ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Allentown City Council swore in a new solicitor to represent council Monday night.
The body unanimously appointed attorney Maria Montero as its new solicitor. Montero is an Allentown native, and makes history both as the first Hispanic solicitor for the City of Allentown, and also as the first woman solicitor for the council.
After the resignation of the former solicitor Chuck Smith, Allentown City Council has been searching for a new representative.
Montero expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city, highlighting her family's long history in Allentown and her dedication to the city.
"I have been a part of the city since I was a baby," said Montero. "I've grown up being in these chambers; my family has been dedicated to the great city of Allentown for decades."
"As a first-generation American, to have this opportunity to serve the city as a way, as a council, and a guide to the future for not only our children, but for generations to come, is quite as honor," she said.
The six attending members of the council meeting voted unanimously to appoint Montero, expressing their support and admiration for her community service and pro bono work.
In the last primary election, Montero ran as a Republican candidate to represent Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, but lost to Ryan Mackenzie.
