Council seats, mayor on ballot

Six Souderton Borough Council seats and the mayor’s office are all up for election this year, and each is a contested race.

In the mayor’s race for a fouryear term, the Democratic party candidate is Dustin Wade and the Republican is John Reynolds. Reynolds is the incumbent.

In the race for two four-year terms on council in the borough’s first ward, the candidates are Democrats Richard Kelly and Ned Leight and Republican Richard

Godshall. Leight and Godshall are the incumbents.

In the race for a four-year term in the borough’s second ward, the candidates are Democrat Matthew Mscichowski and Republican Daniel Houser. Houser is the incumbent.

In the race for a two-year term in the borough’s second ward, the candidates are Democrat Julie Munden and Republican Tracy Burke. Burke is the incumbent.

In the race for two fouryear terms in the borough’s third ward, the candidates are Democrats Nathan Miller and Donna Rogers and Republicans Brian Goshow and Edward Huber. Goshow is an incumbent.

Each of the candidates was emailed a questionnaire for this article asking their present and past involvement in the borough and community; why they are running; goals if elected; issues Souderton faces and how to tackle the issues; what voters should know about them; and where voters can get additional information about them and their candidacy.

Mayor JOHN REYNOLDS

Reynolds, who has been mayor for 11 years, previously was on borough council for 10 years, was the first chairman of Souderton-Telford Main Streets Board of Directors, has served on the Montgomery Theater Board of Directors, co-chaired the borough’s 125th Anniversary Celebration Committee, has been the grand marshal of the Souderton Holiday Parade and served on the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club Board of Directors.

“There is still a lot to be done in the revitalization efforts of Souderton, and I want to continue to help in that process, at the old high school property, the old Broad Theater property, and the train station,” Reynolds said. “Before the end of this next term, Souderton will likely be looking for a new Chief of Police. I consider it of vital importance that we have a Chief that is invested in our community, one that maintains Souderton’s Community Oriented Police concepts, and one that can maintain a high morale in our police force. Chief Jim Leary has shown those qualities, and having gone through the process to bring him in, I feel well qualified to help find his successor.”

Reynolds is a member of the borough’s committee to find a new police chief after Leary retires, which he has said he plans to do at the end of 2020.

“Souderton’s main issue remains the continued revitalization of the downtown area. It is important to keep Souderton a business-friendly town, and to continue to bring in businesses to enhance the vitality of our borough,” Reynolds said.

“I’ve lived in Souderton with my wife Laurie for more than 30 years. My kids grew up here,” he said. “I’m a homeowner and business owner in the borough. I feel lucky to consider most of Souderton’s business leaders to be personal friends of mine.”

More information is available at the Mayor John Reynolds Facebook page.

DUSTIN WADE

“With everything that’s been occurring lately in the US and abroad, it’s become apparent more than ever that we need people to become more involved in their communities and involved at the local level,” Wade said. “The changes we want to see don’t occur on their own and they start from the bottom up, even if it’s relatively mundane things like the condition of roads and sidewalks or better communication to borough residents. Real improvements take proper planning and hard work, and I want to be part of making that happen.”

Two of the big issues facing Souderton are the number of empty commercial properties, especially on Main Street, and a lack of communication between the borough and residents, he said. While campaigning door-to-door over the past six months, he’s also heard concern about opioid use in Souderton, just like in many other places in the country, he said.

He said he hopes to use his background in geography and planning to provide input to help allow for smart growth in the borough.

“Communication I can take a much more active role in, and part of our plan is to increase community outreach by providing information to residents through both new and old media types such as social media, an updated website, and a physical newsletter sent out to residents,” Wade said. “By doing this and making myself more available to talk to in general, I hope to start up that dialogue that so many people feel is missing.”

He said he has ideas for approaching the opioid problem, but would want to have in-depth discussions with the police chief before making any proposals.

Wade said he served in the U.S. Marines before returning to Pennsylvania and earning a geography degree at West Chester University. He has two daughters, ages 11 and 8, who attend Indian Crest Middle School and West Broad Street Elementary School.

“I’m always looking for the best solutions to problems, the simpler the solution the better,” he said. “But if someone comes up with an idea that is better than mine and can back it up, I’m always more than happy to side with them.”

Information on Wade and all the Democratic party candidates for Souderton seats is available at soudertondems.org and the Souderton Democrats Facebook page.

First Ward RICHARD GODSHALL

Godshall said he has served on various nonprofit, civic and church committees, along with previously being on the Souderton Borough Zoning Hearing Board.

“I believe in the Souderton Borough and the wonderful people who dedicate so much of themselves to making it better for families. I am running for another four year term to further help the residents and the revitalization of our town,” Godshall said. “I look for continued ways to give our taxpayers a great and affordable place to move to, stay and raise a family, and sustain the great businesses and community we live in.”

Souderton faces the same struggles other small towns do, he said.

“These issues include keeping our taxes down, working hard to bring in new business, having a built out borough and thereby having limited development opportunities to help offset increased costs,” Godshall said. “I along with fellow council members and the many other fine talented people in all areas of our borough will tackle these issues and build upon the good achievements to date.”

He said he is a lifelong Souderton area resident and businessperson.

“I enjoy serving the community and genuinely care what the future holds for the Souderton Borough’s next generation,” Godshall said. “When residents in my ward reach out for my help, I try to quickly respond to look for a solution.”

Residents are invited to contact him through the borough email, he said.

RICHARD KELLY

Kelly did not respond to the questionnaire.

He was born and raised in Philadelphia and moved to Souderton in 1998, when he married his college sweetheart, information on the soudertondems.org said.

“He travels the country as a corporate trainer for Redken, and also works full time as a hairstylist in Cedars,” the page said. “He has volunteered with the Cub and Boy Scouts for years, and is currently the Troop Chaplain.”

He has a son attending Souderton Area High School.

“Richard’s concerns about the current condition of Souderton’s Main Street, coupled with his experience volunteering for the 2016 Clinton Campaign caused him to become involved in politics,” the webpage said.

NED LEIGHT

Leight said he is a longtime council member, Souderton’s funding representative to the Indian Valley Public Library, on the Montgomery Theater Board of Directors, a former member of Zion Mennonite Church’s board, a former Souderton area representative to the Fresh Air Fund and currently active with the Mennonite Central Committee’s program of sponsoring international volunteers that help nonprofits in the Souderton area.

He said he’s running because of his continued interest in the welfare of the borough.

His goals are to “Keep up the program of revitalization of the borough with emphasis on the movie theater and general clean up with encouragement of downtown commercial health. Maintain and improve quality of life for residents of the Borough both families with children and senior citizens,” he said.

“We don’t have a large corporate tax base so we have to be very fiscally responsible with residential taxpayers’ dollars. At the

same time we need to keep roads safe, maintain public safety and keep Souderton a desirable community to live in,” Leight said. “I always strive to help council collectively decide what are the best decisions for the long term care of this community.”

He said he is a longtime Souderton resident and a U.S. Airforce veteran.

“I believe in community and neighbors working together with neighbors to support the health of our community,” Leight said.

Second Ward — four years DANIEL HOUSER

Houser said he is an active member of Penn Valley Church and volunteers for various programs and activities, including Penn Valley’s annual Community Fair, which benefits Keystone Opportunity Center, the Indian Valley Public Library and Telford Volunteer Fire Department; has been an active member of Concert Sundaes for almost 30 years; and volunteers for Generations of Indian Valley’s annual Reindeer Run.

“I don’t make my decisions because of a political party; instead, I am running and make my decisions based upon my constituents and because I care about the Souderton community and I want to see it flourish and thrive,” Houser said.

“I would like to see Souderton be a place that people would want to move into and have a hard decision if they wanted to move out of,” Houser said. “I also want to help our businesses, restaurants, and recreation flourish.”

Major issues include the borough’s revitalization, he said, including the old high school, train station and Broad Theater.

“There are no easy answers for these three examples,” Houser said. “Each one has a different circumstance with hopefully the same outcome. A thriving success for our great town. Working with these developers to get the right fit for our community.”

Houser said he is a Souderton Area High School graduate, who after graduation from East Stroudsburg University had the opportunity to live overseas or in other parts of the United States. He chose to return and live in Souderton, he said, not because it was a familiar surrounding, “but I felt this place was home to me and I wanted to give back.”

MATTHEW MSCICHOWSKI

Mscichowski did not respond to the questionnaire.

He grew up in neighboring Berks County and graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, according to information on soudertondems.org.

“Matt is currently a Sr. Project Manager at Siemens Industry Inc, where he has worked for the past 18 years. He is also a certified Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute,” the site said. “In 2007 Matt canvased for the Barack Obama campaign. He has lived in Souderton for the past 8 years with wife and two sons who attend EMC Elementary.”

Second Ward — two years TRACY BURKE

Burke said he and his wife have raised four children in the Souderton area.

“I moved here fresh off of active duty where I served as a Marine Infantry Officer. I’ve recently completed a 28 year career at Merck & Company. I’ve been very active in my church and other community and charitable organizations and sports programs throughout the years,” he said.

He’s running “because I believe that everyone has a civic duty to serve their communities,” Burke said. “One simple way I can contribute to Souderton’s success is to give some of my time and leadership ability to benefit the wonderful people here.”

Burke was appointed to council in early 2016 to fill the vacancy created when Preston Miller resigned and relocated to Ohio.

“Our mayor, borough manager and staff, borough council president and the other councillors, planning commission, police chief and officers, and numerous other committees and organizations are composed of passionate members that love our community,” Burke said.

“Like other towns and boroughs, we face numerous growth and development issues,” he said. “I intend to continue engaging other community leaders in important topics such as revitalization, fiduciary responsibility, protecting our citizens, and in general contributing to continuous improvement, accountability, and unwavering ethical standards.”

JULIE MUNDEN

Munden said she is a recent volunteer for the Souderton-Telford Main Streets program and a Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania volunteer for the Indian Valley Service Unit.

“I am running for a seat on the Borough Council to ensure that the communication between our community and the Borough Council is transparent and inclusive. I want everyone’s voice to be heard,” she said.

“The goals I hope to achieve include communication, improving Main Street, and strengthening our community. First priorities would be to create a borough newsletter, update Souderton’s online presence, and make myself available outside of borough meetings and be open to suggestions and new ideas,” she said.

“Second, I’d like to form stronger relationships with local businesses, strengthen efforts to beautify and revitalize Main Street and the surrounding area, reevaluate the development plans for downtown and the old high school location, and most important, prioritize the restoration of the Broad Street Theater,” Munden said. “Last, in regard to community, I would encourage collaboration with local businesses to bring the community together through events, improvements in our parks and open spaces, and provide assistance to public services such as the Indian Valley Library and Perseverance Volunteer Company No. 1.”

She said she’s seen the opioid crisis and wants to create a health care liaison position that “would be a certified healthcare provider who specializes in opioid addiction and would see the person(s) from the initial steps through followup care. The program would benefit families as well, helping them to find resources and assistance that seems to be lacking in our community.”

She said she cares about Souderton.

“I want to improve the overall look of downtown and bring in new businesses that will attract outsiders to come and share in our history and traditions, such as the Souderton Art Jam, the Souderton Holiday Parade, and the Souderton Tree Lighting,” Munden said. “Moreover, I want to start new traditions, such as Movie Nights in the Park, Community Pool Day, and block parties throughout the borough.”

Third Ward BRIAN GOSHOW

Goshow is the current council president, along with being a member of the Indian Valley Regional Planning Commission, on the board of directors at Generations of Indian Valley and a youth/young adult ministry sponsor at Blooming Glen Mennonite Church. Past positions include a member of the Souderton Borough 125th Anniversary Committee and Souderton Community Pool Fundraising Committee.

Goals include completion of the high school and train station projects, redevelopment of the Broad Theater, continued support of downtown retail businesses, continued support of volunteer efforts and private and corporate sponsorships in the community and recreation opportunities through maintaining and developing borough parks and the pool, he said.

“After many years of revitalization efforts, Souderton is showing some significant progress. The redevelopment of the train station, 117 E. Broad St. (the former Wes Freed building), the Broad Theater and the adjacent 30 W. Broad mark a turning point in our revitalization. It is crucial to see these projects through to completion to give our downtown the best chance for success,” Goshow said. “I want to also continue to support and encourage corporate and private support of volunteers, civic organizations, and corporate and private sponsorship. Borough Clean-Up Day, Concert Sundaes, 3rd Fridays, Fireworks, Community Night Out and Car Show, Movie Night in the Park, the Art Jam, the Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting are just some of the great events we have. There is a lot of work involved in putting these events together, and they are all done with little or no tax dollars.”

He also pointed to the importance of fiscal responsibility.

“In an age of rising health insurance costs and rising costs of materials, it is a challenge to continue to move our borough forward. Regular maintenance of our infrastructure along with reasonable improvements is a must,” Goshow said. “This only happens through strict planning and budgeting.”

The high school project is several years into the process and continual attention is needed to see it through, he said.

“Our country is in the midst of some serious political division. Fortunately, our Borough Council does not subscribe to partisan politics. Regardless of political party affiliation, our leadership seeks the best solution for every situation. We do not compromise decisions based on political ideology. And we need to keep it that way,” Goshow said.

“I am dedicated to the continual improvement of our town. Not only do I live here, but my business is located in the borough as well, so I spend most of my time in town,” he said. “My three children have all been raised here and attend[ed] Souderton School District. This has afforded me the ability to create many personal and business relationships and keeps me accessible.”

EDWARD HUBER

Huber is currently chairman of the Souderton Borough Planning Commission, on the Souderton-Telford Main Streets Board of Directors and on the Souderton Borough Civil Service Commission.

Previous involvement has included being on Souderton Borough Council and a Souderton Area Baseball League softball coach.

“I am running because the revitalization of the downtown area is of utmost importance to the vitality of Souderton as a whole. I was involved in the beginning of the train station grant process and would like to continue moving forward with revitalization efforts,” he said.

Fiscal responsibility and revitalization of the downtown are two of his goals, he said.

“I believe the main issue Souderton faces is revitalization of the town. Many volunteers have put in countless hours to get the revitalization efforts where they are today and we are seeing the fruits of their labors,” Huber said. “As the downtown area continues to grow and improve it will make Souderton a place where people will want to visit and live.”

Huber said he is married for 34 years, with eight children and three grandchildren. He has been a professional land surveyor for 28 years.

“I enjoy hunting, fishing and being outdoors, but my main hobby right now is watching my youngest 2 daughters play softball,” he said.

NATHAN MILLER

Miller said he has been active in the community with Souderton-Telford Main Streets, in the borough’s spring cleaning and as an assistant coach with Souderton Softball.

“I believe in what Souderton is and what it can be. I want to bring new ideas to the table to help move Souderton forward in a thoughtful manner,” Miller said. “Our community has a strong sense of history and pride. I plan to continue to push our borough forward without losing the small town atmosphere that we are all so fond of.”

His top priority, he said, is making sure the community feels it has a voice.

“Secondly, I want to bring the residents and the businesses together in a way that is beneficial to all,” he said.

“The largest issue Souderton faces is the unbalance of commercial and residential properties. There are so many empty commercial buildings in our borough and development projects at a standstill or unfinished,” Miller said. “Residents need to be kept informed and also provided the opportunity to bring their thoughts and ideas to the table.”

In his professional life as a communications specialist/community manager, Miller said, “I specialize in engaging communities in projects and discussions, bringing many ideas together and coming out with tremendous results. I look forward to working with the community and engaging them in the revitalization and continued progress of our borough.”

DONNA ROGERS

Rogers said she has attended local events and borough meetings and volunteered for community events. She has had a homebased business in Souderton for the past 11 years.

The reason she’s running, she said, is “To bring a positive change with workable solutions to the citizens of Souderton.”

Her goals include transparency between the community and local government and to work with the council to accomplish more growth in the community, she said.

“One of the issues we will address is to focus on more visitors to our borough and this can be done by the continued effort of working with local businesses and community groups to help them achieve this goal,” Rogers said.

“I am honest, truthful and willing to listen to everyone’s needs,” she said. “I am determined to follow through and represent the community. I will work endlessly to keep the community informed.”

Rogers and Munden have both been endorsed by the Montgomery County Democratic Women’s Leadership Initiative, Rogers said.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.