Hatboro Mayor Unfazed by Dem Challenger

Saying, "I don’t plan on losing. I think most people are hapy with the job I’ve done," Hatboro Mayor Norm Hawkes shares his accomplishments and what he hopes to achieve if he is elected to a third term. 

Hawkes, 74, a former gym teacher and retired school administrator, moved to Hatboro in 1976. He is finishing his second four-year term as mayor and is facing a challenge in the primary from Democratic newcomer Bill Godshall. The Hatboro Democratic Committee has endorsed Godshall for the post, but Hawkes said he isn't worried. 

"I ran un-endorsed the last time so it’s nothing new," he said, adding that during the last election he was listed on the Democrat and Republican ballot. "I’m a mayor for all the people."

An avid walker frequently accompanied by his dog, Hurricane, around town, Hawkes said improving pedestrian safety will remain one of his primary objectives, along with continuing to "monitor what is happening with the police station." Hatboro officials heard from an architect in February who suggested that the borough renovate rather than replace its aging facilities, including the 50-year-old police station.

While Hawkes said the police building is "structurally fine," he said, "it could stand a lot of improvement."

Patch: Why are you running for another term as mayor?

Hawkes: "I feel I enjoy the job, number 1 and, number 2, I’ve had a lot of people tell me I’ve done a good job so I’d like to continue it."

Patch: What do you hope to achieve if re-elected?

Hawkes: "I’ve always tried to work on safety issues, for example pedestrian safety." 

Patch: Which accomplishments are you most proud of?

Hawkes: Helping to lower the speed limit to 25 miles per hour from Daddypops to County Line Road; putting forth a sexual predator ordinance (which has since been repealed); obtaining a speed display device which police use on York, Horsham and Jacksonville roads to monitor the speed of passing vehicles; establishing an open container ordinance: "(Before the ordinance) people could come into Hatboro and sit or stand around in Hatboro with open containers of alcohol."

In the fall of his first year as mayor, Hawkes said he enacted an informal "walk with the mayor," in which residents could walk along with him and his dog and bring any issues to his attention. 

"I haven’t had any requests lately. But I’m very visible in Hatboro," Hawkes said. "That’s one of my stronger attributes. I do walk around Hatboro, I’m a walker, so people do have access to me."

Hawkes, who is one of more than 700 Mayors Against Illegal Guns, also tried to encourage the borough council to pass a lost and stolen gun resolution "for the safety of residents and the police department," which would entail letting law enforcement know as soon as possible if an individual's gun had been either lost or stolen. 

Patch: What do you see as the big issues in town–and how would you work to address them?

Hawkes: "Mayors are kind of limited in Pennsylvania. We don’t really get to vote on issues." In his seven years as mayor, Hawkes said he has only voted "twice at the most" to break a tie. 

Still, he said maintaining the level of services while keeping tax rates "as low as possible" is always a concern. 

He also cited an "active chamber of commerce and an active Main Street manager" as helping to move Hatboro forward. "Things are coming along. We are picking up more businesses in Hatboro and hopefully that will continue." 

Patch: What’s your stance on the anti-discrimination ordinance that you previously vetoed? If that matter were to be approved again, would you veto it?

Hawkes: "My position always was that I didn't feel that anyone should be discriminated against, but it should be handled on a state level."

He said Hatboro does not have the "expertise or resources to get involved" and said his veto was not prompted by "religious or moral reasons."  

"In my seven years as mayor, I’ve never had anyone tell me they’ve been discimrinated against in Hatboro." 

Patch: Since the mayor only votes in the event of a tie, what would you say are the most important aspects of the position?

Hawkes: "The mayors are in charge of the police department. The chief and I have a very good working relationship. I think that’s very important."