Election 2023: Democrat Kris Bauman 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 Kris Bauman is running for a two year seat on the Newtown Borough Council in the borough's first ward. He faces a challenge from Republican Courtney Lang in the General Election.

Biographical Information

Name: Kris Bauman
Age: 68
Town of residence: Newtown Borough
Position sought: Borough Council Ward 1
Are you an incumbent? I currently serve on council having been appointed in May 2023
Party affiliation: Democrat
Education: BA with dual Majors in Environmental Studies and Urban Studies, University of
Pennsylvania
Occupation: Real Estate Development Executive

Questions

1. Why are you running?

In May I was appointed to fill a vacancy on Council. I have been an effective and collaborative member, wholly committed to the best interests of our Borough. I am running because I would like to continue to provide ideas, leadership and continuity to our governing body during this important period of time.

2. What are the top issues facing the Borough and how do you plan to address them?

We live in an amazing community yet there is so much to be done. For many Newtown Borough residents pedestrian safety, traffic/speeding, and ‘walkability’ are top concerns. Recreational opportunities for children and teens, and environmental stewardship are also high on the list. These issues are all very important to me. There are ideas on the table to help address some of them. For instance, we already have an excellent parks and open space plan in place. Another example is ‘walkability’ – further improvements to our sidewalks and lighting can be made. And at some locations speeding can be reduced by employing traffic calming strategies. We should be prudent in our expenditures, but to the extent practical we should act on these plans and initiatives.

3. What are your ideas for improving the town?

In addition to the concerns mentioned above, one of the most important things to which Council can contribute, is to our small, quaint, but vital “downtown”. Part of what makes the Borough special is that our historic homes stand shoulder to shoulder with businesses, stores, places of worship and other non-residential uses. State Street is woven into and is an integral part of what makes Newtown Borough such a unique place to live. We are fortunate to have wonderful shops, restaurants and businesses within walking distance. However, just as with so many other small town business districts, our State Street business district has challenges that are not easily overcome. Borough government is limited in it’s reach yet it is the only entity with the power to plan and act holistically to improve the State Street physical environment. Council can play a part by supporting beautification efforts on State Street, and by working collaboratively with ongoing non-profit efforts to publicize all that Newtown Borough has to offer - to attract diners, shoppers, theatre goers and other visitors to our beautiful, walkable, remarkable Borough.