Page 8 - Ray Oconnell News Today

Allentown's mayor says, "In order to take care of others they need to take care of themselves as well."

Feb 12, 2021 The Pennsylvania Department of Health Thursday added 3978 cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 884,269. Another 115 coronavirus-related deaths were also reported Thursday. That overall number is now 22,860. To get more pandemic news and numbers, enter the keyword COVID. The City of Allentown is launching a call center to help city and county seniors register for COVID-19 vaccinations. The center is open to those Lehigh County residents 65 and older who are having ...

Feb 9, 2021 An arrest has been made in the overdose death of three-time PIAA wrestling champion Michael Racciato. Northampton County DA Terry Houck says 41-year-old Christopher Ferrante sold Racciato the fentanyl that killed the 26-year-old Pen Argyl graduate. "The simple fact is if you are involved in a drug deal with a person that results in their death then you are legally responsible for that specific crime. Its a homicide charge. Its serious, Its a felony in the first degree," Houck ...

The candidates for Allentown mayor filed their annual finance reports, with two challengers to Ray O'Connell well in the lead when it comes to campaign money.

They prayed on the eve of a Lehigh Valley COVID vaccine clinic opening (PHOTOS) Updated Jan 25, 2021; Facebook Share A group solemnly gathered Sunday evening in Allentown to remember all who died as a result of COVID-19 and took part in a blessing for those awaiting vaccination. Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong was joined by Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell and Lehigh Valley clergy members for the prayer service held at Agricultural Hall at the Allentown Fairgrounds. State Rep. Michael Sc...

Mayor on the state of Allentown: ’Thank God we made it’ through 2020 Updated Jan 22, 2021; In other years, Allentown’s State of the City is marked by mayors crowing about their administration’s accomplishments over the past year and touching on glowing plans for the future. Friday’s speech, however, had Mayor Ray O’Connell celebrating the fact listeners and the city have survived during a historic pandemic that so far has a 400,000-person death toll, sickened many more, and created...

An Allentown City Council hearing Wednesday rehashed old debates over the purpose and governance of the authority overseeing the Neighborhood Improvement Zone — but culminated with a new twist. City Solicitor Matthew Kloiber suggested that the mayor has sole authority to make appointments to the nine-member board of the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority.

Allentown’s new finance director warned of challenging times ahead addressing a structural budget deficit while maintaining municipal services. But Seth O’Neill voiced confidence in his staff’s ability to advise Mayor Ray O’Connell or his potential successor on the best path forward.

Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell has tapped an internal candidate for the city’s finance director position, which has been vacant for almost a year. Seth O’Neill, operations manager in the city revenue and audit bureau, was formally nominated Friday. City Council will vote on his confirmation 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Allentown officials are largely in agreement: Recruiting social workers to help city police respond to 911 calls involving mental health crises, substance abuse and homelessness issues is, conceptually, a wise move. But some are reluctant to bring in a consultant to offer some pointers until they ensure Lehigh County officials and one of the regional health networks are on board — and prepared to provide funding. Others fear mental health professionals will expropriate, rather than supplement,...