New Councilman Opposes Ballot Question Reducing Yardley Council

YARDLEY, PA —David Appelbaum says he isn't a politician. He doesn't even want to be called a councilman.

But what the longtime resident, who joined Borough Council to fill a vacancy last month, does want is to do is serve his community.

"Don't call me a councilman," he told Patch in a phone call Friday morning. "Just call me David."

Appelbaum and former Planning Commission Chairman Don Carlson were chosen at the council's Sept. 6 meeting to join the seven-member board. They replaced David Bria and Chris Campellone, who both moved out of town.

Appelbaum is active in the community. And that's what he told council he could provide during his interview before the appointment to fill a term through Jan. 2, 2024.

He posts on various Yardley websites about upcoming borough events. He served as a member of the Harvest Day committee. He's constantly touting the good that the small community along the Delaware River offers its citizens.

Appelbaum has also been appointed to serve on the community outreach committee, parks and recreation and also serves as council liaison to the Yardley Business Association. He also joined colleague John McCann on the community and economic development committee.

He's also not afraid to speak his mind.

That's why he's against a ballot question that would reduce the council from seven to five members.

"I take offense. These are volunteer positions. We don't have the staff of other towns. We only have one full-time borough position," he said in regard to Borough Manager Paula Johnson. "Walk a mile in our shoes."

When Appelbaum interviewed for the council post, so did Earl Markey, a resident who had run for council before and also can be found bringing up issues at most council meetings during public comment.

Markey wasn't chosen by council. But he did get a Court of Common Please judge to rule on his petition, a motion that turned it into a ballot question going before voters in the Nov. 8 general election.

"People volunteer to do something good for their community," Appelbaum said.