John Bird announced his re-election campaign for Lehighton Borough Council. Bird previously served Lehighton residents as a councilman for four years. He was active on the police-fire-safety and power-light committees.

Bird, 57, also known as JB, is a Lehighton Area High School graduate and an Army veteran.He said, "My grandparents moved into Lehighton around 1932. Through the Depression years they aspired to prosper and improve their community, giving people a hand up."Bird's family worked in local industries and business. As a teen, he worked at Scotty's Fashions.Bird is an LCCC graduate where he enjoyed sports and has a bachelor's degree from Kutztown State University.Bird said he applied for federal jobs in the Maryland-D.C. areas. Although well-qualified, he was denied jobs to accommodate Affirmative Action.John then worked at various Lehigh Valley jobs, including 10 years at Muhlenberg College Police Department in Allentown.He said, "My life experience, serving and helping people in trouble, has provided me the knowledge, maturity and wisdom needed to effectively function as a councilman. Problem-solving is a major portion of duties."As a councilman, Bird noted he faithfully maintained essential services for residents at the lowest cost to taxpayers."I honored my pledge to vote against wasteful spending. I believe smaller budgets and lower taxes is what you and your families need and deserve."Bird will appear on the Republican ballot and is conducting an electronic write-in campaign for Democrats.Bird urges voters to vote in the May 19 primary election. He said, "It's time to unite for the common goals of better, lower-cost government, which keeps more money in family pockets, where it belongs."