Election 2025: Tom Rafferty For Hatboro Mayor

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 — Tom Rafferty is running for mayor in the Nov. 4 general election.

Rafferty, a Republican, is facing Mayor Tim Schultz, a Democrat, for a four-year term as mayor of the borough of 8,200 residents.

There are also races for Hatboro Borough Council.

Republican challengers are Diane Saraceni, Dolores A. Roberto, Gary Blickley, and Abigail Laurich are trying to unseat Council members Don Hoover, Jennifer Hendrickson, Alex Myers, and Council President George Bollendorf for four-year terms on the seven-member council.

Another council seat features two candidates running for a two-year term between Democratic incumbent Amanda Jacobus and GOP challenger Alec Shaffer.

Biographical Information

• Name: Tom Rafferty
• Age: 55
• Town of Residence: Hatboro
• Position sought: Hatboro Borough Mayor
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Hatboro Borough
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Two children, ages 18 and 16, plus my long-time girlfriend
• Education: BA. Geography, Virginia Tech 1993
• Occupation: GIS Supervisor, N.J. Department of Transportation

Candidate Questions

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

Any future residential development must include sufficient parking. Every business owner I’ve spoken with has emphasized that most of their customers come from outside Hatboro rather than from within the borough. While the new apartments will hopefully boost foot traffic along York Road, we must ensure there is adequate public parking to accommodate visitors who come to town to support our local businesses.

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

It is wrong and must stop. We have an obligation to do better.

3. What are the biggest challenges facing the borough?

It’s time to stop the Democrats’ spending spree. Under their watch, taxes have skyrocketed 29 percent. They’ve even turned trash collection — something once included in our property taxes—into a separate flat fee that hits lower-income homeowners the hardest.

Residents tell me permit fees are up. Business owners tell me inspection costs have outpaced inflation. Everywhere you look, this administration is taking more from hardworking families and small businesses.

Hatboro doesn’t have a revenue problem — it has a spending problem. Every new fee and tax hike means less money in your pocket and less money spent at our local shops and restaurants. It’s time for fiscal responsibility and common sense back in Borough Hall.