Flood Study, Establishing Visitors Center Goals for 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 Michael Gorn's profile, here to see Thomas Harbaugh's profile, or 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).

TONI KISTNER, 51, a Hatboro resident of 14 years, studied social science at Montgomery County Community College from 1992 to 1995. She managed her grandparents' 53-year-old tobacco shop in Monmouth County, N.J.  

Kistner is vice president of the Hatboro Residents' Association, a member of the Lukens Clock Restoration Committee, and the Hatboro 300th Anniversary Committee. She is also a board member of Horsham Preservation and Historical Association, the Friends of Graeme Park and is a past board member of Pebble Hill Interfaith Church, where she served as a childcare coordinator and a part of the community garden and art gallery committees. 

A freelance photographer, she has produced the Historic Hatboro calendars for the past four years, as well as other counties, historic societies and townships.

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

I initiated Spring Cleanup Days, the Community Service option and the hanging flower baskets along the main strip.

I bring to council my perspective as someone who lives, works and has raised three children here. I know the town. I listen to people. I see the daily realities we face. 

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

The issues that need to be addressed are flooding, sidewalk repairs and the need for a more cohesive interconnectedness between residents, business owners and the governing body.

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

I propose launching a new flooding study to consider redirected storm water runoff and the placement of a reservoir or retention basin upstream.

I would bring all borough agencies together under one roof at borough hall. Offices for various groups could be located there, as well as a Visitors Center. 

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?

By restructuring existing buildings - it would be more cost effective, and would preserve the buildings that have withstood the test of time and are meaningful to the residents who grew up here. 

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

I would restore Main Street Manager Stephen Barth to his full-time position and support those ideas that are in harmony with Hatboro’s ideals. 

I see main street as a social hub, a place to get your errands done and a place to go out for a night on the town. 

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

Chiefly by setting up the zoning laws that would preserve buildings and small town flavor. Also, by establishing a Hatboro museum in a key location, perhaps at borough hall, or at the Miller Homestead. A larger museum could be used for educational programs for school children and historically significant displays. 

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?

Vision and long-term plans are a must. Making good use of the train station pedestrian traffic and encouraging home and business owners along the tracks to keep their rear properties presentable are good approaches.

Supporting recreational and cultural events, upgrading parks and supporting community projects are some of my goals.

Editor's note: Toni Kistner served as a freelance photographer for Hatboro-Horsham Patch in 2011. She is not and has not ever been employed by Patch.com.

Related: Patricia Fleming

Related: Michael Gorn

Related: Thomas Harbaugh

Related: Marty Palmer

Related: Bill Tompkins

Related: Ray Wallrath

Related: John Zygmont