Incumbent Democratic mayor Joseph S. Daddona was unexpectedly defeated by Republican political outsider and air-force Colonel Frank Fischl, who won by a margin of 121 votes.

The six candidates, Daddona, Cramsey, Kercher, Howells, Martin, and Bogert shared their opinions on local issues, such as garbage and trash collection, housing for the elderly, reducing the crime rate, and promoting efforts to preserve South Mountain.

[1] Frank R. Fischl Jr. graduated from Allentown High School in 1945 and served two years in the U.S. Army before going to West Point where he played Football as the starting halfback under legendary coach Vince Lombardi.

Due to the close nature of the race, a recount was held in which Fischl maintained the lead, though his margin of victory narrowed to just 121.

Although the claim was disproved after the election, due to the close nature of the race, Daddona considered it to be the deciding factor in his loss.