Bradford resident Tom Riel has announced his intention to seek the seat being vacated on city council by Brad Mangel, who announced last month that he would not be seeking another term. Riel, a Republican, previously served on city council from 2006-2008 then from 2008-2020 as the city’s longest consecutively serving mayor.
“Councilman Mangel is currently the most active and longest serving member of council. He has an extensive knowledge of Third Class City Code law from his years of experience,” Riel said. “His departure from council will create both a void and loss for the city. I believe that I am the most experienced person to fill his seat based on my years of service and proven dedication to the residents of the City of Bradford.”
Riel continued, “Anybody that really knows me, knows that I treated my previous elected position as a full-time job. I truly was honored to serve the residents of our city. I am asking the voters of the city to once again entrust me with their support.”
He mentioned that he had served with current councilmen Dan Palmer, Terry Lopus and Tim Pecora.
“We had a lot of success and forward momentum going when I previously served with councilmen Palmer, Lopus and Pecora. We worked well together. It would be nice to keep that going and to be a part of moving the city forward again.”
He mentioned, too, that he had advocated for Bradford at the state level while in office, and would do so again if elected.
“I am not faulting any of the council members when I say this, but our city government no longer has any presence in Harrisburg. They all have lives outside of council, families, jobs and so forth, so that’s not always possible,” Riel said. “I was very active with the Pennsylvania Municipal League before, having made dozens of trips to Harrisburg to lobby on Bradford’s behalf and best interest with such things as the rewrite of the Third Class City Code law. I would be happy to do so again if elected to city council.”
Riel added, “My dedication and deep passion for the City of Bradford will always be beyond reproach.”
He was born in Bradford and graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1987. He received a BA from Concordia College in Bronxville, N.Y., in 1991. He is self employed.
He has been a member of Kiwanis, having performed in Kiwanis Kapers, Past Master of Bradford Union Lodge #749 F&AM, Past Monarch of the Orak Grotto, Zem Zem Shrine in Erie, Scottish Rite 32nd degree and Bradford Landmark Society.
He has also served on the boards of the PA Municipal League, PA Rural Development Council, PA State Mayors Association, North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission, FCI McKean Community Relations, Oak Hill Cemetery Association and Bradford Friendship Table.
He and his wife live on Jackson Avenue.
