Interview with New Conshohocken Councilwoman Anita Barton

There's a new councilwoman in town, as Anita Barton was appointed by Conshohocken Council earlier this month by a 4-2 vote.

Barton will fill the 4th ward office vacated by former councilwoman Carolyn Maye, who ahead of a move to New Jersey.

Patch reached out to Barton for an interview, who was kind enough to accept. Here she talks family, Conshohocken, and her goals as a councilwoman.

Plymouth Whitemarsh Patch: So tell our readers a bit about yourself.

Anita Barton: I have been working for the past year and a half in the men's department at Macy's, am married to my former neighbor, Richard Barton, for nine wonderful years and attend Conshohocken United Methodist Church where we got married. I have one son Andy, daughters Elaine and Emily and Rick's son Seth.  We have seven grandchildren, Dustin, Kendra, Breonna, Cheyanne, Kristen, Nakkia and Jonathan. 

PW Patch: Where did you grow up, and how did you come to live in Conshohocken?

AB: I was born in Roxborough and lived there most of my life.  I was married before and lived in Abington for 18 years, moved back to Philadelphia, then moved to Conshohocken, where my younger sister lives and I have been living here for the past 13 years.

PW Patch: What is your professional and educational background?

AB: I have worked as a receptionist, transcriber, and most recently I quoted insurance policies for group insurance. I spent one year at Manor Junior College in Jenkintown before transferring my credits to MCCC, working toward a teaching degree in secondary education. I have 3 1/2 years of college, with a 3.1 GPA.  I love working with the public and would love to go into a field that would better serve them. Maybe I'm headed in the right direction.
 
PW Patch: What do you most like about living on Conshohocken?

AB: If you are not born here, but move here, it quickly becomes your home. It's a beautiful town, with warm and friendly citizens.  I think that's what brings people here to eat, sit and walk around.  It's a very walkable place to live, with lots of parks and things to do. Seeing all the young families moving here is awesome, great for our growth.

PW Patch: What prompted you to apply to become councilwoman for the 4th ward?

AB: I was asked to apply and was very honored by that.  I ran here three years ago and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for the 4th ward.  I'm excited that the 4th ward will have a chance to get to know me and what I'll do for them.  This is a new approach to the community for me, after working on the Planning Commission.

PW Patch: What would you say are the biggest challenges Conshohocken faces, both as a borough and in the 4th ward?

AB: WaWa would have a huge impact on how our Borough will function with a 24/7 store right in town, if it should be approved. It will be a lot for us to talk about and think about over the next couple of months.

The streets are another concern as the gas company winds down their work to fix the gas lines, and of course the repaving project, not only on Fayette, but also on some of the side streets.  Residents keep asking me when they will be done. September, I hope. 

The streets also present a concern in the 4th ward. Maple Street is very slanted at the curbs and makes parking difficult and Sutcliffe Lane needs to be resurfaced. I need to find out what other concerns are in the ward so I can address them and find answers to getting things done or addressed to completion. 

PW Patch: Do you have any goals as councilwoman, whether immediate or longterm?

AB: I would love to see the Verizon Building sold and used for a good purpose--  housing, a small grocery and a couple of offices maybe.  Also, the selling of Borough Hall (Bed and Breakfast would be nice) to someone or a company that would maintain it as is. The building is historical and beautiful. It would be a shame to see it taken down or misused, as it is a focal point for the Borough. 

I am very excited about the dog park, recreation area, boathouse and paths that will be added to the bike trail on the river. As the former Chair of the Planning Commission, I have been involved in this from the beginning.  Also, it would get the upper part of the Borough mingled with the lower part of the Borough, which we have been trying to find ways to do for several years.

There is also the upcoming project on 2nd Avenue for a park where the memorial statue is.  It's a lovely idea and one that is taking shape very nicely and I hope I'm still on council to see all of these projects come to completion. I also want the ward to know that I am here for any problems they might have and am willing to listen to their concerns, getting answers as quickly as I can to them.

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