Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan was recognized this week for his work in recreation.The Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society presented him with its Local Government Award at the Lehigh Valley Forge Radisson Hotel in King of Prussia.
Diane Kripas of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural resources, nominated Callahan for the award. Kripas described Callahan as a mayor “who gets ‘it,’ nudges state agencies or railroad companies when needed and even leads 175 playground volunteers in warm-up exercises,” according to a news release.
As mayor, Callahan has led millions of dollars worth of recreational improvements, including the rail-to-trails park on the South Side, the skate plaza and renovations to Higbee park.
Where was all this stuff to personalize Callahan during the 2010 campaign? There’s a great political story there that largely went unused.
You still really don't know what happened in this election, do you?
Here's the harsh reality Jon – Callahan put his campaign in the hands of radical left wingnuts who do not understand this area and thought that being a radical left wingnut would sell well.
If Callahan had run as a Lehigh Valley resident, focusing on issues important to us, and realizing that this area is not a haven for radical left wingnuts (you moved), he had a great chance to knock off Dent.
One of the worst campaigns I've ever seen from a guy who had a real chance. Problem now is he's damaged goods, with the bad run and all the crap coming out of Bethlehem.
Too bad.
I urged two themes – Callahan's personal story – he is one of us he came from crap and made good – true american dream story and Charlie Dent has done nothing for anybody at anytime during his long career
I admit that I am still a little heart broken by the whole thing. Maybe we should encourage Lisa B to run – that could be the end of her
I sadly agree.It was very hard to see him in a statesman like atmosphere with his looks and demeanor working against him.I hate to explain it that way but many that I talked to just thought the job was out of his league.