BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A lifelong Southside Bethlehem resident on Monday declared her bid for a seat on City Council.
Democrat Jo Daniels said she has witnessed firsthand the city’s ups and downs over the years, including the closing of Bethlehem Steel and “remarkable” growth within the local economy.
She has also frequented City Council meetings for more than a year, she said, making note of the processes involved and taking her five minutes during public comment.
“I care deeply about our community and its future,” Daniels said outside City Hall. “My advocacy for all things fair will be my driving force.
“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work tirelessly to address issues that matter to the community most.”
The primary election is May 20.
“While we made great strides, there is still important work ahead,” Daniels said. “I see the need for improved infrastructure, greater oversight and stronger community education and involvement to ensure our city’s continued success.”
The city can become “an even better place to live, work, play and thrive,” she said, through community engagement and a transparent local government.
A “fair and balanced” housing environment with increased landlord-tenant education, and responsible development that maintains the character of neighborhoods and puts resident safety at the forefront are also crucial, she said.
Daniels called housing a fundamental right.
A familiar face, name
Daniels, an account executive in the mortgage industry with professional experience in the business-to-business sales arena, said her ties to Bethlehem go back quite a ways.
It all began when her grandparents moved from Virginia to Bethlehem more than a century ago.
“Their dedication to public service and hard work instilled in me the values of perseverance, fairness and community advocacy — values that continue to drive me today."Jo Daniels, Bethlehem City Council hopeful, on her family history in Bethlehem
Her father, the late Walter Baker Daniels Jr., was the city’s first Black firefighter, serving more than three decades before retiring.
Her mother, Julia Pearl Daniels, worked for Mack Trucks for more than 30 years and was a member of the United Auto Workers.
“Their dedication to public service and hard work instilled in me the values of perseverance, fairness and community advocacy — values that continue to drive me today,” Daniels said.
'It's time for inclusiveness'
Esther Lee, president of NAACP Bethlehem, was the first Black person elected to a public office in the city, serving on the Bethlehem Area School Board from 1971-77. She also ran for City Council a number of times, though each unsuccessful.
Lee said she knows what it’s like to serve in such a community-centric role, and Daniels has what it takes.
“It’s time for inclusiveness,” Lee said.
“[Jo Daniels] has energy, she has the intelligence and she has the talent to do the work."Former Bethlehem City Councilwoman Wandalyn Enix, on Jo Daniels' bid for City Council
Whether it’s meeting one-on-one with potential developers or consulting the council solicitor about an ordinance in the works, former City Councilwoman Wandalyn Enix — the city’s first Black member of the panel — said there’s more involved in the role than meets the eye.
"It’s more work than coming to meetings on Tuesday night,” Enix said.
She said Daniels "has the energy, she has the intelligence and she has the talent to do the work."
