Beatty steps down from Bethlehem Township commissioner seat

BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — Serving her township as Ward 2 commissioner the past couple years made for a unique experience with many highs and lows, said Jan Beatty, who resigned from her role effective Monday.

“That’s because of the people and the spirit of representing our residents, and I appreciate the trust and the learning experience I got to have,” she said.

The official resignation vote passed 4-1, with Commissioner President John Merhottein opposing lightheartedly.

Beatty joined the panel in 2022, surpassing Republican potential Steven Greco for the seat. She would have been up for re-election come 2026.

The township Board of Commissioners is an elected panel of five, with each person typically serving a four-year term.

According to her website, Beatty's campaign priorities have centered around managing township growth and respective greenspaces, maintaining fiscal responsibility and supporting local recreation opportunities.

A resident of the township for more than two decades, her work experiences leading up to her election have included writing and editing for a magazine, teaching theater and eventually retiring as a school principal.

'It was a pleasure'

As for Merhottein and Beatty serving together, he said it was just fine that “we didn’t always agree on everything.”

“It was a pleasure, Commissioner Beatty,” he said.

“Same here,” Beatty responded.

Commissioners Vice President John Gallagher said “it seems like it was only yesterday” that Beatty joined the action.

“I’m sure she’s got other things to move on to and participate in, but we certainly — or I, at least for one — certainly appreciate her advice and her assistance,” Gallagher said.

There was nothing mentioned Monday about filling Beatty’s seat.

In 2017, former Township Manager Howard Kutzler was brought in to temporarily fill a role left vacant by departing Commissioner Kim Jenkins.