ALLENTOWN – Four residents are running for two three-year terms on the Allentown Borough Council in the Nov. 6 municipal election. None of the four are running with a political affiliation; all are independent candidates.
The terms of Councilman Robert Strovinsky and Councilwoman Johnna Stinemire will end on Dec. 31. Stinemire is not seeking re-election.
Linda Cotte, Michael Drennan, Thomas J. Monahan Sr. and Strovinsky filed nominating petitions to run for the two available terms on the council.
Cotte and Drennan did not respond to requests for comment.
Monahan is making his second bid for public office after running as an independent candidate in the 2017 municipal election.
Asked why he is seeking a seat on the council, Monahan said, “I have been a resident of Allentown for 28 years and have developed a tremendous appreciation for the historic character and sense of community found in Allentown.
“I raised three children in Allentown, all who graduated from Allentown High School. I attribute much of their successes in life to the values instilled in them growing up in our beloved community.
“I am a career rescue medic who works for the New York City Fire Department. When I am not on the job serving the residents of New York, I am volunteering and serving the residents of Allentown. Currently, I am a volunteer firefighter for the Hope Fire Company and a member of the Allentown Planning Board.
“As a member of the Borough Council, I will continue to serve the community and fight on behalf of Allentown’s residents to preserve the historic character and charm of our community, keep Allentown affordable for all residents, restore transparency in the operations of the council, build a municipal parking lot in the business district, reduce traffic congestion and increase pedestrian safety.
“I am confident, through hard work, perseverance and visionary leadership, I will be able to accomplish those goals on behalf of friends, neighbors and fellow residents of Allentown,” Monahan said.
Strovinsky was elected as an independent candidate in November 2015 and took office in January 2016. In announcing his bid for re-election, he previously said, “I look forward to working with the mayor and council. … We really have accomplished a lot over the past few years. I want to continue to work on our progress to improve our infrastructure as well as the quality of life for our residents. I’m a believer in service before politics.”
