Two candidates are running for Reading’s District 4 council seat in the Nov. 4 election.
Democratic candidate Ray Baker and Republican candidate Gary D. Colby are competing for the four-year term on city council.
Candidates running in opposed races were asked to respond to the following question.
Question: What policies or programs would you support to reduce property blight in the city?
Ray Baker
Party: Democrat.
Age: 33.
Occupation: Berks County assistant district attorney.
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ray4reading/home?authuser=0
Answer: The key to fixing the city’s blight is proper code enforcement and working with developers to build more housing and redevelop the downtown, which will increase property values throughout the city.
Many buildings in Reading are falling apart due to absentee landlords. While renting not one but two of my apartments’ ceilings collapsed. That’s happening all around the city because we don’t enforce codes and require landlords to make necessary improvements.
Additionally, using eminent domain to take condemned buildings, making it easier for private and nonprofit developers to build new properties and cutting the unnecessary red tape will help.
Finally, a thriving Penn Street is key. Allentown and other cities have reduced blight by making their city centers destinations and places to enjoy after hours.
You’ll find more landlords and homeowners willing to buy, maintain and improve all properties if we have a city center with bustling restaurants, bars and commercial fronts.
Gary D. Colby
Party: Republican.
Age: 58.
Occupation: General counsel at Clearly Clean Products LLC.
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garydcolby/
Answer: Blight reduction efforts require sustained, determined support for city code enforcement. Just as blocking and tackling are keys to success in American football, code enforcement is key to success in revitalizing Reading.
On our City Council, I will ensure that Reading’s residential and commercial code enforcement folks have the resources and support they need to stop blight before it becomes obvious and to reverse it when it occurs. I will also work to ensure that city residents and businesses have access to services and funding to keep our city in top shape.
Code enforcement isn’t flashy. It isn’t long touchdown passes or triple-reverse kickoff returns. It’s three yards and a cloud of dust. It requires focus, persistence, hard work and determination.
Little by little, though, enforcement of our housing and building codes and facilitating repairs will transform our city into a fantastic place to live and work.
Originally Published: October 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM EDT