Democrats Announce Candidates For Newtown Borough Council

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Three Democratic candidates are running unopposed for Newtown Borough Council in Tuesday’s Primary Election. Gail Foley is running in Ward 1 while Josh Phillips and Julia Woldorf are seeking to represent residents in Ward 2.

They will face a challenge in November from Republicans Betsy Hunt, Sean Barry and Bernie Sauer, who are also running unopposed on Tuesday.

Running with strong records of professional accomplishment and extensive experience in serving their community, Gail, Josh, and Julia said in a press release that they will focus their efforts in three key areas: working to upgrade borough infrastructure, such as streets, sidewalks, lighting, and public utilities; strengthening community bonds and relationships after three difficult pandemic years; and implementing specific measures to improve and enhance the borough’s business community.

With degrees in electrical engineering and digital communications, Gail Foley has worked in research and development and the business side of the aerospace industry. She points to her extensive engineering background, which she said gives her the problem solving skills conducive to good public management.

Gail said she will bring her technical knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, business skills and results-tested judgment to Borough Council.

"When making decisions, she listens to all sides, analyzes needs, and weighs the short and long term effects of potential solutions. Her approach will benefit the Borough as it proactively addresses its infrastructure," says the press release.

As a former AmeriCorps member, Josh Phillips gained experience as a community organizer. For example, Josh helped Richmond, Va. A neighbors define their needs and to work together to meet them. As a result, that community received grant funding for an arts program, which Josh helped to implement.

In addition, as a former public school teacher, Josh has experience engaging with families. Josh said he plans to bring his people skills to Borough Council to help unify the community. He supports a broad range of ideas from neighborhood block parties, adding more concerts in more parks, and launching collaborative initiatives such as gardening and arts programs.

“I think it’s important for us to create events that will bring our community closer together and will inspire everyone to be more involved,” he observes.

Josh further underscores Newtown’s creative potential. “Newtown is full of talented people and when we get together to share our interests, ideas, and gifts, our community life will become much richer — and we’ll have a good time!”

Julia Woldorf has previously served two terms on Borough Council. She brought more than $500,000 of grant money into the Borough to fund new park development and stormwater management projects. She is concerned about the needs of the business community and will utilize her proven ability to access a variety of resources to help revitalize our business district.

“A viable business district that serves its residents, business owners and visitors is essential to the Borough’s prosperity and sense of community," she said. "The Borough’s recently adopted Comprehensive and Open Space Plans provide many recommendations for revitalizing our business district, including improving the streetscape, increasing the mix of retail offerings, and using professional marketing practices.”

When elected, Julia said she will collaborate with other Council members, residents, and businesses to achieve the goal of a maintaining a successful business district, which continues to provide the quality of services and amenities necessary to maintain a thriving community