(Editor’s note: This new column, written by Northampton Mayor Tony Pristash, will appear monthly in Northampton Press. Look for it each first Thursday.)

Hello, Northampton! It is a great honor to be communicating with you in this vein as your newly elected mayor. I want to start off by thanking Kelly Lutterschmidt, Northampton Press editor, for the opportunity in making this monthly article possible. I also want to thank the voters of Northampton for their support and trust in electing me mayor. I consider it a true honor and privilege to serve all of Northampton. I appreciate the many well wishes and encouragement I’ve received, too.

For those who don’t know me, I have been the second ward councilman since 2012 and the president of Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce from 2001 to 2020. I am also the owner of All Things Framed on Main Street since 1996. With that background comes years of productive relationships with our local business and civic leaders, along with our state legislators.

I’ve spent the last weeks meeting with them in person, reintroducing myself as their mayor. I want to ensure we are working together, bringing all available resources and financial assistance and grants to the borough. I’m very encouraged about the opportunities I’ve learned about, bringing those many resources into our town.

Starting Feb. 1, I also introduced my new Facebook page, Mayor Tony - Northampton, PA, as another source of information and updates on Northampton events and issues. I’m using this site to bring us more together as a community. Check in to see what’s going on in town and to get updates on all the noteworthy events and accomplishments by our local friends and neighbors.

Given that we have a few more months of possible winter weather ahead, I want to mention the dreaded snow emergency edict, come any snowstorms. I know parking can be a continual source of contention around the borough, and eliminating parking spaces does not help. But know that it is a short-term event to be sure streets are clear, not only for traffic, but for police, fire and ambulance calls.

Public safety is always my first concern, and I don’t take making the call for a snow emergency lightly. I will make that call with the input from police Chief Bryan Kadingo, public works Supervisor Greg Morey and borough Manager LeRoy Brobst for the safety of our citizens first and foremost.

Should we have a snow emergency, please be kind, patient and helpful to your neighbors. We’re all in this together, and, of course, spring will be here before we know it.

Thank you, and take care, everyone!