Meet Alex Myers, Running For A Seat On Hatboro Borough Council

HATBORO, PA — Patch continues its pre-election coverage with a profile of Alex Myers, candidate for Borough Council.

See below how Myers responded to a Patch questionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

41

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

None

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, State Representative Nancy Guenst is my mother.

Education

BA from IUP in Theater; 2006. AA from MCCC in Business Management; 2019. Currently pursuing an MA in Psychology from Northcentral University.

Occupation

Political Consultant

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://hatborodems.org/alex/

Why are you seeking elective office?

During this four-year term, I am asking for the responsibility of bringing you the best public services, overseeing several infrastructure projects, continuing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, responsibly managing community growth, and providing transparency and support to you, our business district, and our various community partners. I’m a 3rd-generation Hatboro resident and an Army veteran that honorably served as a Korean linguist. I previously served one term on Borough Council’s vacancy board, I am an active member of Hatboro Rotary, and I am currently serving as the president of the Elm Street Philanthropic Board. I have volunteered around town with HAT Packs, The Union Library, the Hatboro Fall Festival, and as an EMT-B with Second Alarmers Rescue Squad. I work as a political consultant and volunteer as a Toys for Tots campaign coordinator and notary public.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Oversight and enforcement of our stormwater management and drainage codes remain essential as we identify opportunities to convert existing impermeable surface areas to permeable within our business districts. Identifying grant opportunities for improvements is paramount to keeping the financial burden of these expenses from our various taxpayers. Flexibility in our lawn maintenance requirements should also be explored as summer heat, and annual rainfall will continue to rise, and higher vegetation growth can work to absorb and filter runoff.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe we all have the best interests of the Borough in mind and would enjoy a debate on this topic.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

If elected, I would be the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Hatboro Council. 34% of Pennsylvania's municipalities have enacted LGBTQ+ protections in housing, employment, and public accommodations while waiting for HB300 to come up for a vote in Harrisburg and while waiting for The Equality Act to become Federal law. Hatboro enacted its version of these protections in 2018, and I fully support their leadership in this action. As someone who directly experienced employment discrimination when I was honorably discharged under the since repealed "Don't' Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I have seen firsthand the lingering effects that discriminatory practices can take. As the first open member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve on Hatboro Council, I look forward to opportunities to facilitate education and understanding as an elected official.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

No Response

The best advice ever shared with me was:

No Response

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

A recent survey attached to the Hatboro 2040 Comprehensive Plan also asked residents for their priorities with future community growth, with "Historic Preservation" coming in first. The current Council, the Historical Commission, the Planning Commission, and the Montgomery County Planning Commission and staff have been working to bring a Historic Overlay Ordinance to both protect our historic properties and preserve our history for years to come as we continue to grow. I look forward to continuing this effort and other efforts that directly address the needs of our residents.