BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The founder of a planned community-owned grocery store planned for Bethlehem's North Side has announced she is a candidate for City Council.
Colleen Laird, who helped found the Bethlehem Food Co-Op as co-chair of the project’s initial steering committee, chair of its interim board and board chairwoman, announced her candidacy Tuesday.
- Laird announced she's running for a seat on Bethlehem City Council
- She says she would prioritize affordable housing, small business success, walkable communities, and environmental justice
- She previously helped found the Bethlehem Food Co-op, and currently works at Moravian University
“Over the years, I have put serious thought into how I can most effectively benefit the community which has given me so much throughout my life,” Laird said in a news release.
“Right now, serving the residents of Bethlehem as an elected official on city council is how I can do the most good for the place I am proud to call home.”
The release says “she would prioritize holistic community development that includes affordable housing, economic strategies that support small business success, walkable communities, and environmental justice initiatives.”
“She would prioritize holistic community development that includes affordable housing, economic strategies that support small business success, walkable communities, and environmental justice initiatives.”News release announcing Colleen Laird as a candidate for Bethlehem City Council
Laird is Moravian University's assistant chief information officer for strategy and communications, and works on graphic design, communications and project management for the school.
She also leads Northside Alive’s Economic Vitality Committee, which seeks to redevelop parts of the north side by supporting local businesses while attracting new ones.
Laird also is vice president of William Penn Elementary’s Parent-Teacher Organization.
