Election 2025: Nicole Rodowicz For Newtown Borough Mayor

Candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Two candidates are running for the position of mayor in Newtown Borough.

Voters are being asked to pick between Democrat Tara Grunde-McLaughlin and Independent Nicole Rodowicz. Both are former members of the Newtown Borough Council.

Whoever wins the race will replace Republican Mayor John Burke, who decided not to run for re-election.

Biological Information

Name: Nicole Rodowicz
Age: 46
Town of residence: Newtown Borough
Position sought: Mayor
What Towns Does Your Position Cover: Newtown Borough
Party Affiliation: Independent
Family: Husband Bob Rodowicz, 4 Boys; Tyler (20), Owen (17), Kellan (15), and Eagan
(15)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of
Pittsburgh, majoring in Finance
Occupation: Project Coordinator

Questions

1. Why are you running for mayor?

I am running for mayor because I have seen our little borough change for the worse over the last four years since I left council in 2021. There have been physical changes to our parks and downtown district. Ron Fesmire, who used to maintain our community parks and public lands, was replaced by a large landscaping company that is unable to give the borough the TLC that it needs and deserves. In addition, the reason why I joined the race late as a “write-in” candidate was due to the lack of concern given to the business owners on South State Street when PECO announced in March construction that would take place over the summer and would continue through to an unknown time, maybe into the spring. Our business district is the heart of our borough. Without the art, culture, retail, food and spirits, we are just another few blocks in Bucks County.

If elected, what will you bring to the table?

Communication is key. If I am elected mayor, I will bring back problem-solving to the borough, and I will do that by making the community feel comfortable again to openly discuss problems. When you are appearing in front of the council with a new development, an event, a sign for your business, or an addition to your home, it doesn't need to be contentious. I would try to be more diplomatic.

2. What are your top priorities and how do you plan to address them?

Newtown Borough State Street: Because we are such an amazing town, we already have multiple volunteer organizations and non-profits that are established. I propose that we bring together the Newtown Walk Friendly Committee, the Shade Tree Commission, the Newtown Experience, the borough police and the mayor to start working together to form a group called “Borough Center Coalition.” By joining together our experiences and talents, we will be able to come up with a set plan on how to deal with the immediate hurdles of today and also come up with a forward-thinking plan for the future.

The Chancellor Center: This is a gem of a building sitting in the middle of Newtown Borough. The school district is at odds with what they need to do while spending their taxpayer funds appropriately. There are agreements made in the late 1940s when there was a consolidation of four municipalities. Where is Newtown Borough in that conversation? I would like to address this issue by working with state representatives to get permission to view the archives of the state Department of Education.

Fire Services: Since we are a small borough, we rely on the Newtown Fire Association and the Newtown Township Emergency Services Department to keep us safe. These men and women serve our community with care and they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. I would address the current ongoing issues by developing a good working relationship between all parties. As mayor, I would offer community engagement events in person or online. By implementing this strategy, we could create an environment where all parties feel heard and trusted.

3. As mayor, you are the liaison to the police department. Do you have any ideas for improving
safety in the borough?

I am a project coordinator with TMA Bucks, a non-profit organization that provides leadership and advocacy for transportation management services and solutions in Bucks County. We, among other things, improve transportation by fostering partnerships among state, county, local governments, and the Bucks County business community. I am thinking consistently about how to establish safe and convenient multi-model transportation for municipalities. I have the knowledge and energy to work together with the borough police and the Walk Friendly Newtown Committee to continue to make pedestrian safety and infrastructure improvements a priority.

4. As the town’s chief cheerleader, what are your plans for improving the town and enhancing
the business district?

This past spring, I co-founded The Newtown Experience, and you can now visit our website at www.thenewtownexperience.org . We are a non-profit that exists to celebrate Newtown’s rich history, create and promote local events, build community, and further the town’s collective culture. We hosted the first-ever “PorchStock” this fall. It was a huge success that brought folks to our businesses all along State Street. We are also a one-stop shop on social media for all things Newtown Borough.