“The city already has a good base, but with the right type of leadership and investment, it’s got really unlimited potential in all sectors of the economy,” he said.īut opportunity comes with challenges, such as finances, policing and public safety, and community engagement. His opponent is Republican Tim Ramos, who ran for mayor two years ago but wasn’t elected.Ĭunningham says the next mayor will inherit a city at a crucial turning point. He surprised just about everyone when he won a four-way primary with very little name recognition and competing against three well-known politicians. The campaign for mayor started a little over a year ago, when Democratic candidate Matt Tuerk announced his bid. That’s what Allentown needs,” said Don Cunningham, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. “It’s exciting that there’s going to be a new mayor with a four-year term and a fresh perspective has not been directly part of the city administration. The news coverage was extensive, and it put Allentown on the map for all the wrong reasons. It was just over three years ago that former mayor Ed Pawlowski resigned after being convicted on federal corruption charges for selling city contracts in exchange for political donations. Observers say a new voice could help Allentown leave its troubled legacy in the past. Neither candidate is directly tied to a pay-to-play scandal that rocked city hall just a few years ago. No matter who wins, the election marks a fresh start for the city. (Graphic | WLVR)Īllentown will elect a new mayor on Tuesday. The winner will secure his first seat holding public office. NovemDemocrat Matt Tuerk, left, and Republican Tim Ramos are on the Nov. A Day in the Life: Allentown mayoral candidates make final push of campaigns