Candidate Profile 2021: Amy Lustig, Newtown Borough Councilor

NEWTOWN, PA — Amy Lustig, a high school English teacher and jewelry designer, is a Democrat running for the position on the Newtown Borough Council out of Ward 1.

Lustig says she will focus on community building and making the Borough an even better place to live. Changes to borough infrastructure and modernization of the area will be main priorities for Lustig, as she wants to improve the area she knows so well. She is running with fellow Democrat Emily Heinz.

If elected, this would be Lustig's first elected or appointed office.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

Here's Lustig's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

48

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

Husband Jake, three children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Lehigh University (BA, English)
College of New Jersey (MAT, Secondary English Education)
Temple University (continuing masters credits, Urban Education/Social Justice & Community Organizing)

Occupation

High school English teacher and tutor (10 years)
Small business owner/jewelry designer (7 years)
Bookseller (4 years)
Workforce Development Director and high school equivalency tutor (4.5 years, first as a volunteer and then as an employee)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

www.leadersfornewtownboro.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for Newtown Borough Council, Ward One to be an active part of encouraging engagement in our historic town and in making the borough a safe, inclusive, vibrant environment for both residents and visitors alike. My primary interests lie in community building and participation and in bolstering an infrastructure that safely supports all those using our roads, sidewalks, and green spaces, particularly those enjoying the borough on foot and on bike. In a town like Newtown, I believe that balancing an appreciation for historic tradition with the awareness that change is essential for present and future prosperity is pivotal to the borough’s vitality.

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

With its dynamic business district, parks, and easy access to major roads, historic Newtown Borough attracts many people to the area. Borough roads were not designed to accommodate a steady flow of vehicular traffic alongside pedestrians and cyclists, and therefore, dangerous conditions are often present when navigating on foot and on bike. Addressing these issues will require creative ways to adapt limited space, such as balancing street spaces, developing pedestrian zones, and making crosswalks more visible.
community engagement and clear communication are essential for a town to thrive.

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

At the onset of our campaign, my running mate Emily Heinz and I decided we would focus our message on what we can and want to do and not comment on other candidates. In a town as small as Newtown Borough, where we are all neighbors and friends, respect for one another and our shared love for our town are the priority.

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

I'm running for an open seat.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Newtown Borough is filled with people with diverse talents and passion for our small community. Through improved and diversified digital communication and access, I will be able to invite residents to more fully participate in borough activities and topics. I would also like to bring more diversified voices into the conversation about how the borough can best serve everyone, including teens, young adults, and groups that have limited representation in borough activities and discussions.