Balancing Homeowner, Business Interests Important to Dem Newcomer

Eight candidates are vying for four seats on the 6-1 Republican-controlled Hatboro Borough Council. 

Residents can "meet" them all through profiles posted (alphabetically by last name) here on Patch. (Click here to see Patricia Fleming's profile, here to see Thomas Harbaugh's profile, here to see Toni Kistner's profile, here to see Marty Palmer's profile, here to see Bill Tompkins' profile, here to see Ray Wallrath's profile, or here to see John Zygmont's profile). 

MICHAEL GORN, 69, a Hatboro resident of more than 14 years, holds a 

A senior operations logistics manager, I provide contractor support service to the US Navy supporting Naval aircraft readiness, including planning, execution of multi-million dollar budgets and plans for procurement of services and material requirements. I am now semi-retired which gives me the opportunity to spend more time on borough issues.

What do you see as the big issues facing the town?

The big issues facing Hatboro revolve around achieving a balance between homeowner and business interests to ensure a thriving community that best serves everyone while ensuring a safe and well maintained environment.

There needs to be better communication of Council and committee activities to the residents.

If elected, how would you work to handle those issues?

I will do my best to ensure that information is readily available and easily accessible to residents both through the borough Web site as well as the borough TV station, including televising of council meetings and other events.

What do you see as the best approach to dealing with the borough’s shortage of building space (i.e. police and public works) and need to renovate/update those buildings?

The best approach to finding the best and most affordable location for public works building space is to survey all available properties within the borough, form a committee of residents and businessmen who are familiar with all aspects of currently recommended sites as well as to propose alternative spaces.  

What’s your vision for Main Street and how would you, as a council member, help the borough realize that vision?

There needs to be further effort to maintain the growth of businesses currently on Main Street so that turnover is reduced. I would propose a public relations effort between the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street and Council to bring people into the main street shopping district.

How can council work to preserve Hatboro’s history and its historic buildings?

Maintaining the historic legacy of Hatboro is important to all residents and businesses within the borough. Council should work with the Millbrook Society and the borough historian to identify any opportunity for preservation and publication of borough history.

As Hatboro redefines itself through redevelopments such as Station Park and the planned reuse of the former Cosmopolitan Motors, what do you see as the borough’s future and how can elected officials work to shape that?

Any further expansion of Hatboro should be limited to those projects which best serve the current residents and homeowners.  Environmental, storm water and safety issues must be paramount in these considerations. The current charm of Hatboro as a community must be maintained rather than “re-identification.”

Anything else you’d like to add?

It is important that council represent the residents of Hatboro. Council needs to be involved in many aspects pertaining to the quality of life for the residents of our community. 

Related: Patricia Fleming

Related: Thomas Harbaugh

Related: Toni Kistner

Related: Marty Palmer

Related: Bill Tompkins 

Related: Ray Wallrath

Related: John Zygmont