Meet Tom Rafferty, A Candidate For A Seat On The Hatboro Borough Council

HATBORO, PA — Patch continues its pre-election coverage with a profile on Tom Rafferty, a candidate for Borough Council.

See below Rafferty's responses to a Patch candidate questionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

51

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Two children, ages 14 and 12

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I work for the State of New Jersey

Education

Virginia Tech 1993 B.A. Geography

Occupation

Emergency Manager, 21 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://www.hatborogop.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

Community service is strong with me. I coach youth soccer, serve in local Rotary and Moose clubs, lector at my church. I welcome the opportunity and challenge to serve the Boro on council.

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

Keeping our small town character while managing population and economic growth is a key issue for Council. We have a Main Street, historic buildings, and a train station as focal points of the Boro. Our citizens live in single and multi-family homes, high rise towers, above stores, and in factories converted to condos. Businesses include small shops, restaurants, bars, industrial, medical, and professional services. In short, a vibrant community.

To maintain this our zoning code should be reviewed and strengthened. We have a cluster of buildings that could be turned into an historic district. Is this the right location for a gas station or are there better options? We have a walkable Main Street. Is this the right location for high rises or are there better options? Growth is necessary to any town’s survival; smart growth is welcome. Managing our growth so that we continue to have a sense of place instead of just another suburb is key.

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

The current council is 7-0 democrat. Intentionally or not, one party rule makes it easy to screen out those who have alternate points of view. Being Republican, I'll present alternate viewpoints.

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

No Response

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

No Response

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

During my 21 years in emergency management at the state level, I have worked with political and community leaders of both parties respond to and recover from major disasters. I have listened to the community needs. I have reached consensus with the political desires. I have been a part of joint solutions to the most pressing concerns in a high stress, time sensitive environment. These are similar skills that one needs to be a good Councilman.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

No Response

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

No Response