Reading Mayor Eddie Moran kicks off reelection campaign

Michelle Lynch, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Mar. 2—Mayor Eddie Moran has announced his intent to run for reelection.

He will enter the May primary on the Democratic ticket.

Moran kicked off his campaign Tuesday with a reception at the former Wells Fargo building, 600 Penn St.

"Reading is a special place for me," he said. "From the moment I wake up in the morning until my head hits the pillow at night, I am thinking about our city and its 95,112 residents. I'm thinking about the residents. I'm thinking about my city employees. And I'm thinking about the bright future ahead."

The city's workforce delivers the very best in public service, he said.

Thanks to the city's staff, he said, Reading was able to exit the state program for financially distressed cities last year after nearly 13 years.

"It was done with the hard work of our entire administration," Moran said. "Not only was it done on time and with bold timing and sacrifices, but with a nod toward a brighter future."

In his three years in office, he said, the city has not had any tax increases, has been able to fully fund three employee pension plans, create a financial surplus and improve the city's credit rating.

Moran said he is helping to lead the effort to bring passenger rail service back to the city.

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, a joint effort by Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties, formed last year to develop a proposal to restore passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia.

"We're closer than ever," Moran said, noting he has been asked to participate on the authority. "I promise you, I will not give up until I see that come to fruition."

Elected in November 2019, Moran began serving a four-term in January 2020.

He is Reading's 84th and first Latino mayor. He also is the first Latino to be elected mayor in a Pennsylvania municipality with more than 85,000 residents.

Moran previously served on the Reading School Board for six years and was board vice president.

Born in Puerto Rico, he grew up in New York and moved to Reading 15 years ago.

Meet the candidate

Candidate: Eddie Moran, 57, Reading.

Position sought: Reading mayor.

Background: Moran was elected in November 2019 and began serving a four-term in January 2020. He previously served on the Reading School Board for six years.

Term: Moran seeks reelection for a four-year term.

Compensation: The city mayor will be paid an annual salary of $90,750 beginning in January.