Election 2025: Gary Blickley For Hatboro Council

Candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

HATBORO, PA — Gary Blickley is running for a seat on the Hatboro Borough Council in the Nov. 4 general election.

Blickley, a Republican, is among the candidates seeking four-year terms on the seven-member council.

There is also a mayoral race between Mayor Tim Schultz and Republican challenger Tom Rafferty.

A battle is also on the ballot for a two-year term, with GOP challenger Alec Shaffer facing off against Democratic incumbent Councilwoman Amanda Jacobus.

Republican council challengers are Diane Saraceni, Dolores A. Roberto, Gary Blickley, and Abigail Laurich. They are trying to unseat Council members Don Hoover, Jennifer Hendrickson, Alex Myers, and Council President George Bollendorf.

Biographical Information

• Name: Gary Blickley
• Age: 62
• Town of Residence: Hatboro Borough for 30-plus years
• Position sought: Hatboro Borough Council
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Hatboro Borough
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Two adult children and lifelong partner
• Education: West Chester University & Drexel University
• Occupation: Retired from Healthcare, Communications, and Aerospace

Candidate Questions

1. How do you feel about the borough's future development?

I’m optimistic about Hatboro’s future, but our small-town development must be guided by thoughtful planning and fiscal responsibility. Growth should enhance what makes Hatboro special — our small-town charm and strong sense of community. With smart, sustainable projects and open communication, we can attract the right kind of development — progress that strengthens our community, respects our character, and keeps residents informed and engaged every step of the way.

2. What are your thoughts on political violence in the country?

Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. Our democracy depends on respect, the rule of law, and peaceful disagreement. When violence replaces dialogue, we all lose. Disagreement is healthy — it’s part of democracy — but it must never cross into violence. True leadership means setting that example through words, actions, and accountability.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing the borough?

One of the biggest challenges facing Hatboro’s future is finding the right balance between growth and preservation. We need to make Hatboro more business-friendly — encouraging local investment and revitalization — while stopping out-of-control spending that burdens taxpayers.

At the same time, the borough's government must become more transparent and accessible so residents can clearly see how decisions are made and where their money goes.

Above all, we must protect Hatboro’s small-town character — the sense of community, walkability, and local pride that makes our borough unique. Smart, responsible growth paired with accountability and transparency will keep Hatboro strong for generations to come.