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New Hope Borough Council (4 YR term) {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

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  • Candidate picture

    Michele Becci
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Eric Burnside
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Connie Gering
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Tobie Grama
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Mark Magerman
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Peter B. Meyer
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What do you consider to be the most important issues facing your community, and how do you propose to address them?

Why are you running for this office?

What qualifications and experience do you have that will assist you in the performance of the duties of this office?

Education Rutgers College; B.A. Microbiology; Villanova University; Masters in Business
Experience 30+ years leading sales and strategy teams in clinical trials technology
New Hope has a very limited footprint, and its charm lies in its balance of history, community, and thoughtful progress. Responsible development is my number one priority. I am committed to ensuring that any new development aligns with our Zoning, HARB, Land Development Ordinances, and soon-to-be completed Comprehensive Plan to preserve the character of our town. For me, it’s essential that I work to thoroughly understand our ordinances and the development applications before us, so I can evaluate what’s being proposed by those seeking to build within the Borough. This means attending, whenever possible, all meetings (Planning, HARB, Zoning) related to any development initiative so that by the time it arrives on Council’s agenda, I have a deep understanding of what is being proposed. By doing the work, asking the tough questions, and staying engaged, I aim to make decisions that protect New Hope’s charm while keeping the process open, fair, and community-focused.
New Hope has always held a special place in my life—from childhood visits with my grandfather to late nights at Zadar’s and Havana after college. In 2016, my partner Jay and I purchased a historic Locktender’s home in the Borough and became actively involved in local government, attending Council, Planning, HARB, and Zoning meetings to better understand the issues shaping our town. When a Council seat opened in 2023, I stepped up to serve and have since taken on leadership roles as Parking Committee Chair, Shade Tree liaison, Pro-Tem, and now Vice President of Council. I’m seeking re-election to continue the work I’ve started and to help ensure the successful implementation of our new Comprehensive Plan. For me, it’s not enough to write a vision—we must bring it to life through actionable policies that protect New Hope’s charm and historic character while supporting thoughtful, sustainable growth.
I bring over 30+ years of experience in corporate America, where I led international sales and strategy teams—developing skills in leadership, negotiation, collaboration, and long-range planning. These experiences taught me how to listen carefully, analyze complex information, and build consensus to achieve results. Since moving to New Hope in 2016, I’ve applied those same skills to public service. Combined with my lifelong love for New Hope and commitment to transparent, responsive government, I believe I bring a thoughtful, experienced, and steady hand to the work of Council—one that’s focused on protecting the soul of our town while planning smartly for its future.
Education MBA in Finance from Rider University
Experience 10+ Years in Public School Finance
One of the most pressing challenges for New Hope is managing responsible development. As a member of the Zoning Hearing Board, I’ve seen firsthand how land-use decisions directly shape our borough’s future. With growing interest in our town, we face increased demand for housing and business opportunities. While this brings economic potential, we must ensure that development aligns with our community’s values preserving our small-town charm, walkability, green space, and historic character.

If elected to Borough Council, I will prioritize thoughtful, inclusive planning. I will work collaboratively with residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to shape a shared vision for growth, one that balances progress with preservation. My service in the U.S. Air Force taught me the power of teamwork, and that is the approach I will bring to every decision.

I’m running for Borough Council to help guide New Hope through a period of exciting growth while protecting the appeal and character that make our town unique. With experience as a school business administrator managing large public budgets and as a member of the Zoning Hearing Board, I bring the skills needed to promote responsible development, strengthen our financial stability, and ensure inclusive, community-focused policies. I believe in transparent, collaborative leadership that reflects the values of all New Hope residents.
I bring a unique combination of public service, financial expertise, and community involvement to this role. I currently serve on the New Hope Zoning Hearing Board, where I’ve gained firsthand experience in how land-use decisions shape our borough. Professionally, I’ve spent my career as a school business administrator, managing budgets up to $159 million, overseeing complex operations, and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and transparently. I’ve led contract negotiations, managed audits, and secured state and federal funding. These are all experiences that translate directly to the responsibilities of Borough Council.
Education Point Park University and TCNJ degres in Psychology and Sociology.
New Hope has experienced significant growth in recent years, which reflects the vitality and appeal of our town. However, with this growth comes the concern that overdevelopment could impact the unique character and charm that make New Hope so special. As a community, we recognize that thoughtful growth is essential to sustain our town’s future.

Our goal is to find a healthy balance—one that allows for progress while preserving the qualities that define New Hope. Updating ordinances to reflect current needs and priorities is one way to support this effort.
I want to make sure that New Hope does not lose its charm and vibrant business district. We moved to New Hope because we wanted to live in a vibrant small town. I’m a founding member of New Hope for Our Canal, an ad hoc group that has worked for the past twelve years to fund water in the Canal. It’s important to find sustainable revenue source to do the job.
I bring more than twenty years of experience as president of a marketing firm, combined with a strong background in company and real estate management. This expertise has proven invaluable in my service on the Finance Committee, the Parking Committee, and the Chamber of Commerce. I believe my professional skills, community involvement, and unwavering commitment to New Hope uniquely position me to continue working effectively on behalf of our town’s future.
Education Master of Social Work, Post Graduate Degree in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis
Experience I have bern running a successful private psychotherapy practice for over 20yrs. Currently serving on the New Hope Borough Council.
As our town grows, we face some challenges. We’re seeing an influx of residents, many of whom have the resources to invest here. We need to welcome folks who want to be part of New Hope’s story, but we also need to make sure that growth doesn’t come at the expense of the people who built this town…the artists, the small business owners, the longtime residents. Growth should not mean displacement. It should mean balance. As your Council member, I will work to make sure that our policies reflect that balance whether it’s in zoning decisions, small business support, or making sure there’s room for all voices to be heard.

I care deeply about New Hope Borough and want to be a part of shaping the future of this wonderful community. It would feel great to have a hand in preserving New Hope’s physicality and personality as it evolves and meshes with the current times.
I have been a full time resident of beautiful New Hope Borough since 2019 and have run a successful psychotherapy practice for over 20 years. Organized, thoughtful, logical, thorough and creative, I am committed to serving my community.
Education PhD in Human+Organizational Behavior, International University of Graduate Studies MSS in Clinical Social Work and Social Policy, Bryn Mawr College M.ED in Educational Psychology + Special Education, Antioch College BA in Early Childhood Development + Education
>Development: I would advocate for responsible development that complements the historic nature of our town while ensuring long-term sustainability. >Commercial and Residential Growth: It is essential to maintain a balance between commercial growth and residential needs, ensuring that New Hope remains vibrant and diverse without compromising its character. >Inclusivity and Equality: I am committed to advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and equality for all individuals, ensuring that everyone in New Hope feels valued and respected. >Governing with Transparency: Transparency will be a cornerstone of my approach, ensuring the public is informed about all decisions and has opportunities to provide input and be heard.

I’m running for the of New Hope Borough Council Member to contribute positively to the community where I live. I believe our town faces challenges that require thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the values that make New Hope unique. I’m passionate about creating a sustainable future for the borough, where all voices are heard, and decisions are made with care and consideration for our residents and business owners.
Over the course of my career, as a licensed clinical social worker, organization development consultant and educator, I have been involved in volunteerism and community engagement in advisory and facilitative roles. I have served on advisory boards (currently serving on the Environmental Advisory Committee for New Hope) and participated in local community initiatives, giving me an understanding of the some of the issues and concerns that matter to residents. I am passionate about using my professional skills in organization development, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership to support the development of sound policies. I have always believed in the importance of giving back, whether through volunteer work, working with local organizations, or actively participating in community events.
Education High School in NYC; BA (Economics) Swarthmore Collge; PhD (Economics) Univ. of Wisconsin
Experience Taught community development, urban planning and economics at the university levelor 40 years. Served as Zoning Hearing Board alternate; now in 2nd term on Borough Council while also on Planning Commission
Critical issues we face include controlling over-development, maintaining community character, solving traffic and parking problems, and preserving our appeal to tourists while serving resident needs. To address these issues, I will continue my work on the Council to: * strengthen historic district inspections to assure building maintenance. * tighten permitting processes to limit the scale of new buildings * work with PennDOT to improve traffic controls and signage * support a walkable downtown by upgrading sidewalks and planting more trees. * restore the flow of water in the canal. * provide more resident parking downtown. I have and will continue to work to strike a good balance between strengthening tourism – our economic base – and serving resident needs. For example, I worked with staff to update the fee structure for project permits and reviews thus improving our finances and assuring that developers – not residents – pay the full costs they impose on the Borough.
First, my wife and I investigated towns in several states to decide where we wanted to live in retirement. We moved here because we fell in love with New Hope. We wanted to be a part of it and contribute to it. For me, working on Council was a logical contribution, given my career background.

Second, as a current Council member, I’ve started projects such as revising ordinances, fee structures, and our Comprehensive Plan. These are works in progress and I want to see them through to completion and, in the case of the plan, to implementation.

Third, I’ve had time to investigate solutions to other problems such as sidewalk improvements and funding the flow of water in the canal and I’m eager to explore them further since they contribute to both our tourism appeal and community quality of life.

Finally, any tourist town has to strike a balance between serving its residents and appealing to visitors. I want to continue my efforts to promote the best possible balance for all.
For incumbents, our Council experience is a qualification. Through vigilant expense management and smart use of tourist dollars, Council has increased our financial reserves substantially yet maintained low real estate taxes. (Rates have not been raised for a decade.) We have determined what the weaknesses were in our development controls and strengthened them. Running a Borough efficiently and improving governing systems requires a learning period. Institutional continuity is critically important to efficiency.

Also, my career experiences inform my Council efforts. As a university professor, I taught community economic development, urban planning, and public administration for 40 years. I ran a state wide local economic development assistance center at Penn State for 10 years, training planners and helping them to implement their plans. For 20 years, I was a contractor to US EPA and HUD, working to address financing issues associated with land reclamation and development.