BETHLEHEM Doris Davis, a former Republican and a 10-year veteran of the Bethlehem Town Board, has been chosen as the town’s interim Town Board member.
Filling a vacancy left by outgoing councilman Bill Reinhardt as he fills his newly-elected role as Albany County legislator, Davis will serve as town councilman for one year. A special election will be held for the position next year.
“I have absolutely no political agenda,” said Doris Davis in an exclusive interview with The Spotlight. She will serve the interim term, after which she will not seek reelection.
“I’m doing this because I think it’s the right thing to do. I’ve lived in this town for 50-plus years, and I’m thinking maybe I can do something to help.”
Her appointment will be made official at the Wednesday, Jan. 13, Town Board organizational meeting.
Davis is a familiar face to many residents, as she served on the Town Board between 1994 and 2003 under late former-supervisor Sheila Fuller, a fellow Republican.
No longer a Republican, Davis is now un-affiliated politically, after turning from the Republican Party several years ago.
“People in this town still think of me as a member of the Republican administration, and a good one at that. I think we did a lot of good for the town,” said Davis. She will serve alongside an entirely Democratic board.
“This is a great news appointment, and we hope people see it that way,” said Supervisor John Clarkson.
While it has been more than 10 years since she last served, many of the issues facing the town are the same as those faced during her terms.
“There have been years when I was on the board where budget negotiations were not ideal. And we had a different police chief, but the issues were there,” said Davis. “And it’s not just this town