Election 2023: Democrat Julia Woldorf For Newtown Borough Council

Candidates running in the Nov. 7 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Democrat Julia Woldorf is seeking a four year term on the Newtown Borough Council representing the town's second ward. Four candidates are vying for two open seats in the General Election. They are Democrats Julia Woldorf and Josh Phillips and Republicans Bernie Sauer and Betsy Hunt.

Biographical Information

Name: Julia W. Woldorf

Town of residence: Newtown Borough

Position sought: Newtown Borough Councilor – Ward 2

Are you an incumbent? No

Party affiliation: Democratic

Education: B.A. in Biology, Swarthmore College. Certificate of Proficiency in Physical Therapy - University of Pennsylvania. Master of Bioethics - University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Occupation: Pediatric Physical Therapist - Retired

Questions

Why are you running for Council?

I am seeking re-election to Newtown Borough Council to continue my efforts to improve the efficiency of Borough government and the quality of life for the residents. I'm excited by the possibility of serving again and working to retain Newtown's highly-valued, walkable, small historic town atmosphere, and maintaining its good fiscal health. Having served two terms on Council, including 2 years as president and 4 years as vice president, I have the necessary experience, leadership skills, dedication, and expertise to be an effective councilor. Having previously secured over half a million dollars in grant-funding for Borough projects, I look forward to obtaining future grants to fund more Borough improvements.

What are the top issues facing the borough and how will you address them?

Two major changes are coming to Newtown Borough. The first is the Steeple View development. If approval of the final plan occurs under the current council, construction is scheduled to start under the watch of the next Council. I’ve been following this development since 2008 and am very knowledgeable regarding its positive aspects and short-comings. If elected, one of my priorities will be to ensure that the development benefits the Borough without negatively impacting the town.

The second change is the reorganization of the Borough administration to include a manager. Again, the current council has already taken the first steps, but it will be up to the incoming Council to complete the process. As a former Council president, I am very familiar with the complexities of borough administration and, as a result, have been the leading advocate for hiring a manager for many years. If elected, I will use this knowledge when hiring the best candidate, and facilitating a smooth transition to the new administrative model most beneficial for the Borough.

Ensuring that Newtown's business district will prosper requires action by Council in partnership with the business owners. Therefore, I recommend that the Borough establish a formal and comprehensive Main Streets Program. Such a program would oversee improvement of the streetscape, attract an appropriate mix of businesses, create a media presence to draw new customers, plan community events, and help to secure funding. Newtown businesses compete with multiple nearby shopping centers and online retail. For State Street to thrive, there must be a variety of businesses, an inviting streetscape, and convenient and sufficient public parking, so that shopping in Newtown is a pleasant experience.