BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A City of Bethlehem councilwoman has announced her candidacy for Bethlehem mayor in a press release Wednesday.
Grace Crampsie Smith, a Democrat, was appointed to a two-year city council term in September 2019 after winning the May primary. She then ran for re-election in 2021 and was elected to a four-year term which expires at the end of 2025.
Crampsie Smith is chair of the city’s finance committee, serves on the community development and public works committees, and has served on the public safety committee.
"As both a resident and a qualified candidate, I am committed to leading Bethlehem toward a future that balances smart development with the preservation of our rich history and unique neighborhoods."Grace Crampsie Smith, Bethlehem mayoral candidate and city councilwoman
She also serves on the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and the Bethlehem Mental Health Services Appeals board.
“I have devoted my entire professional life to representing and serving others, with over 15 years working in County Governments, and over five years on Bethlehem City Council. I have always assured sound fiscal management of public funds while working for the people," Crampsie Smith said. "As both a resident and a qualified candidate, I am committed to leading Bethlehem toward a future that balances smart development with the preservation of our rich history and unique neighborhoods."
“Assuring public health and safety, balancing economic and community development with housing that is inclusive and affordable, and encouraging sound fiscal management is a top priority.
"It has been an honor and privilege to represent and serve the members of our diverse Bethlehem community.”
Civil service
According to the release, Crampsie Smith was born into a politically and civically active family: a father who was a police chief, a mother who worked as a nurse, and six siblings, several of whom have held political office.
Crampsie Smith is the mother of three children, Attorney Shannon Yerger, Dr. Bridget Smith, and Brendan Smith and has two granddaughters.
In her role as councilwoman, Crampsie Smith:
- Amended the LERTA, so that developers must build affordable housing or pay a fee in lieu, in LERTA-defined areas. (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Abatement, LERTA, is a tax abatement program created to encourage investment in the redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties.)
- Further amended the LERTA to double the fee in lieu amount.
- Sponsored a resolution to assure insurance coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder care for first responders.
- Introduced a responsible contractor ordinance
- Passed legislation to ban the sale of pets from puppy mills within the city.
She received a Masters Degree in Counseling from Lehigh University and a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Social Welfare from Bloomsburg University. She spent her career working as a school counselor, addictions counselor and administrator of services for those with developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses, and their families, according to the release.
"In 2022, Crampsie Smith received the Outstanding Elected Democratic Woman of the Year Award by the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women for her achievements."Release announcing Grace Crampsie Smith's candidacy for Bethlehem mayor
She has also taught college courses focused on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Crampsie Smith is a member of the NAACP Community Advisory Board, American Legion Auxiliary, Lehigh Valley 4 All, Lehigh Valley ROAR, Bethlehem City Democratic Committee, Northampton County Council of Democratic Women, Northampton County Democratic Committee, Bethlehem Food Co-op, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
In 2022, Crampsie Smith received the Outstanding Elected Democratic Woman of the Year Award by the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women for her achievements.
