Elizabeth Romaine: Media Borough Council Candidate

MEDIA, PA — Voters will soon be heading to the ballot box in the 2025 municipal election when they will make their voices heard on Nov. 4.

Below is a candidate profile of Elizabeth Romaine, who wants you vote for reelection to the Media Borough Council:

Name: Elizabeth Romaine
Age: 44
Gender: Female
Location/Town: Media Borough
Party: Democrat
Campaign website/social media: mediadems.com

How do you plan to address the needs of the borough and its residents while keeping taxes low?

As with any community, Media’s finances are under pressure from rising costs and from nearby municipalities that are considering an Earned Income Tax. Our property tax rate is lower than many of our neighbors, which helps support our goal to keep Media an affordable place to live. As Finance Chair, I’ve been proud to keep Borough property tax rates flat for the past two years. While no one can promise this will always be possible as economic conditions are continuously changing, I believe strongly in prioritizing the services that matter most to residents—public safety, sustainability initiatives and maintaining our infrastructure—while running local government as efficiently as possible to minimize costs. Media Borough has historically provided excellent services for reasonable taxes, and I intend to keep it that way.

What are the biggest issues your constituents bring up when discussing life in the borough?

Affordability is a consistent concern, particularly around housing. Residents also want to make sure our downtown remains vibrant, with few empty storefronts and thriving local businesses. Another strength of our community is the dedicated group of residents who continually raise awareness and advocate for sustainability and environmental initiatives, which has led to several policy successes like the creation and improvement of green spaces. These are conversations I value deeply, because they reflect both the challenges and the opportunities we face together as a borough.

How can the borough work to reduce crime?

Media is fortunate to be a very safe community. We have an excellent police department, and I was proud to be part of the Council that appointed our new Chief of Police and hired several outstanding officers. The biggest public safety issue we hear from residents is actually traffic and pedestrian safety, which is why we’ve implemented multiple traffic-calming measures throughout the town. Our approach is focused on prevention and building strong community connections, which helps keep Media a safe and welcoming place for all.

Do you feel the borough should continue in the direction led by Mayor Bob McMahon for more than 30 years?

Mayor McMahon has been a tremendous part of Media’s success story. His vision and leadership helped shape the economic development that continues to make our borough a vibrant destination—bringing in businesses like Trader Joe’s and Spasso and the relocation of the library, which contribute to both our economy and our quality of life. As liaison to the Media Business Authority, I share that commitment to strengthening our business district, supporting existing businesses, and attracting new ones. Continuing to build on Mayor McMahon’s legacy is essential to keeping Media the lively and connected community our residents value.

What can township leaders do to foster additional small business growth in Media Borough?

Supporting small businesses requires more than just filling storefronts—it’s about creating the conditions where entrepreneurs can succeed long term. That means maintaining a walkable, attractive main street; investing in infrastructure like parking and streetscapes; streamlining permitting and approvals; and ensuring business owners feel like partners in our community’s success. Through the Media Business Authority, we work closely with shop owners and restaurateurs to promote events, drive foot traffic, and connect businesses with resources. I believe Borough leaders can continue to expand those efforts by listening directly to small business owners, reducing unnecessary barriers and promoting Media as a destination for both residents and visitors.