Candidate Profile 2021: Elen Snyder, Newtown Township Supervisor

NEWTOWN, PA — Elen Snyder, a lighting designer and local environmental activist, is a Democrat running for the two-year term of Supervisor for Newtown Township.

Snyder has served as a Parliamentarian for Newtown Democrats and serves on the township’s Environmental Advisory Council. She is running alongside David Oxley, who is running for the six-year term of Supervisor for Newtown Township.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

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

Age (as of Election Day)

64

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Two adult children ages 31 and 28

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

2 year community college

Occupation

Lighting Design 40 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Parliamentarian for Newtown Democrats and committee person for district 6

Campaign website

Elensnyderforsupervisor.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’m dedicated to the betterment of Newtown Township, a place I live and love.

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

We need to bring our township into the future by addressing environmental issues such as renewable energy and green infrastructure. We have to stop overbuilding and protect our parks and open space to maintain our quality of life. This is ONE of the most pressing issues we all face. Climate change effects small towns to big cities everywhere.

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

The biggest difference between my opponent and myself is experience. I’m a member of the EAC(Environmental Advisory Committee) that reports to the supervisors and I’m knowledgeable about all facets of our local government. I strive to attend meetings of many of our committees and will be able to hit the ground running from day 1.

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

Im not a challenger. I’m running for an open seat.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Newtown has the lowest taxes of the surrounding areas and I’d like to keep it that way. Also, we need a revitalization and rezoning of some areas to attract new businesses to put Newtown on sound financial footing while preserving the historic nature of our town and helping our local businesses thrive. Our roads aren’t in good shape in many areas…we need to repair additional roadways in a timely fashion.

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

I’m vice chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee, an executive board member of the Newtown Democrats and a committee person. I’ve held campaign positions in local and national elections and I’ve done extensive voter registration drives. I’m the founder of Friends of Roberts Ridge Park…organizing the community to save our open space for recreational purposes.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen to the community and be a champion for your neighbors

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

We need better communication between our local government and our citizens. Our township needs to modernize our online and social media tools to keep our neighbors informed. I’ll make it a priority to make sure our government website is easier to navigate. I’m a lover of the myriad of Bucks County trails. My dog Nikki and I love to explore them all. Nikki is a comfort dog that helps sick children…that’s a ‘job’ we both love.