Meet Your Candidates: Ryan Gallagher

Name: Ryan W. Gallagher, Esq.

Occupation: Attorney

Length of time living in Newtown Township: More than 30 years

What organizations and activities are you involved with locally? 

I currently serve as the Chairman of the Township’s Financial Planning Committee.  I am also on the Board of Directors at Bucks First Federal Credit Union, and was an active Board Member for my HOA, and the NBPA (Newtown Business & Professional Association), where I helped plan and participate in many of the association’s events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Welcome Day, and the annual Golf Tournament to raise money for the BCHG.  I am also a member of the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians), where we hold several events a year to raise money for hunger, college scholarships, and other important causes. I have also donated my time to many various charities in the area.

Taxes are always of interest to residents, especially in these tough economic times. What suggestions do you have to improve the efficiency of the township to save tax dollars?

As Chairman of Newtown Township’s Financial Planning Committee I have experience reviewing major purchases, working with the township administration to find cost savings and implementing new technologies to save money.  I’ll put that experience to work to save taxpayers even more while preserving the services our families and seniors need.

Sycamore Street is the focus of Newtown Township’s downtown shopping district. However, the Acme site remains an eyesore and some residents say the street is not as pedestrian friendly as it should be. What suggestions do you have for improving this key shopping and business district in Newtown Township?

Our Board of Supervisors must work aggressively to attract and retain businesses that fit the unique character of Newtown, including working with the developer of the Acme site.  We must work hard to balance the needs of residents and businesses owners while making sure parking, traffic, and other issues are addressed properly.  Like many residents, I look forward to the day when the Acme site is complete and the area is more pedestrian friendly.

What other issues would you like to see come to the forefront if you are elected to the Board of Supervisors?

We have to keep looking for cost savings in township operations while revitalizing our local economy and attracting new jobs.  If we focus on both economic development and efficiency in government services, we can hold the line on taxes in these challenging economic times while preserving our Newtown quality of life.   

In 50 words or less, why should residents vote for you?

Now more than ever we need Supervisors who put taxpayers first.  I’m a businessman whose volunteer service in Newtown Township consists of helping save taxpayers money by growing our economy and bringing efficiencies to government.  As a Supervisor, I’ll continue that work on behalf of families, seniors, and taxpayers.