Once again I was unable to make this week's meeting of the Bethlehem Area School Board's facilities committee. However, I was told by several in attendance that Board President Dr. Craig Haytmanek looked around the room and announced that "no Southside leaders were there."
Just wait a minute, Doc. I define leaders as "people who have followers;" and I know for a fact that several South Side leaders WERE in attendance. They included Stephen Antalics, Mary Pongracz, and Louise Valeriano.
These are people who have spent significant parts of their lives trying to make the South Side and the entire city better for everybody. I met Ms.Valeriano and her sister, now-Councilwoman Magdalena Szabo more than 30 years ago, when they were among Southsiders noted for trying to help the incoming Puerto Ricans adjust and make their way.
It was a great effort. However, considering the way things have gone since in the city, I consider it pretty ironic.