What's a Mayor To Do?

On Sunday, May 7th, a local author’s article on Newtown Borough’s mayoral race highlighted how little our current mayor does, unless you consider the numerous weddings he’s officiated. I’m not saying our mayor neglects necessary duties, because he doesn’t. The mayor of Newtown has long been the role of figurehead, but does it have to be so simple?

Newtown Borough is a hamlet with historical significance that has fought off many attempts at capitalizing on its quaint and charming environment in order to keep its ‘feel’ amongst the residents. That feeling is changing. One day while drinking coffee outside Starbucks, I saw an elderly woman get hit by a car. A neighbor told me that on her morning run she has to dodge inattentive drivers regularly. On the edge of town, a highly zealous crossing guard will tell you that he is so committed to his job because there are too many careless drivers on the road. And not until recent years did I hear blaring car horns in the heart of town, unless someone was fending for a bird or cat.

A change needs to be made to end this vehicular aggression. The change needs to come from someone in a leadership role. We have laws. We have police that do their jobs. We need someone at the helm who deeply invests himself, and consistently seeks to improve our community.

A friend of mine lives in Downingtown Borough, PA. Last Christmas, the mayor issued a Mayoral Proclamation to him for creating a charitable event. There’s no rule that says a mayor must do this; it’s simply a feel good, self-directed action that makes Downingtown Borough a kind and thoughtful place to live. This proclamation entices others to perform charitable acts – it’s akin to the positive reinforcement we nurture our children with that promotes good behavior.

We need this kind of leadership. Bernie Sauer will provide it. He’s energetic, well known and liked, passionate about our town’s environment, and deeply committed. Bernie listens to what the residents want and need, and is willing to organize resident groups to brainstorm ideas to be brought forth to council. He will offer his opinions at borough meetings, unlike our current, often silent mayor. Bernie will fight for what he feels is right, just as he did with regards to our police carrying NARCAN.

Bernie’s opposition keeps touting ‘experience’ as a reason to re-elect our mayor, but I say, along with many others, what good is experience without action? The time is right for Bernie; he will find ways to stop aggressive driving in the borough. He will restore its ‘feel.’