LOWER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — Democrats have flipped the majority of Lower Saucon Township Council to 3-2, from what was previously 4-1 in favor of Republicans.
The new majority includes incumbent and now 10th-term member Priscilla deLeon, Victoria Opthof-Cordaro and Laura Ray, who came out on top of three Republicans — former council Vice President Mark Inglis, former member Sandra Yerger and newcomer Susan Blair — during the Nov. 7 election.
The new members are set to serve four-year terms.
Lynn Hill also took her new role as township treasurer on Tuesday.
“We will work to make this better starting with improved communications. Our resolution to our residents is to be better.”Lower Saucon Twp. Council President Priscilla deLeon
Former council President Jason Banonis and member Thomas Carocci, both Republicans, are up for re-election in 2025.
The Democrats have been vocal about leading an about-face on a number of township issues, including the expansion of the Bethlehem Landfill and resident access to Hellertown Area Library.
'This is your government'
The new majority said they're proud of their "grassroots" effort in banding together to win.
“This is your township, this is your government,” deLeon said to those in attendance. “We will work to make this better starting with improved communications. Our resolution to our residents is to be better.”
Opthof-Cordaro said, “I feel that I sit here today not because of anything that I did, but because you all have the courage to use your voices and to speak for what you believe is right for Lower Saucon Township."
Ray said to the crowd, “Know that I am here to serve you, honored to serve you. I have an open ear.”
Priscilla deLeon was appointed the new council president following a vote of 3-1, with Banonis opposed.
The group voted Laura Ray into the new vice president role with a 3-1 vote. Banonis also voted in opposition.
Carocci was absent.
Northampton County Judge-elect Brian Panella led the swearing-in ceremony.
