Politics & Government

Long Range Planning Key for Newcomer

Republican newcomer Marty Palmer is vying 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 Ray Wallrath's profile, here to see Bill Tompkins' profile, or here to see John Zygmont's profile).

MARTY PALMER, 48, a Hatboro resident since 1969, holds a Bachelors degree in biology from Arcadia University, a Masters of Business Administration from Philadelphia University and a Masters of Education from Arcadia University. 

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Palmer serves as chairman of First Friday Hatboro and Second Saturday Hatboro and is on the Board of Directors of Bear Creek Lake Civic Association. He also is president of Arcadia University's Athletic Alumni Association.

Palmer has also coached Hatboro’s youth basketball, baseball and soccer leagues.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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

My background includes serving as chairman of a Hatboro program providing recreational activities benefitting the community and the businesses, as well as working on the board of directors in a Poconos vacation community serving the community's best interests in areas such as safety and security, facilities and long range planning.     

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

Providing the best quality services and facilities for Hatboro given the financial constraints. Having lived in Hatboro my entire life, I will work with council to ensure our town provides that wonderful quality of life that we expect living in Hatboro. 

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

I will work with council to decide how best to use existing funds to make sure Hatboro residents have the quality services they deserve. I will continue to explore creative ways to raise additional funds to improve and expand services. 

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?

We need to continue to work with the consulting firm and our department heads to evaluate the space needs for the borough. It is important that resident input and opinions be considered. Their feedback should be carefully evaluated before any final decisions are made. 

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

It is critical that Hatboro continue to decrease the number of store vacancies and the good news is that Hatboro is moving in the right direction. Council must help to provide an environment that makes business want to come to the borough to create a vital and thriving downtown atmosphere. 

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

The council is working with the Millbrook Society to complete an inventory of the historically significant properties in Hatboro. I remember Crooked Billet Day ceremonies, which highlighted the rich historical significance of this area. We must preserve historic buildings, but must also consider the rights of those property owners.

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?

Keeping an open mind to development opportunities is critical in the current climate. We also have an obligation to assure that the interests of the entire community are considered. By continuing to assess our zoning codes, we have the opportunity to positively impact the business landscape of Hatboro.

Anything else you’d like to add?

It's important to explore new ideas and get things done that will help Hatboro now. However, long range planning is key to sustained growth. This will help to provide a wonderful quality of life for those calling Hatboro home and for creating an environment that attracts future generations as well. 

Related: Patricia Fleming

Related: Michael Gorn

Related: Thomas Harbaugh

Related: Toni Kistner

Related: Bill Tompkins

Related: Ray Wallrath

Related: John Zygmont


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