Politics & Government
Repurposing Buildings, Keeping Taxes Affordable Key for Incumbent
Republican Bill Tompkins is running for a third term 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 Marty Palmer's profile, here to see Ray Wallrath's profile, or here to see John Zygmont's profile).
WILLIAM "BILL" TOMPKINS, 50, is vying for a third term on the Hatboro Borough Council. A 20-year Hatboro resident and homeowner, Tompkins graduated from Abington High School and Rensselear Polytechnic Institute with a B.S. in Physics.
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Tompkins is a Hatboro 300 committee member, treasurer of Hatboro-Horsham Soccer Club, HHoops coach, a former soccer and Little League coach, a scout leader, and scout committee member.
What best qualifies you for a term on the Hatboro Borough Council?
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I bring a common sense approach to the table. My experience in many aspects of small business helps me to look at a mix of approaches to various issues and problems facing local government and lets us plot a quick course to a good solution.
What do you see as the big issues facing the town?
The big issues facing Hatboro are currently strongly tied to the weak national economy. We need to keep a strong community; maintaining strong services for our residents and businesses, continuing to attract new businesses and foster our existing ones, all while keeping a handle on costs to keep taxes reasonable.
If elected, how would you work to handle those issues?
Council and staff must constantly be on top of all aspects of government services. We must always ask how we can provide government services in the most efficient manner. Keeping our community in an upward spiral, always moving forward is critical. We can never afford to falter or fall back.
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?
Our current approach of seeking expert opinions, forming committees of interested community members to review concepts, and developing those concepts into solutions that work for the entire borough is the key. The renovation of the existing police and public works buildings is far more economical that replacing either or both.
What’s your vision for Main Street and how would you, as a council member, help the borough realize that vision?
Occupancy and competition bring customers, which in turn bring more occupancy and competition. A continued spiral of growth brings better and stronger businesses to Hatboro. This makes us an even more desirable community to live in. As council, we continue to support Main Street and the chamber in their efforts.
How can council work to preserve Hatboro’s history and its historic buildings?
Hatboro’s history is its wonderful connection between residents and small business. Keeping that strong and growing is key. Affordable taxes, good services, good parks and good people will do that. Preserving historic buildings is difficult; we need to make sure that everyone sees the value of reusing/repurposing existing buildings.
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?
As large industrial properties become obsolete, the key for council is to repurpose to benefit the community. Cosmopolitan Motors converts space to primarily residential, taking advantage of nearby commuter rail. We await a Station Park proposal, but have been very encouraged that they sought community input as a first step.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am very proud of our borough, its council, mayor and staff and the jobs they do. It has been my honor to serve the borough and I ask for your vote to continue doing so. Thank you.
Related: Patricia Fleming profile
Related: Michael Gorn profile
Related: Thomas Harbaugh profile
Related: Toni Kistner profile
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