Slots Will Boost Economy, Says Bethlehem, PA Mayor
During the 90-minute mayoral debate, organized by the League of Women Voters, John Callahan, mayor of Bethlehem, PA, stated that Bethlehem’s yearly tax on running a slots parlor would permit the city to lower its taxes. Mr. Callahan made this statement standing before city elders and his previously unsuccessful rival Anthony Rybak, the Democratic challenger, declaring that the $10 million fee would represent nearly one-fifth of Bethlehem's current $52 million budget.
The present mayor was quoted as saying that the levy on the slots would mean a very serious economic boost to the city’s finances, but even without it, he plans to keep the taxes stable during the next budget season. A worthy promise, considering that taxes already rose by six percent during Callahan’s first year as the Mayor of Bethlehem. To convince all the attendees of this event that he meant what he said, he mayor turned to his business administrator, Dennis Reichard, asking him to reassure the others. Mr. Callahan also added that he will continue fighting for the city’s benefit and its interests, even if he will have to face the City Council.
