BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. — When Matthew Deckman moved to the Lehigh Valley more than a decade ago with his then-girlfriend, the two eventually made their way out to Bethlehem Township.
“It quickly became home,” Deckman said. “We’ve since gotten married, fostered and adopted dogs, and had two children.”
Deckman will fill a vacancy left on the township Board of Commissioners after Jan Beatty, who represented the township’s Second Ward, stepped down last month.
Beatty would have been up for re-election in 2026.
"I care about our township, and I want it to continue being a great place for everyone who lives and visits here.”Bethlehem Township's newest commissioner Matthew Deckman
Deckman's first priority in the new role? Learning as much as he can so he can “more effectively serve the community,” he said.
He has a degree in management, too.
“I’ve spent a lot of time over the course of my career working with and leading different teams toward achieving various goals,” he said. “I plan on applying that experience to this role.
“I care about our township, and I want it to continue being a great place for everyone who lives and visits here.”
'Working toward those collective goals'
Talking with others around town, Deckman said housing affordability, managing stormwater and flooding, and preserving open spaces are common topics of concern.
“I plan on working toward those collective goals as I learn more about the needs of my neighbors,” Deckman said.
“I also personally spend a lot of time looking for fun and interesting things to do with my family and friends in the area, and I’m interested in fostering more of those options here in the township.”
His nomination to the position was approved 3-1 last week, with commissioners President John Merhottein voting against the motion.
“I felt [Greco] had the most knowledge of the township and its issues. I look forward to working with Matt Deckman.”Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners President John Merhottein
Merhottein said he wished to see resident Steven Greco have a shot at the role, citing Greco’s service to the township’s Parks and Recreation Committee, Environmental Advisory Council and youth athletics programming.
Greco has lived in the township more than three decades, even running twice for a commissioner position, but coming up short both times.
“I felt [Greco] had the most knowledge of the township and its issues,” Merhottein said in an emailed statement after the meeting. “I look forward to working with Matt Deckman.”
