Four Candidates Step Forward To Fill Newtown Borough Council Vacancy

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Four candidates have stepped forward to fill a vacancy on borough council left by the resignation of Council President Susan Turner.

The council will conduct public interviews during its work session meeting on Thursday, October 6 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the borough council chambers on North Main Street. The meeting had originally been scheduled for Wednesday but was moved due to the Yom Kippur holiday.

Stepping forward to fill the vacancy in the borough’s second ward are Kevin McDermott, Dennis O'Brien, Kevin Watkins and Julia Woldorf.

The hopefuls include three familiar faces - former Mayor Dennis O'Brian and two former council presidents - Kevin McDermott and Julia Woldorf. The hopefuls also include a new face, Kevin Watkins, the vice president of a technology company.

The candidates are scheduled to be interviewed during 20-minute segments at Thursday's public meeting. The successful candidate will be sworn into office at council’s October meeting and will fill Turner’s term, which expires in December 2023.

After the new council member is seated, the councilors will elect new leadership, including a new president and vice president. Councilor Tara Grunde-McLaughlin has been serving as acting president since Turner’s resignation.

Turner resigned in September citing health reasons.

She joined council in January 2020 after winning election to a four year seat in November 2019. Since January she had been serving on the police committee; the police pension committee; streets, lights and properties; and budget and finance. She had previously served on HARB and the Joint Historic Commission.

Also at the October 6 meeting, council is expected to ratify its contract with Barry Isett and Associates to provide zoning, inspection, HARB administration, and code enforcement services.

There will also be an update on the retirement of Ron Fesmire, the borough's public works contractor, and a discussion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expenditures.

The borough continues to look for volunteers to serve on its various boards and committees. There are current openings on its Civil Service Commission (alternate); Environmental Advisory Council (one opening); Joint Historic Commission (opening for a recording secretary); Shade Tree Commission (one opening); Parking and Signs Ad Hoc Committee; and Walk Friendly Newtown Standing Committee (four openings).