Politics & Government

Developing 'Involved Community' Goal for Dem Newcomer

Democrat Ray Wallrath is running for a seat on the Hatboro Borough Council.

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 Michael Gorn'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, or here to see John Zygmont's profile).

RAYMOND J. WALLRATH, 59, a Hatboro resident for more than 11 years, graduated from Archbishop Wood High School in 1972 and from LaSalle College with a BS in accounting in 1976. He received his MBA from LaSalle in 1984.

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Wallrath is past treasurer of the Hulmeville Soccer Club and District rep at EPYSA.

What best qualifies you for a term on the Hatboro Borough Council?

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My extensive life experiences, coaching youth soccer, member of EPYSA board, and supervising a diverse group of individuals from different countries and ethnic backgrounds to create a harmonious team to achieve common goals, has developed in me a well-tuned capacity to bring together contentious individuals for the common good.

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

Developing an involved community with businesses and residents to interact on the issues facing the borough. Improving the communication between council, businesses, and residents to address issues about parks, streets, and storm water concerns to make more informed, knowledgeable decisions.

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

I will work to provide the information needed for businesses and residents to have a better understanding of the issues concerning the borough. Providing more transparency of council activities so that the information is available to all residents.   

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?

Start by assessing the borough’s existing property, including Bank Street. The parks and open space need to be maintained. This assessment needs to be reviewed by council, residents, and businesses to develop the future course of action. Issues like these are best accomplished through committees of those involved.

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

Although the progress of Main Street is admirable, my vision includes more specialty shops and businesses that will contribute to make Hatboro a destination borough. I would look to create a taskforce to market Hatboro to business and retail in the surrounding communities.

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

Preserving the history should be an important issue to all residents. Interaction between the borough historian, the Millbrook Society and council is imperative to determine guidelines to maintain historic structures. 

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?

The future of Hatboro is full of endless possibilities. We need to listen to the concerns and desires of all residents by encouraging our community to become involved for the common good. It is my desire to bring together the diverse Hatboro community to create our future.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I believe that the council needs to understand it represents Hatboro residents and it is in everyone’s best interest to work together. Providing a safe place to live and the amenities for the life we desire is crucial to the continued pleasure of all Hatboro residents. Vote for Ray.

Related: Patricia Fleming

Related: Michael Gorn

Related: Thomas Harbaugh

Related: Toni Kistner

Related: Marty Palmer

Related: Bill Tompkins

Related: John Zygmont


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