehem.com
Twitter: @CallahanforBeth
Facebook: Bryan Callahan For Bethlehem