Lou Barletta, Mayor of Hazelton will speak ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION - AS IT HAS IMPACTED HIM AND HIS COMMUNITY!!!!!. Louis J. Barletta is the mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania – a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a two-to-one margin. Born and raised in Hazleton, he left his family businesses to create his own company with his wife, Mary Grace, building one of the largest companies of its type in the country. They are the parents of four daughters, Kelly, April, Lindsey, and Grace. Lou Barletta was elected to Hazleton City Council in 1998, and became mayor in 2000. He inherited a massive budget shortfall, and was able to turn the city of Hazleton around with tough prudent financial decisions, earning statewide praise and recognition. He now leads Hazleton through one of the most impressive revitalizations in regional history. In September, 2004, Mayor Barletta was appointed by the White House to serve as a member of the United Nation Advisory Committee of Local Authorities representing the United States of America. In February, 2006, Mayor Barletta was appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities Legislative Committee. Also in February, 2006, Mayor Barletta was appointed to serve as an Advisory Committee Member on the Republican National Committee Chairman’s Advisory Committee on Catholic Outreach. Mayor Barletta is on the National Board of Advisors of the Federation for American Immigration Reform. He also is a Board Member of the Northeast District of the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities.