Jan. 17, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Grace Crampsie Smith finished her term as a member of Bethlehem City Council earlier this month. She ran unsuccessfully against incumbent J. William Reynolds in the Democrats’ 2025 primary election.
I didn’t always agree with her positions, but Crampsie Smith was always available to constituents and didn’t play games. When council meetings became encumbered with non-city business, she tried to bring the focus back to Bethlehem.
Here’s her statement on her service on City Council and her views on the city:
I’d like to first congratulate and wish all the best to our 2 new council members- Justin Amann and Jo Daniels!
It has been a true honor and privilege to serve and represent the residents of this great community, and I thank everyone for this opportunity!
Being born into a very politically and civically active family – going back generations, I was advised by family and friends who were elected officials to “always vote your conscience”- and
I have always tried to do just that!
As my term comes to an end, these are my thoughts as well as my wish for my city’s council AND administration moving forward.
“A healthy disdain for one-man rule was the basis of our Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and Constitution of our great country!”
The essence of good government is to be an independent thinker and voice, and work to ensure ALL levels of government are recognized, powerful, and strive for a high quality of life for all residents.
If one level of government suffocates another level, the cause of the people and our Constitution suffers!
It is unfortunate that in recent months/years I have felt the need to defend myself against attacks on my professional experience and personal character by certain council members as well as certain administrative individuals just because I was trying to do what I felt to be best for our community – this is not the way the government should work!
My hope is that moving forward, my city council will be objective in thought and action, tolerant of beliefs opposite of their own, and recognize and exercise their power as an equal, separate, and significant level of government within our city.
My hope is that destructive mannerisms, both nonverbal and otherwise towards others desist, and decorum is maintained fitting of elected officials.
Many people have commented to me about their perceived lack of decorum and negative mannerisms amongst certain council members and administration, this is truly disheartening and a disservice to our community and those we are to serve!
Please Remember: It is an honor and a privilege to serve our community at both the administrative and legislative level – it is neither a crown nor a sword!
Being on the right side of history matters more than being comfortable!
Thank you !!
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 