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Morrisville Borough Council 1st Ward (4 YR Term) {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The borough council is the governing body of the borough. A borough council member oversees the provision of borough services, enacts ordinances, and sets the borough budget and taxes.

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  • Candidate picture

    John 'Jack' Cronon
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Kathryn Price Engelhard
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Helen Hlahol
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Shawn Ratti
    (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?

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Education Bachelors degree
Experience Nearly 40 years as an Executive Director for the American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Club. I have been on Morrisville Borough Council for 3 1/2 years. Attended PSAB classes: Borough Council Boot camp, Sunshine Law, Role and responsibilities of a Council President.
Morrisville stands at a crossroads. We are facing critical challenges that require immediate attention: Transparency, financial stability and protection of Morrisville’s greatest assets such as, Williamson Park.

Transparency in local government is essential, the restoration of Borough committees, town hall meetings, and the ability to speak at public meetings is critical in building trust with our constituents. Financial stability begins with open and honest governance over our finances. Open town meetings for residents can come and ask questions and have input in our discussions.

Every resident has a role to play in advocating for these issues. It is time to let them speak for more than 3 minutes. I plan to change that.

I came on to council three and half years ago. Within a month I formed the Parks and Recreation committee. Since then I have lead the town in many projects to help improve our beloved Williamson Park.

I served on the Finance committee, which allowed residents to come and ask open questions about the borough’s finances.

I served on the Policy and Ordinances committee to create policies.

I currently chair the Parks and Recreation committee and the Council/School Board committee. But under our current leadership these committees are being eliminated.

Tax payer money is being used for costly publications and frivolous studies while summer library’s funds are being cut. My biggest concerns is the wasted funds on legal fees occurred by hiring an over priced attorney which is draining our funds. Over $500,000 was spent on attorneys and investigations that were shut down and the results were never shared with the public. Thank you
In my career as Executive Director for several large nonprofit organizations I managed large budgets, successful audits, and worked with volunteers and Board of Directors.

I currently serve as Vice President of the Morrisville Senior Center. I served as Board member for our local youth center, and I attend a local Morrisville church.

I meet with local residents on a regular basis to hear and respond to their concerns. This is what being an elected representative should be doing. This is what we need in Morrisville, honest leaders who will listen to the needs of our community instead of leaders who refuse to hear the very people who elected them.
Education Rutgers University, BA in Economics and Accounting
Experience Professional Background in consumer marekting and analytics.
Morrisville Borough is facing several critical issues, including taxes, infrastructure improvements, supporting our local businesses, fostering economic growth, and ensuring accountability at every level of government.

We are addressing these challenges through smart budgeting, cutting inefficiencies, and seeking out grants and partnerships to supplement the tax dollars of our hardworking residents. Our journey began with visionary discussions, followed by the creation of a clear, actionable plan. This has allowed us to spend more wisely, seek alternative funding options, and set the stage for long-term infrastructure initiatives.

We have already started making progress—proving that real change is possible. However, these are long-term challenges that require time and sustained effort to see results. With the continued support of our residents, we can overcome these challenges and build a stronger future.
I’m running for office because I love this community, and I believe Morrisville is a gem with so much untapped potential. From its location on the river to its rich history, Morrisville has a unique character that deserves leadership focused on delivering results and driving growth. While we've made some important strides, there’s still so much more to be done.

We now have a united council—one that doesn’t get bogged down by petty disagreements but instead works together to create meaningful change. We’ve already proven that with cooperation and a clear vision, progress is possible. I truly believe with the commitment of those serving on the current council, we have the drive and unity to make real advancements in the community.
Born and raised in Morrisville Borough, I am deeply connected to this community. I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Economics and Accounting, and my professional background includes expertise in consumer marketing and analytics provides me with the tools to drive effective initiatives.

Just completing my first elected term, I now have a solid understanding of the intricacies of local government and the importance of building strong relationships to address and solve issues facing our community.
Education Bachelors in Cultural Anthropology, Associates in Classical Humanities
Experience Morrisville Elementary Teacher for 6 years, Business Manager for 10+ years
I consider the lack of transparency in financial reportings and decisions, as well as the disregard in public participation in policy making, to be the most important issues facing our community. When in office I plan to help restore committees we have lost in order to allow the community to voice their concerns and ideas about town policies for more than just 3 minutes a month at borough meetings. I would also restore trust and transparency to town finances through a revived budget committee, public involvement on budget decisions, and more responsible spending of tax payer dollars that are not wasting them on unnecessary legal challenges, bad policy making, or redundant surveys of projects we have already done before. The public deserves to understand how their town works for them, the community, and not hiding information and expenses by burying them under overwhelming piles of information or rushed votes to pass policies before understanding their effect or impact.
I am running to help bring back a voice to anyone in Morrisville that wishes to be heard and encourage participation from the public in shaping the type of community they wish to live in. Under the current local administration, too many people feel ignored and attacked for voicing concerns or disagreements over policies they weren't even allowed to contribute to when they were being made. Small communities thrive and succeed from the involvement of the town, not by discouraging them. I want people to be able to come to their local government again and be treated with respect, not disregarded because they take a different position on a matter. I want to see new ideas and projects brought to Morrisville by anyone who has a passion to get involved, regardless of who they are or group them represent. And I want to help support them in that community project because it helps the community, not because it helps me or my agenda.
I've been in Morrisville since I was a student. I graduated from here, I moved back here after collage and getting married, and my wife and I are both teachers in the Morrisville School District. We've been involved in this town through projects and community work for the majority of both our lives. I have a passion to see a small town like ours succeed because I came here believing in what could make Morrisville a special place to live. I have a drive to see this town succeed and will work tirelessly to achieve that goal. I've had years of experience in leadership as a boss/manager in business before teaching. That taught me the importance of doing what is best for everyone, not just myself. And it's taught me that no one person or group will have all the answers or ideas everytime, so you must take the time to listen to anyone that comes to you and hear what they have to say. I don't need to always be right. I don't need to have all the answers. I just need to be able to listen.