Contests slated for Royersford Borough Council, mayor
ROYERSFORD » Five candidates are seeking four open seats on borough council and there is a contest for the mayor’s race on Nov. 7.
Incumbent Republican Mayor John K. Guest Jr. is opposed by Democrat Jenna Antoniewicz.
On borough council, Paul Chrisman is the only Republican seeking a seat.
Of the four Democrats, three — Matt Stehman, Anil Dham and Alexandra Metricari are incumbents. The fourth Democrat in the running is Amy Demchik.
Democrat Joseph Moskal is unopposed for a fifth seat, with only two years left on the term.
In his candidate response, Chrisman, 65, wrote that he decided to run for council in order to “use my experience to continue to make Royersford a safe, affordable place to live and work.”
The owner of New Street Auto Service Inc., Chrisman previously served on borough council and is a member of the borough’s planning commission.
He wrote that if elected, his primary goal is to “help find a reasonable solution to the overcrowded parking situation in town.”
In his candidate response, Dham, 40, wrote that he is running because “I have had the pleasure of representing Royersford for the past four years in which we have seen significant progress in our revitalization. We have obtained over $1.5 million in grants, added numerous new businesses, brought new recreational things such as the boat ramp and soon an ice rink, kept our borough taxes low, and seen a significant rise in home values, outpacing the county.”
A physical therapist, with a master’s degree in physical therapy from Temple University, Dham is currently borough council president.
If elected, Dham wrote that his priority is to “complete the revitalization of Main Street, which is on its way as every vacant property from four years ago is under various stage of redevelopment. As part of revitalizing, we will attempt to make more parking readily available for all the residents, new visitors and patrons to the businesses looking to open in Royersford.”
In her response, Metricarti wrote “Royersford is a great place to live and work. I serve on Borough Council to do what I can to make it better. One of the benefits of living in a small community is that interested citizens
really can make a difference.”
A one-term incumbent, Metricarti is chief marketing officer for Living Branches, not-for-profit senior living communities. And holds a master’s of business administration degree from Eastern University
If elected, Metricarti wrote “the number one goal for borough council is to continue the revitalization of the Main Street corridor and the development of a community where residents have multiple opportunities for employment, recreation, and housing.”
In her response, Demchik, 42, wrote that she is running for borough council because “I believe that it is very important to be a part of and know what happens in your community. I knew that I wanted to volunteer to help out any was that I could, so I reached out to see where help was needed. I started with our Community Day and then was able to also be a part of the Master Plan Committee for Royersford Borough.”
A “stay-at-home-mom of two, Demchik is a former Postal Clerk. With two years of college education. She is currently on various committees within the borough including the Royersford Community Day, Royersford Community Chest, Royersford National Night Out and alternate position on the Royersford Human Relations Committee.”
I elected, Demchik wrote that her priority would be “parking, to hopefully figure out a solution to our parking issues for our Main Street.”
In his candidate response, Stehman,35, wrote that “I ran in 2013 because Royersford was a town in need of new leadership to bring new industry to town.”
Stehman is a trial clerk in the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts office.
Stehman wrote, “If I am fortunate to be given another four years, we will work to continue the progress Royersford hasmade, and keep our community safe for all our residents.”
Mayor
In her response, Antoniewicz, 33, wrote that she is seeking the mayor’s post because “I see an opportunity to play an active role in the community where my husband and I are raising our son.”
She further wrote “I am committed to supporting a thriving Main Street while maintaining a historic, small-town appeal with recreation for all ages, and safe streets for our families. I admire the work and progress of the current borough council members and hope to continue cultivating an inclusive community.”
A homemaker, Antoniewicz wrote that she has “10 years in higher education administration, conflict resolution working with public safety and local law enforcement, community development, educational programming related to risk management.”
She holds a bachelor’s degree in writing and a master’s degree in education.
If elected, Antoniewicz wrote that “my goals are to support and advocate for our borough police department and first responders, residents, and businesses. I would actively work with borough council and community members on the comprehensive plan put forth in January 2017.”
In his response, Guest, 70, wrote that he is running “to continue the progress being made in the community and establishing the police force as a community friendly department for all borough residents and businesses in the borough.”
Guest, who has also served on borough council sells Medicare insurance and holds a college degree.
If reelected, Guest wrote that his priority is to “continue the goal to transitioning to community policing.”