Office of the Mayor · New Bethlehem Borough
Hon. Rev. Dr. Gordon V. Barrows
Connecting residents, supporting local partnerships and helping New Bethlehem thrive.
Learn about the Mayor’s role, explore the office’s published priorities and reports, and find a clear path to share a question or idea.
About the Mayor
Serving New Bethlehem and the Redbank Valley
Mayor Gordon V. Barrows serves New Bethlehem Borough with a community-focused approach to local leadership. He works with residents, Borough Council, businesses and neighboring communities to respond to local needs.
His work supports business, community and personal growth while preserving the small-town appeal and family-friendly environment that make New Bethlehem a place to work, live and raise a family. Priorities include public safety, economic vitality and care for shared spaces.
He is committed to responsive, innovative and results-driven solutions for Borough taxpayers and the wider Redbank Valley. The Mayor’s office welcomes questions, suggestions and community partnerships, helping residents connect with the appropriate department or Council contact.
Duties and responsibilities
A defined role in Borough government
Pennsylvania’s Borough Code sets out the Mayor’s responsibilities. Borough Council and the Mayor have distinct roles; the Mayor is not a regular voting member of Council.
- Help preserve public order and enforce Borough ordinances and regulations.
- Sign documents when required by law, report on Borough matters and make recommendations to Council.
- Participate in Council discussions and perform the limited organizational and tie-breaking functions provided by state law.
- Exercise emergency powers within the limits of Pennsylvania law.
- Represent the community at civic occasions and support communication with residents and community partners.
New Bethlehem’s police services are provided through SCCRPD. Visit the Police page for the regional department’s official information.
Read the official Mayor’s statutory duties (opens in a new tab), Council and voting provisions (opens in a new tab) and general powers of the Mayor (opens in a new tab). This overview does not replace the law.
Goals and published priorities
Working toward a stronger community
The office’s published goals focus on the areas below. These are priorities for ongoing work, not a statement that every project is funded, approved or complete. The Mayor’s reports provide updates on specific activities.
Local opportunity
Support businesses, community partnerships and events that showcase New Bethlehem and the Redbank Valley.
Safety and preparedness
Encourage coordination with public-safety partners and readiness for emergencies.
A welcoming Borough
Support community appearance, clearer wayfinding and care for shared places.
Open communication
Listen to residents, connect organizations and encourage participation in Borough affairs.
Explore reports and progress updates or share a community idea.
Mayor’s reports
Follow the work of the office
Browse the Mayor’s published reports for activity updates, community partnerships and matters brought to Borough Council. Select a document to read, download or print it; check its date for the reporting period.
Report documents open in a new tab. For Council agendas or a record that is not listed, visit Meeting Agendas or contact the Borough Office.
News from around the Borough
Latest Borough news
These are the latest posts from across the Borough website. They may cover parks, public notices, community activities and other municipal news; they are not all announcements from the Mayor.
January 26, 2026
Historic Snow Storm for New Bethlehem PA
August 22, 2024
Borough Purchases Gumtown Park from Reichard Family
June 21, 2024
Update on Penn Street Bridge Project 2024
Press and media inquiries
Start with the official source
For published Borough announcements, use the official news page. The Mayor’s reports provide dated updates from the office.
Journalists and community publications can contact the Mayor’s office for an interview or clarification. Include your organization or publication, the topic, your deadline and a reply contact.
For time-sensitive requests, call 814-275-2003. Sending a request does not confirm an interview or response time.
Frequently asked questions
Find the right next step
How do I contact or invite the Mayor?
Use the Mayor’s contact form or call 814-275-2003. For an invitation, include the date, location, organizer, purpose and a reply contact. Please arrange visits in advance.
Does the Mayor chair Borough Council?
Council’s president normally chairs its meetings. The Mayor may attend and participate in discussions and has specific roles in Council organization and tie votes under state law. Read the Council provisions (opens in a new tab).
How long is a mayoral term?
The Borough Code provides for mayoral elections every four years. Vacancies and appointments are governed by separate statutory procedures. Read the election provisions (opens in a new tab).
Where can I find reports and Borough decisions?
Read the Mayor’s reports for updates from the office. For Council business, use the Borough’s meeting agendas and contact the Borough Office for available records.
Should I report an emergency through this form?
No. Call 911 for an emergency. Website forms are for routine correspondence and are not an emergency dispatch service. For other police questions, use the SCCRPD information page.
Feedback and community ideas
Your perspective matters
Share a suggestion, describe a municipal concern or tell the office about a community partnership. A clear location, relevant dates and a brief description help identify the right next step.
For Council matters, also review the meeting agendas and contact the Borough Office about participating in a meeting.
Please do not include Social Security numbers, financial account details or other sensitive personal information.
Contact the Mayor
Let’s connect
Use this form for routine questions, invitations, feedback and community ideas. You can also call 814-275-2003 or write to the Office of the Mayor, 210 Lafayette Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242.
Emergency? Call 911. This form is not an emergency dispatch service. Please avoid sending sensitive personal information.