Keeping Taxes Low, Improving Services Goals for Incumbent

Two Democrats. One seat.

Hatboro Mayor Norm Hawkes–who is running on the Republican ballot–is fighting to keep his seat of nearly eight years. Patch is featuring profiles of Hawkes, as well as his challenger, Bill Godshall. Click here to see Godshall's profile.

HAWKES, 74, a 37-year Hatboro resident, received his Bachelor's degree from West Chester University and his Master of Education degree from College of New Jersey.

A former little league umpire, Hawkes officiated weddings during his term and remitted fees to many Hatboro nonprofit organizations. 

What best qualifies you to serve as Hatboro Mayor?
My experience as a school administrator, military experience, and my service for two terms as Hatboro's mayor has given me the necessary skills to continue      being an effective mayor. 

What do you see as the big issues facing the town?
Keeping our taxes as low as possible, maintaining and improving services, and the redevelopment of our downtown area to bring businesses, jobs, and visitors to Hatboro. 

If elected, how would you work to handle those issues?
I will continue to be a visible mayor. I have been involved with various areas of public safety in addition to my function as head of the Police Department. I have also attended many ceremonial functions which serve to showcase Hatboro as a fine place to live and do business. 

As head of the police department, how would you balance the borough’s need for more police department space with the public’s request for continued use of Eaton Park?
There are many options to explore regarding the police department’s building needs. We also hope to expand the recreational facilities at Eaton Park and explore if this can be done in conjunction with providing space to house seasonal park equipment. This process is just beginning and we will receive residents’ input. 

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

Even though we are a small town, I believe we have big potential. As mayor, I have supported the Main Street program and the Hatboro Economic  Redevelopment Partnership, which encourages  government, merchants, and other community organizations to work as a group. These groups are key to continually uplifting the downtown. 

What initiatives would you like to undertake if elected?

Public safety remains my main focus. Hatboro is a safe place to visit, shop, and live. I plan to continue working with Chief Gardner on pedestrian safety, driver awareness, and other quality of life issues for residents. We should all be confident that our lives and property are secure. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

As Mayor, I introduced a Sexual Predator Residency Ordinance which prevented sexual predators from living near places where children would be present. This was repealed after six years because Pennsylvania strengthened its Megan's Law making it unnecessary. I introduced an Open Container Ordinance which prevented drinking in outdoor public places.