Judy Tombetta: Haverford Township Commissioner Profile

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — With the 2025 municipal election growing ever close, voters need to be informed of who will be on their ballots Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Judy Tombetta, who represents Haverford Township's Fourth Ward, is looking to retain her set and wants your vote.

Get to know her positions below:

Name: Judy Trombetta
Age: 40
Gender: Female
Location/Town: Haverford Township, 4th Ward
Party: Democrat
Campaign website/social media: www.judytrombetta.com

How do you plan to address the needs of the township and its residents while keeping taxes low?

Haverford Township continues to benefit from strong fiscal management, thoughtful long-term planning, and collaboration between staff, leadership, and residents. As Commissioner, I focus responsible budgeting that prioritizes essential services - public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure, and community amenities - while seeking state, federal, and private grant opportunities to offset local costs. Strategic investments, transparency, and efficiency will remain key to maintaining the high quality of life residents expect without unnecessary tax increases.

What are the biggest issues your constituents bring up when discussing life in the township?

When I talk to neighbors, the biggest issues they raise are those that shape their everyday quality of life - traffic congestion, street and sidewalk conditions, and access to safe routes for walking and biking. Along those lines, many also want to see continued investment in our parks, trails, and public spaces, which play a key role in what makes Haverford Township such a connected and livable community.

Neighbors are always eager to hear what’s happening locally, whether it’s a new business opening, a township program, or a community event. I’m proud to share a weekly e-newsletter that keeps residents informed and connected. Those interested can subscribe to receive it directly in their inbox each week.

Residents also care deeply about public safety, sustainability, and responsible development, and they want to see thoughtful planning that maintains our township’s character while meeting future needs. Taxes are, of course, a concern, and residents want to know that township leaders continue managing resources efficiently while delivering the high-quality services they value. Overall, people are proud of our strong sense of community and want to see it continue to thrive through careful planning, transparency, and investment in the things that make Haverford a great place to call home.

What should township leaders do to reduce crime?

Our Board works closely with the department to make certain they have the resources needed to effectively serve and protect residents.

Reducing crime starts with a proactive, community-based approach to policing and continued investment in our Police Department’s staffing, training, and equipment. I’ve consistently supported these investments, ensuring our officers have the tools and resources they need to effectively serve and protect residents.

Just as important, building strong relationships between officers and the community fosters trust and a shared commitment to safety. Programs that engage the community, such as Coffee with a Cop, the Police K-9 Competition, and National Night Out create valuable opportunities for residents to connect with officers in positive, informal settings. These interactions help strengthen mutual understanding and make it easier for community members to share concerns and work together toward solutions.

In addition, we actively build partnerships with neighboring municipalities and strategic partners to share best practices and enhance public safety. One example is our collaboration with Delaware County and Congresswoman Scanlon’s office on a pilot program that deploys mobile crisis teams to assist police in responding to situations involving individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. Through this program, our officers can respond more effectively and compassionately in complex situations.

Together, these efforts not only reduce crime but also promote a stronger, safer, and more connected township.

What can be done to make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter/bike riders, and motorists?

Improving street safety in Haverford Township requires a comprehensive, data-driven approach that considers the needs of everyone who uses our roads. The township has already taken meaningful steps, such as investing in a Safe Streets for All study, which provided actionable recommendations for improving safety through traffic calming measures, enhanced crosswalks, and better signage. We also passed an ordinance requiring sidewalk installation with new land development projects, a key step toward improving pedestrian connectivity across neighborhoods.

Strategic investments in our trail network continue to play a major role in creating safer, more accessible routes for travel. Recent projects like the Pennsy Trail expansion and ongoing work to extend the Darby Creek Trail are examples of how we’re building infrastructure that encourages active transportation while enhancing safety.

We also collaborate closely with county and state partners on broader initiatives, from participating in discussions on Vision Zero Delco to advising on e-scooter legislation, and more. Locally, we’ve worked with our Police Department to enact and enforce safety measures, including an ordinance requiring helmets for e-scooter riders under 16. We paired this with an educational campaign and a community initiative that rewards and positively reinforces safe riding habits among our youth.

While significant progress has been made, our commitment continues. Through community input, thoughtful planning, and targeted investment, we will keep working to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and motorists alike can travel safely and confidently throughout Haverford Township.

What can township leaders do to foster additional small business growth in Haverford Township?

Supporting small businesses starts with reducing barriers to opening and operating within the township. We are actively working to make our policies and procedures more efficient and business-friendly. The ongoing zoning code update will help modernize regulations and make it easier for businesses to start and grow here. At the same time, a parking study is underway in our business districts to identify actionable improvements that will make these areas more accessible and welcoming for customers.

In recent years, Haverford Township has strengthened its partnership with Discover Haverford, our local nonprofit economic development organization, to invest directly in our commercial corridors. Together, we’ve expanded programs that provide tangible support to business owners, such as Revitalization and Modernization matching grants and façade improvement grants - initiatives I’ve helped lead as chair of the Board’s Economic Development Committee. We’ve also worked to enhance the character of our districts through projects like installing planters, bike racks, and other amenities that improve the streetscape and overall experience.

Township leads can also foster growth by promoting community engagement, whether through special events, holiday free parking days, or efforts to highlight local businesses. I personally aim to support our business community by sharing information about local shops, restaurants, and events through my newsletter and social media, helping connect residents to the businesses that make Haverford Township such a vibrant place to live.