Stormwater Issues Top Hatboro Candidates' List

With the November election, the balance of power on Hatboro's borough council could potentially shift. The 4-3 Democrat-controlled council stands to lose its majority status if even one of the incumbents, three of the four Democrats, loses a re-election bid.

Despite the difference in opinions, both sides agree that easing stormwater management woes in the borough are priority. See what else Hatboro's candidates told Patch about their backgrounds, positions on issues and the borough's future.

Candidate profiles are listed alphabetically, by last name, below.

NANCY GUENST

Age: 53

Party affiliation: Democrat 

How long have you lived in Hatboro? Except for her time in the military Guenst has lived in Hatboro her entire life. “I’m what the Hatboro crowd calls a triple “B” Born and Bred in the Borough!”

Education/professional experience: Guenst graduated from Hatboro- Horsham High School in 1975 and the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif. where she became certified as a German linguist. Guenst was also certified as a communications analyst at San Angelo AFB in Texas. She attended Montgomery County Community College with an emphasis on Psychology. Guenst has owned Hatboro-based , a specialty engraving company, since 1993.

What special expertise or insight can you offer council? After serving Hatboro as councilwoman for six years, Guenst said she has the experience and insight, patience and understanding of residents’ needs. 

Guenst said she is also out in the community on a regular basis, working with the on numerous events; the Elm Street organization and efforts; and The with various fundraisers.

What do you see as the major areas of concern for Hatboro and how would you work to address them? “Major area of concern No. 1 has always been stormwater management. It’s a costly problem with costly solutions and we’ve been addressing this one area at a time – keeping the Pennypack dredged on a regular basis, drainage improvements to Park Avenue and a complete re-build of Williams Lane have been helpful, but we still have a long way to go.”

What do you think is necessary to revitalize Hatboro’s downtown and how would you work to accomplish that? “Hiring our , has been a great step forward in reviving our downtown. Two years ago our storefronts were only 75 percent full. Today we are over 90 percent. We need to keep Barth on board in Hatboro. He’s an excellent manager.”

What are your interests and hobbies? Guenst said fresh and saltwater fishing, upland bird and large game hunting, gardening and creating in the kitchen are her passions.

What else would you like voters to know about you? “I would like the residents to know that it’s been an honor and pleasure to serve them in this capacity. Sometimes it’s been trying, but it’s always been worth it for the simple reason that my heart is always with Hatboro and always will be no matter what!”

ROBERT HEGELE

Age:  63

Party affiliation: Republican

How long have you lived in Hatboro? Since 1979

Education/professional experience: Hegele retired as a patrol sergeant in 2005 after serving 27 years with the . Prior to that, he served with the Baltimore City Police Department. Hegele is a veteran of the United States Air Force having served a tour in Vietnam. He is a graduate of Olney High School in Philadelphia and attended Ohio University, Athens Ohio.

What special expertise or insight can you offer Council: Hegele said he is well aware of the difficulties that elected officials are facing. His background as a borough employee coupled with his experience in labor matters provides the insight needed to look at and evaluate issues from both sides. Hegele’s police skills, along with his interpersonal skills, will allow him to work with residents, employees and fellow council members. As a retired person, he also understands the importance of living within one’s means and getting the most from the money being spent.

What do you see as the major areas of concern for Hatboro and how would you work to address them: “Finances: I will work to maintain the excellent borough services at present levels, while at the same time watching borough expenditures. We also must find a way to replenish the borough’s rainy day funds … In order to fund projects, we must look at our capital budget and look to grants and other means to get needed and neglected projects moving forward while not raising taxes.”

“Stormwater: In 2010 the new majority on borough council chose to put stormwater management on the back burner. They disbanded the stormwater management committee. This very important committee was charged with assisting borough residents and business owners on stormwater management issues. We need to make stormwater a priority and get working on stormwater management again.”

“Emergency Management Team: In today’s world, it is critical to have staff that (are) trained, equipped and prepared to handle emergencies of any nature. Public safety is paramount and I will make sure that this team is kept in place and not politicized. Public safety over politics must come first. This team, along with our emergency services employees and volunteers, are truly an asset to Hatboro. We have a number of talented, highly trained and qualified people and they will be used to protect us.” 

“Functional Government: I am part of a team that will treat residents and others with respect, listen to their concerns, be honest, open and part of transparent government ... We believe in the people’s agenda and public service."

What do you think is necessary to revitalize Hatboro’s downtown and how would you work to accomplish that? "We have to work on attracting and retaining quality businesses in the borough, which has been lacking. We recently hired a main street manager and we must support redevelopment and revitalization of our downtown and other areas of the borough. We will continue to support the efforts to attract businesses and retain our current main street manager and Main Street Program."

What are your interests and hobbies: An avid Phillies/Eagles fan, Hegele said he is committed to supporting active military and helping veterans. He is a member of several law enforcement and veterans organizations including the VFW and the American Legion and serves as Finance Officer for American Legion Post 798 and Vice President of its Crooked Billet Home Association. Hegele is also a member of the Montgomery County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 14. He currently serves as Secretary for the Hatboro Civil Service Commission. Spending time with his family - which includes two rescue dogs and four cats - is another interest.

What else would you like voters to know about you? "My wife Diane (Hatboro’s assistant borough secretary) and I have four grown children and are expecting our first grandchild in December. I am a team player, I enjoy working with and helping others and believe my integrity, honesty, dedication to public service and volunteer work gives me the insight I will use in budgetary, legislative, labor and community matters which will help me to become an effective, responsive (councilman)."

ALETA OSTRANDER

Age: 48

Party affiliation: Democrat

How long have you lived in Hatboro: 20 years

Education/professional experience: Cardinal Dougherty High School, Associate Degree in Social Science, NIMS certified

What special expertise or insight can you offer council? In her six years on council, Ostrander has served various committees, with the most recent one being the public safety committee. Ostrander said she secured finances to support an addition on the firehouse; maintained the borough’s public services; negotiated union contracts that were fair to employees and cost-effective to residents. In addition, Ostrander said she has experience of working cohesively with the emergency management team, police department and public works. She also worked with the in the planning stages, and in true emergences. Ostrander added that she has the experience of making a dollar stretch and accomplished this by not raising local taxes. 

What do you see as the major areas of concern for Hatboro and how would you work to address them? “Two of our major concerns in Hatboro are our stormwater insures and our stagnate tax base. I will continue to hold a tough line when it comes to developers wanting to build on or near the flood plain. I will diligently look for grant money to help us with our millions of dollars worth of stormwater issues. I will continue to work with FEMA, PEMA or any other organization that could help our residents, and will hold strong. I will continue to be fiscally conservative, make every dollar count and aggressively go after grants and funding that will benefit the residents of the borough.”

What do you think is necessary to revitalize Hatboro’s downtown and how would you work to accomplish that? “The revitalization of Hatboro is in full swing with new businesses opening, on an almost a weekly basis. You can see that years worth of effort are starting to pay off. Through hard work, the hiring of the main street manager, the chamber of commerce, and the other organizations in town, we are able to see the payoff. The stores are starting to fill up, we have grant monies, low interest rates on small business loans and free education classes for our business owners.”

What are your interests and hobbies? Ostrander said her newest hobby is spending time with her new granddaughter, Ave, and her family. She also enjoys helping others through volunteering for the Hatboro Union Library and the American Red Cross. The great outdoors is another interest.

What else would you like voters to know about you? “I am a team player. I know how to work with others. I have a passion for helping people. I want to better the community. I own my own business, so I know how to put funds to good use. I have lived in Hatboro for more than 20 years and raised all three of my children in this town, so I am emotionally, financially and physically attached to the borough and the betterment of it … I love Hatboro."

MARIANNE REYMER

Age: 50

Party affiliation: Democrat

How long have you lived in Hatboro: 21 years

Education/professional experience: Associate of Science, Business Administration

What special expertise or insight can you offer council? Reymer has served on council for a total of six years – two years as borough treasurer and four years as a councilwoman.

Reymer said she is motivated toward community service, not politics. 

What do you see as the major areas of concern for Hatboro and how would you work to address them? “Stormwater management is a regional and local issue. Heavy rains cause flooding and water damage in most areas of the Hatboro. To address those issues I believe we need to educate residents on techniques that they can do themselves to protect their homes and property (e.g. - grading and redirecting rainspout runoff). In addition, a fix in one location of the borough will ultimately create a problem “downstream." There needs to be a systemic approach to repairing and improving how stormwater is managed. In the past four years council was able to make stormwater improvements to Williams Lane and North Penn Street with the assistance of grant money. There is much more that needs to be done. A series of stormwater improvements are needed. However, the cost is quite significant, therefore council needs to continue to seek grant funding from the county, state and federal levels to help pay for the projects.”  

What do you think is necessary to revitalize Hatboro’s downtown and how would you work to accomplish that? “Hatboro's business district continues to grow, change and improve. This time last year, businesses were closing and there was an occupancy of approximately 70 percent. In January 2010, council funded a Main Street Manager position and hired Stephen Barth. Now, one year later, we have approximately 90 percent occupancy filled in Hatboro's business district as well as stores along Jacksonville Road. Our main street manager, in conjunction with our borough manager, continues to respond to inquiries from business owners who are interested in relocating to Hatboro. In addition, Hatboro has a very low business tax, thereby making the borough attractive to savvy business owners. As we move into 2012,  I would like to look at more cohesive signage for the business district, signs that will be located in a position to catch the eye of those who drive through the borough."

What are your hobbies and interests? Reymer lists her hobbies and interests as "Hatboro, Hatboro and Hatboro." She also enjoys traveling to the Carribbean.

What else would you like voters to know about you? "I would like the voters to know that I am fiscally responsible, have an eye for the bottom line and protect the taxpayer's money, as I would my own, by spending it carefully. As an elected official, I don't consider myself to be a politician because I don't play games or have a personal agenda. I am a straightforward person who serves the residents of Hatboro on council and participates in and supports the community events.  Basically, I am simply interested in working to keep Hatboro the great community that we all love."

DAVID A. RICH

Age: 65

How long have you lived in Hatboro? Since 1969

Education/professional experience: Rich retired in 2006 after 40 years as an auditor for a National Labor Organization. He is a graduate of the Palmer School of Business.

What special expertise or insight can you offer council? As a retiree, Rich said he is well aware of the difficulties the current economic environment presents for those on a fixed budget. His finance background provided him with the ability to analyze financial matters. Rich’s ability to work well with people of differing opinions and backgrounds will be an asset to council.

What do you see as the major areas of concern for Hatboro and how would you work to address them? “Finances are another critical issue in these difficult economic times. We need to review and fine tune … borough operations to ensure that we continue to provide the current borough services in the most cost efficient manner. We need to leverage our limited funds with grants and other funding sources to address the issues in the community.”

“Stormwater management is a concern for many in Hatboro. Council needs to reinstate the Stormwater Management Committee and the funding thereof. While the borough has limited funds to work on stormwater issues, council needs to stay on top of best practice stormwater management and work as a cohesive unit to address these issues.”

“Most important, we need a functional Hatboro council. We need integrity, honesty, vision, and teamwork in borough government.”

What do you think is necessary to revitalize Hatboro's downtown and how would you work to accomplish that? “We must support redevelopment and revitalization of the business district and our neighborhoods. They hold the key to keeping both tax rates and property values stable, and the commercial districts occupied. I volunteer on the Main Street Hatboro Committee and the Hatboro Economic Development Partnership to support these goals. I support joint efforts between the borough and the business community to accomplish these goals, and supported the efforts to attract and retain our current Main Street Manager. We need to address the as they relate to the rail hub. I feel that an exhaustive review is in order to create answers for this persistent problem.”

What are your interests and hobbies? An avid Philadelphia sports fan who supports the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers and Flyers, Rich said he enjoys daily walks through the borough with his pet dog Shylow. He also has an interest in Hatboro itself and volunteers on various committees and events.

What else would you like voters to know about you? “I have attended public meetings both as a member of council and a member of the public. The process of local government interests me. The council deals with problems ranging from trash pickup, street repairs and tree trimming along with many others. Most of these problems do not make the local news, but they are still problems that residents need resolved. I enjoy working with the residents as well as other members of council at this local governmental level.”

MARK SHEEDY

Age: 49

Party affiliation: Republican

How long have you lived in Hatboro: Since 2003

Education/professional experience: Bachelors’ candidate who has been a respiratory therapist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for the past 13 years. Sheedy also serves on various committees at CHOP that support the continuous improvement of quality and safety.

What special expertise or insight can you offer council? In addition to and as a result of his experience in the business world, Sheedy has developed strong interpersonal skills and recognizes the importance teamwork plays in achieving group goals. His work, educational and personal experiences have taught him the important role that planning and vision play in success.

What do you see as the major areas of concern for Hatboro and how would you work to address them? “Council needs a change of direction. For the past two years, council has been so consumed by fractionalization that the business of the borough has sometimes taken a backseat to the people’s business. Finances, borough services, stormwater management and a number of other agenda items are being put on hold as nonsense has taken the limelight. Council needs to focus on delivering borough services and taking care of the residents’ issues and concerns instead of playing one up on one another.”

What do you think is necessary to revitalize Hatboro’s downtown and how would you work to accomplish that? “Hatboro needs to focus on maintaining its friendly, hometown atmosphere. The way to attract and retain quality businesses in the borough is to establish strong ties between government, the residents and the business community. (Republican running mates) Bob (Hegele), Dave (Rich) and I understand the need for dynamic leadership from each of these groups. We will continue to expand on those programs which have benefitted the community without shuffling costs disproportionately on the residents. In other words, we need to make sure that each segment of the community has “skin” in the game.”

What are your interests and hobbies? Sheedy said volunteer work has been his commitment for a long time. As a volunteer to the American Lung Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Camp, he's focused on charities that benefit children. He is also a member of Kiwanis International and the W.K. Bray Lodge.

What else would you like voters to know about you? “I have a desire to work with ALL of the borough council members to build a vision and a plan for moving Hatboro forward in the right direction. I have developed great intrapersonal skills and put strong emphasis on teamwork and civility. These are essential personal qualities when working with the makeup and dynamics of any organization.”

For more information on the Republicans running for Hatboro council, visit hatbororepublicans.org     

For more information on the Democrats running for Hatboro council, visit hatborodems.org