BIRDSBORO >> There is a full slate of candidates for borough council in this year’s election.
Republican Anthony Scioli is challenging incumbent Democrat Joseph Peterson for mayor.
Scioli is also one of three Republicans seeking one of three open seats on Birdsboro Borough Council. The other Republicans are George A. Walker and Jonathan Barnes.
The three Democrats running for council seats are Mary Ann Cotter, and incumbents Robert M. Myers and Cindy McGee.
In his response to Digital First Media’s candidate questionnaire, Scioli, 55, wrote he decided to run because “we need change and transparency in Birdsboro. The council and mayor have lost sight this is the people’s government.”
A retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel of 30 years, Scioli’s last position was army emergency preparedness liaison officer for New Jersey. He is currently a sales manager and holds a bachelor’s degree.
“As mayor, besides oversight of law enforcement we need to improve our emergency preparedness plans and training. We do not want to wait until we have a disaster to execute the plan. On Council I would rescind Birdsboro Ordinance 469 Regulating the Disposal and Collection of Refuse. (Requiring all trash haulers to go to Pioneer Crossing Landfill),” he wrote. “I believe in the free market and government not deciding what is best for the people. We need transparency and open communication.”
In her candidate response, Cotter, 66, wrote that “being the voice of the people, not special interests, is my priority. If elected to borough council, I will endeavor to support the free enterprise system and to ensure that all local businesses have a level, competitive playing field,” she wrote. “I promise to restore civility and respect to council meetings and reject bullying. I will work to stop irresponsible spending on nonessential goods and services.”
A retired teacher, Cotter has also served as a judge of elections, majority inspector, and alternate on the zoning board.
None of the remaining candidates submitted a response to Digital First Media’s candidate questionnaire.
