Willow Grove Air Base Redevelopment, Traffic Upgrades Top Newcomer's List

Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Republican-controlled Horsham Township Council. 

Residents can "meet" them all through profiles posted here on Patch. (Click here to see the profile on Democrats Scott Freda, Veronica Hill-Milbourne and Ron Kolla). 

TOM JOHNSON, 59, a Widener College graduate, has lived in Horsham for 31 years. He serves on the Horsham Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority committees, has served on the Wordsworth Academy board of directors for four years and Camp Rainbow board of directors for more than 15 years.

What best qualifies you for a term on the Horsham Township Council?

I understand the issues facing Horsham residents. As a successful businesses owner, I am confident interacting and understanding our business community. Over the past 14 months I have attended council meetings, as well as participated in boards/commissions, including planning, zoning, parks and recreation, water and sewer, environmental, and HLRA.

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

The conveyance and development of the former NAS-JRB, continued traffic improvements, maintaining the safety of our neighborhoods and continuing the responsible management of residents' cost of living in Horsham.

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

I'll be involved and understand the aspects of the township, reviewing and monitoring the key components and cost factors. Horsham Township management has an excellent grasp of all the issues it faces. I will help management follow in their current direction using the Horsham Township Comprehensive Plan 2011 as guide.

What do you see as the best approach for reusing Willow Grove air base?

Horsham has undergone a major reuse process that involved the residents in the plan for redevelopment. I participated in those discussions. I support that plan and look forward to getting the approvals necessary so Horsham can continue to grow and thrive. Click here to see where we are.

What can be done locally to ease traffic congestion?

Townships, including Horsham, are working together with county and state to add slip ramps to the turnpike and renovate the interchange. This will help ease congestion along the 611 corridor. Improve key intersections, intelligent stop lights, widening Horsham Road to meet up with the current widening are just the beginnings.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If elected, I'll continue to audit township meetings and help Horsham manage its future planning and fiscal responsibilities, keeping in mind that our key responsibility is to residents. Raising two children and now with three grandchildren in Horsham, I'm driven to keep Horsham one of the best places to live.