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Former Hazleton Councilwoman Grace Cuozzo announced Thursday she is running for city mayor, describing her lifelong home as a “powerful city with a legacy of family values, community and perseverance in the face of adversity.”
A Democrat, Cuozzo, 63, said she also has served on the city Housing Authority and Greater Hazleton Joint Sewer Authority and faithfully attended council meetings since 1986 due to her “belief that Hazleton can again be great.”
“I’ve worked to fight against a culture of corruption, mismanagement of tax dollars and a long history of people putting their friends and financial interests before our city and its future generations,” she said in her announcement.
According to her statement:
Cuozzo said the city must “use every dollar efficiently” particularly now that it is in distressed status. Priorities should be revitalization and resolving residents’ concerns and desire for better jobs, safer streets and government transparency.
She also promised to pay attention to road maintenance, addressing blighted properties and building open communication with residents, including retirees who chose to remain in the city — many of whom are on fixed incomes.
“When I become mayor, my door will be open to anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, faith, status or how much money you have in the bank,” she wrote. “If you live here, we need you. We value your opinion.”
Cuozzo accused the current administration of excessive spending and said higher taxes reduce residents’ ability to spend and stimulate the economy.
She also wants to further examine statistics indicating crime is down significantly in the city.
“I would, of course, fully support the police department as I did when I was on council. But, I would also work to attract people to the city that are unlikely to commit crime,” she wrote. “If we get rid of the criminals and we do nothing to fill that void, what have we accomplished?”
Incumbent Republican Mayor Jeff Cusat also recently announced he is seeking another four-year term. Other contenders who have said they are running to date: Republican city Councilwoman Allison Barletta, Democratic businessman Bob Yevak, and Democrat Maria Jacketti.
The job pays about $57,000 annually.