J. William Reynolds
Mayor J. William Reynolds | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 15th Mayor of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Donchez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 1, 1982 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Dr. Natalie Bieber |
| Residence | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
| Alma mater | Moravian University |
| Occupation | Educator |
J. William "Willie" Reynolds is an American politician. He served as a city councilman of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from 2007 until 2021 and is currently the city's 15th and incumbent Mayor, starting his term in 2022 which is set to expire in 2026. He is eligible to stand for re-election.[1]
Early life
Reynolds is a lifelong Bethlehem Native. He attended Liberty High School and received his bachelor's degree in education from Moravian University.[2]
Career
Educator
He served as a legislative aide to state representative Steve Samuelson from May 2003 through September 2009. He then worked as a history teacher in the Allentown School District from September 2009 until his mayoral campaign in 2021.[3]
Bethlehem City Council
Reynolds was elected in the Bethlehem City Council in 2007 and took office in 2008. At the time he was the youngest person to be elected to this position. He was elected the President of City Council in 2016, and held this office until he became Mayor in 2021. At the time of stepping down he was the longest serving member of the City Council. He was known for his activism for civil rights and equality, and his push for financial accountability for economic development programs. He has supported the City Council's efforts to decriminalize marijuana and reform the police.[4]
Mayor of Bethlehem
Reynolds had unsuccessfully run for Mayor in 2013 where he was narrowly defeated in the Democratic primary by Robert Donchez 51.8 percent to 48.2 percent, a margin of 184 votes.[5] Due to the Republican Party not fielding any candidates, besides a write-in, the Democratic primary was treated as the election proper.[6] Reynolds announced his intention to run for Mayor again on January 5, 2021.[7] After securing the Democratic Party's nomination he ran against Republican John Kachmar, defeating him soundly, 64.3 percent to 35.7 percent.[8] As Mayor, Reynolds hopes to keep Bethlehem one of the "best places to live in America", and to continue to recover from the closing of the Bethlehem Steel Plant.[9]
Personal life
Reynolds is married to Dr. Natalie Bieber. They both reside in North Bethlehem in the same neighborhood Reynolds was born. He is a member of the Moravian University Board of Trustees and is on the Bethlehem Area Public Library's board of directors.[10]
References
- ^ "J. William Reynolds sworn in as Bethlehem mayor". wfmz.com. wfmz news. January 3, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ Nerl, Daryl (May 15, 2013). "Meet Mayoral Candidate J. William Reynolds". patch.com. Patch. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ Reynolds, J. William. "Meet William". jwilliamreynolds.org. J. William Reynolds. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ Satullo, Sara (May 18, 2021). "Bethlehem Councilman J. William Reynolds announces his 2nd bid for mayor". lehighvalleylive.com. Lehigh Valley Live. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ Radzievich, Nicole (May 22, 2013). "Donchez claims victory in Bethlehem mayor's race, Reynolds concedes". mcall.com. the morning call. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ "Bethlehem mayoral race gains write-in candidate".
- ^ "Bethlehem councilman to run for mayor". wfmz.com. wfmz news. January 6, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ Isaacson, Andrew (November 2, 2021). "J. William Reynolds will be the next mayor of Bethlehem". thebrownandwhite.com. Lehigh University. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ "J. William Reynolds". Lehigh Valley Business. Bridge Tower Media. March 14, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- ^ "BIOGRAPHY". bethlehem-pa.gov. Bethlehem City Government. Retrieved September 28, 2022.