Roy C. Afflerbach (born February 6, 1945, in Allentown, Pennsylvania) is an American lobbyist and former Pennsylvania State Senator and Representative. He was mayor of Allentown, Pennsylvania, the third largest city in Pennsylvania, from 2002 to 2006. In December 2004, after a difficult year, Afflerbach announced that he would not run for another term.
Roy C. Afflerbach | |
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![]() Afflerbach in 1963 | |
35th Mayor of Allentown, Pennsylvania | |
In office January 7, 2002 – January 3, 2006 | |
Preceded by | William L. Heydt |
Succeeded by | Ed Pawlowski |
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 16th district | |
In office January 6, 1987 – November 30, 1998 | |
Preceded by | Guy Kratzer |
Succeeded by | Charlie Dent |
Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 131st district | |
In office January 4, 1983 – November 30, 1986 | |
Preceded by | James Ritter |
Succeeded by | Karen Ritter |
Personal details | |
Born | Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S. | February 6, 1945
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Barbara Ann Kasper |
Alma mater | Kutztown University |
Early life and education
editAfflerbach was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He attended and graduated from Emmaus High School in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and served in the United States Air Force from 1963 through 1967. Afflerbach later earned his BA from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 1972 and an MA in 1989.[1]
Career
editPennsylvania State House and Senate
editAfflerbach is a Democrat and began his career in politics as a State Representative for the 131st district, a position he held from 1983 through 1986. He later served as a State Senator for the 16th district from 1987 through 1998.[2]
Allentown mayor
editAfflerbach served as mayor of Allentown, Pennsylvania from 2002 through 2006.[3] His final year in office was mired in difficulty dealing with Allentown's city council. Some former supporters asked for Afflerbach's resignation, and he was blamed for nearly bungling a deal to bring a Minor League Baseball park to Allentown. He also was accused of making poorly timed inflammatory remarks.[4]
Lobbyist
editAfter leaving office, Afflerbach started the Afflerbach Group, an Allentown-based lobbying firm. Among its causes are lobbying for an end to animal cruelty in Pennsylvania through factory farming practices known as "common farming exemptions." Afflerbach spoke in late 2007 at a fundraiser sponsored by Hugs for Puppies, a group pushing for the ban of the sale of foie gras in Philadelphia.
References
edit- ^ "Roy C. Afflerbach (D)". Official Pennsylvania Senate Profile. Pennsylvania Senate. Archived from the original on 1997-01-02.
- ^ "Pennsylvania State Senate - Roy C Afflerbach Biography". www.legis.state.pa.us. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
- ^ Nerl, Daryl. "Councilman named next deputy mayor for Allentown ** Martin Velazquez will take command when needed. ** Allentown". The Morning Call. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ Post-Gazette.com
External links
edit- Biography at Afflerbach Group
- Senator Roy Afflerbach Biography at the Wayback Machine (archived January 2, 1997) at Pennsylvania General Assembly