7 seek 4 open seats on Trappe council

TRAPPE » This year’s council race gives voters the choice among seven candidates for four open seats.

There are four Republicans and three Democrats seeking those seats and three of the Republicans are incumbents.

The incumbents are Nevin Scholl, Pat Webster and Cathy Johnson. The fourth Republican candidate is Brett Yeagley.

The three Democrats are Peter Addalli, Sarah Calvin and Susan Greer.

Three candidates submitted responses to Digital First Media’s candidate questionnaire.

In his candidate response, Scholl, 63, offered a long list of his experience: “Trappe Council President, Trappe Council Finance and Streets Committee Chairman, Collegeville-Trappe Joint Public Works Treasurer, Collegeville-Trappe Municipal Authority Treasurer, Trappe Day Committee Member, Regional Planning Committee Representative and Fire and EMS Service Liaison.”

A certified public accountant with a master’s degree in business administration, Scholl has worked as the president of three manufacturing companies.

He is running, Scholl wrote, because “rather than just complain about issues I prefer to get involved and get things done for our community.”

If reelected, Scholl wrote his primary goal is to “continue to be a leader in fiscally responsible management of quality services for Trappe residents (For example roads, trash collection, water, sewer, parks and walkability).”

In her response, Johnson, 62, wrote she decided to run because “I want to be part of the answers to the issues of my community. My varied work experience and education provide a unique background to evaluate problems and identify solutions.”

A system development project manager at three international corporations; Johnson is also a registered nurse, travel health specialist; and holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s in business administration.

During her time in office, she has served as Trappe Borough Council Vice President, Trappe Council Administrative Services Chairperson, Trappe Council Personnel Committee Chairperson, Trappe Council Property Committee Chairperson, Trappe Council Streets Committee member, Trappe Council Ordinance Committee member, Trappe Planning Commission Council Liaison, Trappe Planning Commission member, Trappe Borough Auditor, CollegevilleTrappe Joint Public Works Department and Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Treasurer and vice chairperson for the CollegevilleTrappe Municipal Authority.

If reelected, her primary goal is to “keep providing the highest quality services for all of my neighbors in Trappe while maintaining the lowest possible taxes through insistence on financially responsible management and oversight.”

In her response, Webster wrote that she is running because “I value transparency and consistency in local government and will speak up to oppose or support initiatives I believe to be in the best interest of our community. I enjoy volunteering and participating in community organizations; and encourage residents to approach or contact me directly with their concerns, complements or opinions on what could make Trappe a better place to live and work. Establishing the Trappe Facebook Page has opened up new ways to communicate.”

A licensed Real Estate Agent with Long & Foster, Webster holds a bachelor’s degree in business.

In addition to her time on council, Webster has served on the Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission; C-T Joint Public Works Committee; Montgomery County Boroughs Assn Board;Trappe 300 Planning Committee as well as having served as spokesperson and government and community affairs director for PECO Energy’s Montgomery County Division for 20 years.

If reelected, Webster said her priority is efficient and effective government. “As elected officials, along with municipal employees, we must always remember that we are in the service business. We might not always tell you what you want to hear, but we can help you navigate the process with consistency, a servant’s heart and problemsolving attitude.”

The remaining four candidates did not submit a response to Digital First Media’s candidate questionnaire.