Candidate Profile 2021: Julia W. Woldorf, Borough Councilor

NEWTOWN, PA — Julia W. Woldorf, a Bucks County physical therapist, is a Democrat seeking reelection for the position of Newtown Borough Councilor out of Ward 2.

Woldorf has lived in Newtown since 1977, and has served as the Council Vice President since 2020, as well as serving as president of the Council from 2010 to 2011. She has obtained over $500,000 for Borough projects throughout her career. One of her main priorities if reelected will be to retain the small-town charm of Newtown for residents and visitors alike.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

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

Age (as of Election Day)

71

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband Warren and I have lived in Newtown since 1977 and raised our daughter here.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband is a volunteer member of the Borough's Building Codes Board of Appeals.

Education

BA Biology, Swarthmore College; Master of Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania; Certificate of Proficiency in Physical Therapy, University of Pennsylvania.

Occupation

Physical Therapist, 48 yrs.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Borough Councilor 2008-2011, and 2018 to present.

Campaign website

LeadersforNewtownBoro.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue the work I am currently doing for the Borough to make Newtown the best it's ever been.

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

The top issue facing Newtown is how to retain its highly-valued walkable small historic town atmosphere, while maintaining good fiscal health. As the Borough updates its Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Plan, ordinances, and plans for infrastructure improvements, I intend to be focused on goals that support a thriving business district, maintain the integrity of historic resources, encourage the availability of a variety of housing stock, provide services for residents of all ages, preserve parks and open space, and ensure public safety.

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

I bring experience of having served 2 terms on Council, including 2 years as council president and 4 years as vice president. I have particular interest and knowledge in zoning, subdivision and land development, and storm water management requirements, writing ordinances, and applying for grant funding. I am the Council liaison to the zoning department, the Environmental Advisory Council, and the Human Relations Commission. As a member of Council, I continue to attend trainings to refresh and upgrade my knowledge in a variety of areas of Borough government.

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

N/a

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am focused not only on solving issues currently before the Borough, but also on preparing for our town's future.

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

To date, I have obtained over $500,000 in grants and donations for Borough projects. I recently managed the update of all the Borough’s ordinances and publication of the entire code on the Borough website. I oversaw the planning, funding, design and construction of the restoration of the Newtown Common which received the 2019 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence; and I am currently overseeing the planning, funding, and design of the new Patriots Park on Court Street.

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

In addition to my duties on Borough Council, I am a charter member and past president of the non-profit Newtown Creek Coalition. For the past 9 years, I've also been an IRS-trained VITA volunteer tax preparer with the Bucks County Opportunity Council. In this capacity, I've assisted low-income county residents with preparation of their federal, state, and local tax returns.