Election 2025: Todd McGonigal For Newtown Township Supervisor

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 who submits a profile.

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Four candidates are vying for two open, six-year seats on the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors in the General Election.

The candidates - Democrats Ed Merriman and Melissa Merk and Republicans Valerie Mihalek and Todd McGonigal - have stepped forward to serve on the township's governing board.

Biological Information

Name: Todd McGonigal
Age: 38
Town of residence: Newtown Township
Position sought: Newtown Township Supervisor
What Towns Does Your Position Cover: Newtown Township
Party Affiliation: Republican
Family: Wife and 2 young boys, baby girl due in the Spring
Education: Towson University: Accounting/Business Administration
Occupation: Business Owner

Questions

1. Why are you running for supervisor? If elected, what will you bring to the table?

As a husband, father, and local business owner, I am running for Newtown Township Supervisor because I believe our community deserves open, transparent government, smarter land development that adheres to our zoning laws, and a more welcoming environment for small, family-run businesses. I want to ensure that decisions are made with accountability, common sense, and most importantly the long-term interest of our residents in mind. I bring practical business experience, strong budgeting and management skills, and a commitment to creating a Newtown that is both family and business friendly. I have firsthand experience with the challenges that families and employers face, and I am ready to bring that real-world perspective to our township leadership, focusing on responsible growth, fiscal discipline, and keeping our community a great place to live and work.

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

Transparency and Accountability. Newtown residents deserve open communication and honest decision-making from our township officials. I will work to make township operations more transparent by improving public access to information, encouraging citizen input at local meetings, and ensuring that decisions are discussed and made in accordance with the Sunshine Laws, not behind closed doors. We deserve more oversight within our local committees and authorities.

Overdevelopment and Smart Growth. Our township’s growth should be managed carefully to protect our character, environment, and infrastructure. I will advocate for smarter land-use planning that prioritizes our rural and residential areas, and balances any new development with the needs of our current residents over developers and corporations.

Business-Minded Leadership. Too often, local government decisions are made without considering their impact on small businesses and job creation. As a business owner, I understand how restrictive policies can slow growth and hurt small family-owned businesses. I will work to make our township more business-friendly by streamlining processes, cutting unnecessary red tape, and encouraging responsible local investments that benefit the entire community.

3. What are your ideas for improving Newtown Township?

If elected Township Supervisor, I would focus on collaboration, safety, and community engagement. I’d like to work closely with the different HOA boards to identify and address issues that matter most to our neighborhoods. We see what is happening with the parking situation in Newtown Gate, and the traffic flow issues stemming from the newer developments along the bypass and Durham Road. Our residents deserve to be heard and to help them find the most efficient solutions. I also want to continue making Newtown a more walkable town by adding crosswalks where needed, improving lighting, and enhancing pedestrian safety. Finally, I’d like to help organize more community events, like our Welcome Day, to bring residents together, strengthen our sense of community, and highlight our local businesses.