Latest in a series of posts on candidates for election
For Immediate Release
Contact: 610-554-1857
Grace Crampsie Smith January 22, 2021
Grace Crampsie Smith has announced her candidacy for re-election to Bethlehem City Council. Crampsie Smith was appointed to Council in September, 2019 to fulfill the unexpired term of Shawn Martell, and won election to a 2- year term, effective January 2020.
She is the Chair of the Public Works Committee, and a member of the Public Safety and Community Development Committees.
Crampsie Smith is a School Counselor at Easton Area High School. Previously, she worked as an addictions counselor and administrator of services for those with developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses, and their families. She has also instructed community college courses that focused on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
In her 1st first year as a council member, she initiated and co-chairs the Affordable Housing Task Force, which is comprised of members of public and private entities whose goal is to formulate recommendations to address and alleviate the lack of housing that is affordable for working and middle class within the city.
She sponsored a resolution to assure insurance coverage for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) care for 1st responders, and she recently introduced a Responsible Contractor Ordinance.
She is a member of the NAACP Community Advisory Board, Lehigh Valley Regional Housing Advisory Board, Northside 2017, Lehigh Valley ROAR, Lehigh Valley 4 All, Bethlehem City Democratic Committee, Northampton County Council of Democratic Women, Northampton County Democratic Committee, Bethlehem Food Co-op, and American Legion Auxiliary.
Crampsie Smith regularly partners with Pros Fore Clothes to facilitate clothing drives for the homeless and those in need. She also assisted in initiating the Moravian College Block Watch.
Councilwoman Crampsie Smith believes that her interpersonal and professional skills have been a definite asset while serving on council, and she seeks re-election so she can continue promoting her agenda of assuring public health and safety, balancing economic development with housing that is inclusive and affordable, and encouraging sound fiscal management.
“While my first year in office has been challenging given the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent challenges, it has been an honor and privilege to represent and serve the members of our diverse Bethlehem community. I look forward to continue to work towards the delicate balance of progress while concurrently preserving our city’s unique history.
She is the grateful mother of three children: Shannon, a student at Widener Law School, Bridget, a student at Jefferson Medical School, and Brendan, a student at Albright College.
