Dougherty, Feder Resign From New Hope Borough Council

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — The New Hope Borough Council this week accepted the resignations of two council members - vice president Louise Feder and member Dan Dougherty.

Feder, who served as liaison to the town's parks and recreation and zoning hearing boards, will end her term on council effective Jan. 31. Dougherty's resignation was effective on Dec. 20. He was serving as liaison to the HARB.

Doughery, of West Ferry Street, was appointed to council eight years ago to replace Bill Scandone. Dougherty graduated from Temple University in 1994 with a degree in actuarial studies, and retired after a career in human resources with Independence Blue Cross.

Louise Feder, of North Main Street, joined council in January 2020 after winning election to a four year term. She won re-election to council in November 2023 and began serving her second term in January 2024 as council's newly-elected vice president. She is a self-employed cultural consultant, writer, and curator.

"Thank you to Dan and to Louise for serving on council," said council member Kelly Whitman. "I've only been on one year and I understand it's a lot of work and a lot of time. It demonstrates a great love for the community and I really appreciate all the work both of you have put in and all the time and effort that has gone into making New Hope the robust community that it is. Thanks so much for all of your work."

Council President Ken Maisel expressed his "personal heartfelt thanks" to Feder for her guidance and help during his first year as council president. "She's been by my side the whole time. I'm going to miss her but she's moving onto to something's that dear to her heart. We will survive but we will miss her."

Maisel also thanked Dougherty for his hard work on council and for "leaving his mark on the borough during a time when there was a lot of activity in this borough."

The Borough Council is currently accepting letters of interest and/or resumes from borough residents interested in a temporary appointment to council. The successful candidates will serve until December 31, 2025.

Letters of interest and/or resumes will be accepted no later than 4 p.m. on Jan. 31 via email
to Peter Gray, Borough Manager, at pgray@newhopeborough.org.

Council will consider the appointment of candidates at the February 18, 2025 Borough Council meeting.