I'm back from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and I'm transformed.

Next month will mark four years since I made the decision to leave my career in economic development and pursue an opportunity to serve the residents of the city that I love as Allentown's Mayor.

It was a big risk, since I was relatively unknown, but I worked hard and got a lot of support from people like you. It all paid off when I won the Democratic Primary in May of 2021 and the General Election in November of 2021.

When I took office, I had grand ideas about what we needed to do in the City of Allentown. After almost three years here, I realize it's very simple: care a lot, show up, be decent. Do that for the employees, do it for the residents, do it for young people, do it for the people who are hurting.

Those ideas were reinforced for me by the words of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Kamala Harris during my time in Chicago. Getting back to Allentown and to the first week of school, I have the opportunity to live those values, and I ask others to embrace them as well.

The DNC was a very emotional event. I feel even closer to my grandmother, who moved her from Cuba in 1946 and earned her citizenship in 1974. She believed a lot in the values that drive our country. I hope that I can continue to make her proud as I serve Allentown.

I'm excited to have the help of Kim Levy as I work to earn a second term as mayor. We're working to raise the funds that I think will be necessary to help me get there. You can reach her at [email protected] and let her know how you can help

Keep your eyes open for a campaign kickoff later this year, and keep being good for Allentown.