Meet Veronica Hill-Milbourne, Incumbent Horsham Township Council Member Seeking Reelection

HORSHAM, PA — As Patch continues its pre-election coverage, we profile Veronica Hill-Milbourne, an incumbent Horsham Township Council member who is seeking to be reelected.

See below her responses to a Patch election questionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

59

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I have raised two daughters in Horsham.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes. Dr. Michael Milbourne is my husband of 36 years and has served as the Coroner of Montgomery County since 2016.

Education

*Bachelors Degree in Nursing, Villanova University, College of Nursing
*Masters Degree in Health Education, St. Joseph's University
*Juris Doctorate, Temple University's Beasley College of Law

Occupation

Registered Nurse and Health Care Executive with over 30 years of progressive home and community based leadership experience.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Horsham Township Council - elected in 2017

Campaign website

www.Horshamdems.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking to serve another term on Horsham Township Council because I am passionate about serving my community and desire to make Horsham an even better place to live, work and thrive.

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

The single most pressing issue facing Horsham Township is the need to sustain our financial and economic development position and this is what I intend to do about it:
* ensure fiscally responsible government
* implement strategies to accelerate business growth and expansion
* promote an affordable housing development strategy

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

As the first and only African American to serve on Horsham Township Council, I bring a uniquely different perspective regarding diversity and inclusion initiatives and opportunities within our community. Also as the only healthcare professional, I bring a knowledge and expertise to the table, focused on public health and safety which is critical during a national pandemic.

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

I have served on Horsham Township Council since 2018 and want to continue my work of serving the community. I have worked collaboratively with other members of Horsham Township Council to ensure that the quality of our drinking water supply measures amongst the highest safety levels in the country. Our real estate tax rates are amongst the lowest in Montgomery County and our municipal services have expanded to offer increased open spaces and walking trails, a new Township Administrative Building, renovated Community Center and expanded staffing of Fire Battalion II.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My 5 campaign strategic priorities for Horsham Township are:
1. Make Horsham an even better place for all to live, work and thrive
2. Ensure fiscally responsible government
3. Accelerate business growth and expansion
4. Ensure safe drinking water
5. Promote affordable housing

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

I have spent the majority of my professional career leading healthcare organizations serving at risk and/or marginalized populations for more than 30 years. The following is a list of a few accomplishments of Horsham Township Council during my term of service as a Councilwoman:
1. maintained one of the lowest township real estate taxes in Montgomery County below 1.3 mil;
2. improved municipal services with the opening of the new Township Administrative Building, renovation of the Township Community Center and increased Battalion II service staffing to a 24/7 operation;
3. increased open parks and recreation spaces offering residents new walking trails, a new Pickle ball court, picnic pavilion and fitness course;
4. continued to ensure the quality of safe drinking water with an average PFAS levels consistently measured at non-detect;
5. increased transparency into local government through the posting of recorded Council meetings;
6. issuances of a Statement Condemning Racism and Discrimination and confirming the township's commitment to equal protection for all Horsham residents
7. increased market growth and expansion with the opening of 85 new businesses
8. approved plans for over 840 new residential units in Horsham
9. secured over $2 million in grant funding for roadway expansion, infrastructure and energy enhancements
10. introduction of business collaboration promoting Horsham as a "Community Connected"

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Those that fail to plan, plan to fail.

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

Although I have held multiple leadership positions throughout my career, my core values stem from a philosophy of "Family First". My most important role was mother and wife. I will focus on putting Horsham families first, so that they have an even better place to live, grow and thrive!