As mayor, Althaus sought to turn York into a hub for Soviet and Russian immigrants following the fall of the iron curtain.
[1] During his tenure as mayor Althaus celebrated the 125th anniversary of the occupation of York by the Confederate States of America joking to the Confederate reenactor it wouldn't be as easy this time around due to the York police department which hadn't existed at the time of the occupation.
[3] Althaus was also an advocate for smokers rights, seeking to ensure national federal protection for the freedom of individuals to smoke in public.
[4] Before his appointment as the Conference's president, Althaus had been an active member attending every meeting since his election to mayor of York.
[5] When he was chosen as president, besides fostering a working relationship with the Clinton administration, the main goal of his 1992 to 1993 term would be to increase federal funding to cities.