Greetings!

This past week I had the great privilege of attending the 2022 Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs annual meeting in Hershey.

Along with four of our council members, the meeting brought together more than 400 mayors, borough council members and borough managers from all across the state to learn methods for better government and to build relationships with other officials.

On that level, for me, the meeting was a qualified super success!

The opening session began Sunday evening, with a heartfelt and inspirational keynote address by wounded warrior Maj. Scott Smiley and his wife, Tiffany. I had the honor of meeting her at a Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce event in Bethlehem a few years back.

The next three days provided me with a plethora of sessions regarding state agency briefings, a Pennsylvania legislative panel discussion and reviews and updates on good government-related topics such as parliamentary procedures, municipal legal updates, dealing with blighted properties, the role of elected officials in police department management, conflict resolution, police department operations, planning and zoning and promoting confidence in government, to highlight a few.

On Monday afternoon, along with borough council President Tony Lopsonzski Jr., we ventured to the state capital in Harrisburg, where I secured an appointment with Sen. Lisa Boscola and my good friend and her chief-of-staff, Joe Kelly.

From there, we traveled to Rep. Zack Mako’s office, where we spent a lively time, deeply discussing local issues and future initiatives. As an added bonus, Rep. Ann Flood also joined us. The time spent in Harrisburg was well worth the price of admission.

As my mantra for this meeting was “listen and learn,” my favorite session was the Mayors Round Table - an information overload, to say the least. To hear the issues and obstacles mayors across the state face day by day brought me a better understanding how I need to manage my role as mayor here in Northampton.

Mostly, I was awakened to the fact that borough issues and complexities in today’s world are exactly the same here in Northampton as they are for dozens of boroughs across Pennsylvania.

I look forward to taking the lessons I’ve learned, keeping in touch with the many elected officials who are my new best friends and mentors and growing to provide better government and leadership to you.

Also, our bike patrol is up and peddling all around town. Feel free to stop them and take a look at the bikes and the equipment we’re using to keep Northampton all the safer for you.

Take care and enjoy Northampton!