He abandoned his dream of being a lawyer and pursued a teaching degree at Kutztown University in order to support his family.

Using his background as a teacher he sought to redevelop the decaying Bethlehem Steel plant as well as expanding and funding for the police.

He also spearheaded a policy of severing connections between the local government and construction contracts, increasing financial accountability.

The Republican Party failed to file a candidate besides an unsuccessful, marginal, write-in campaign, meaning the primary was treated as the election proper.

Shortly after exiting office, Northampton county executive Lamont McClure named Donchez as his deputy director of human resources.