BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Tina Cantelmi, who some may recognize from her art and local nonprofit work, will be running for a spot on Bethlehem City Council, she announced in a Thursday news release.
The primary election is on May 20.
A native of the Christmas City, Cantelmi said she hopes to broaden affordable housing options for residents, build up the local economy through support of its small businesses and meaningful investment, flex Bethlehem’s Tree City USA title and improve tourism services and public safety both on and off the roads.
"Bethlehem is a precious place to live. I believe in protecting and enhancing our city as we grow into the future.”Tina Cantelmi, Bethlehem City Council hopeful
"Our neighborhoods are highly distinctive, with deep histories, diverse ethnicities, beautiful architecture, trees, and waterways,” Cantelmi said in the release. “Bethlehem is a precious place to live.
“I believe in protecting and enhancing our city as we grow into the future.”
Cantelmi graduated from Freedom High School, gaining experience over the years as a communications specialist and visual artist. She’s worked in editorial roles, including a position in New York City with Women’s Wear Daily trade journal.
In the 1990s, Cantelmi returned to Bethlehem to raise her family. For some time, she wrote a column that was published weekly in The Morning Call newspaper, wrote freelance feature pieces and worked in public relations.
Cantelmi handles communications and event planning for the Judith Adele Agentis Charitable Foundation; the Bethlehem nonprofit provides meals for families at hospice.
She also established the Judith Adele Agentis Education Fund and first Palliative Care Fellowship in the state through St. Luke’s University Health Network.
A familiar name in the neighborhood
She’s the granddaughter of Placido Antonio Cantelmi, an immigrant from Italy who founded the still-family-run Ace Hardware store on Fourth Street in South Bethlehem. Cantelmi’s Hardware has been in business for more than 100 years.
"Small businesses are essential to the local economy — they bring a unique character, provide essential local services, and create a sense of community."Tina Cantelmi, Bethlehem City Council hopeful
"Small businesses are essential to the local economy — they bring a unique character, provide essential local services, and create a sense of community," Cantelmi said.
She got her B.F.A. from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, also studying at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City before later working there as an adjunct professor.
She creates “large, lively, contemporary abstract paintings” in her free time.
Cantelmi lives in Bethlehem with her husband, Robert Agentis. The two have three daughters and four grandchildren.
