Allentown candidates grow by 3

Two Democrats, 1 Republican join field running for 3 City Council seats

The field of candidates for Allentown City Council is growing.

Several challengers are circulating petitions in hopes of ousting one of three incumbent council members whose seats are due for re-election this year.

Among them is John Rosario, owner of insurance agency B&R Enterprises and a past candidate for the board. Rosario, 59, a Democrat, last ran for City Council in 2017, when he sought a two-year seat. He lost to Courtney Robinson.

In a news release, Rosario said he would work to increase home ownership in the city if elected. He also said his financial background would be an asset when working to balance Allentown’s budget.

Rosario, whose business is on Seventh Street, has been a vocal critic of several sitting council members. In 2016, he opposed a proposal from Councilman Julio Guridy to install Spanish language street signs on Seventh Street.

Also running for council is Joseph Hoffman, the first Republican to enter the race. Hoffman, 64, a retired grants manager at Barry Isett and Associates, was among the more than a dozen candidates who applied for the city’s interim mayor position in 2018 following the resignation of Mayor Ed Pawlowski.

Hoffman, a past employee of the city’s planning and parks departments, told council members during his interview for mayor that he has spent his career working to find money for various organizations. He offered to bring those skills to Allentown.

Hoffman said he switched his registration from Democrat to Republican about a month ago because he feared his voice would be “drowned out” by the large field of Democrats vying for the office.

Hoffman said his plan to push the city to find new sources of revenue would go “half and half” with the traditional Republican mantra of cutting spending.

Democrat John Mortensen, an electrician and co-owner and co-director of the Soft Machine Gallery, has also begun circulating petitions for City Council.

Mortensen, 44, is a political newcomer who said he decided to run because small businesses in the city need more representation on City Council.

If elected, Mortensen said he would focus on the city’s “cultural void.” He was critical of the city’s Arts Walk, which he said is too corporate and not associated with art. Mortensen said he also would work to improve the city’s First Ward, which he said has been “forgotten.”

The three seats in play this year are now held by Robinson, Councilman Roger MacLean and Councilwoman Candida Affa. All Democrats, they have said they will be seeking another term.

Two other challengers also have entered the race: Allentown School Board member Ce-Ce Gerlach, and Lehigh County public information officer Joshua Siegel. Both are Democrats.

To get on the ballot, candidates must circulate petitions and submit them to Lehigh County by March 12. The primary election is May 21.

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