Politics & Government

Meet City Council Candidate Eric Evans

Incumbent Eric Evans is one of six candidates in the Democratic primary for Bethlehem City Council. The primary is Tuesday, May 21.

 

Bethlehem City Council Race

Candidate: Eric Evans

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Age: 44

Family: Wife Jodi, sons Adam (16) and Andy (12)

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Political party affiliation: Democrat

Tell us about your educational background:

  • 1987 Liberty High School
  • 1991 B.S. University of Pittsburgh
  • 1997 M.B.A. University of Scranton

Tell us about your professional/business background:

  • Previous: Commercial Loan Officer at PNC Bank
  • Current: Teacher of American History at East Hills Middle School

Why are you running for City Council?

I grew up in Bethlehem, and love living here with my wife and two sons. Bethlehem has provided my family with many wonderful experiences and opportunities. I ran for Council four years ago because I want Bethlehem to continue to provide those same experiences and opportunities to future generations. It’s been a privilege to serve our City. I enjoy the work, work hard at it, and want to continue that work.

What qualifies you to serve as a City Councilman?

Members of Council should have a strong financial background, as the budget is a critical and difficult responsibility of the Council. I have a degree in Finance from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.B.A., and corporate banking experience with PNC Bank. That education and experience gives me the ability to understand, analyze, and offer recommendations to our $71 million budget.

He/she should also be involved with the community. I have managed our public pools, been a park leader, taught in the Bethlehem Area School District, coached several sports at different youth organizations throughout the City, and have been the President of a Bethlehem Little League for a decade.

Since joining Council I have chaired the Parks and Public Property Committee and been a member of both the Finance and the Public Safety Committees. Last year it was an honor to be elected the President of City Council.

What do you see as City Council's primary role and responsibilities?

To protect the welfare of the City—that takes many forms; ensuring public safety, being fiscally responsible, providing appropriate funding for parks, recreation, and infrastructure, and creating a positive climate for economic development in the City.

Tell us about three major challenges facing Bethlehem and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):

  1. Rising pension and healthcare costs. The new fire and police contracts include calculations that will ease the pension issue in the coming years. In the mean time, we need to increase our tax base through economic development and continue to look for new ways to do business – such as using energy grants to replace windows and boilers that will lower our energy costs, refinance existing debt to take advantage of current low interest rates, continue to review staff positions, and purchase equipment and technology that will increase production of our existing work force.
  2. The Allentown NIZ. The subsidy that the state created through the NIZ legislation in Allentown has provided an uneven playing field in the Lehigh Valley. In Bethlehem, we need to find ways to continue the momentum we have had with regard to economic development. We do that by creating a supportive atmosphere for businesses to thrive, using financial incentives when appropriate.
  3. Protect our neighborhoods. Our existing mature neighborhoods make Bethlehem attractive to so many families. We need to focus on public safety (providing a strong policing presence), secure funding for recreation, prevent inappropriate development, and support strict code enforcement to increase home values.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?

$10,000. Contributions from friends and supporters.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

N/A

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.

I do not have a Facebook or Twitter account.

I have a website www.ericevansforcouncil.com


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