As it happens, the Borough web site finally has started to post some of the past council meeting minutes in which budgeting and public safety were contentious issues. Our next interview of a candidate for Borough Council, indicates that he would like to improve on the current council’s performance in these areas.

Meet Bob Leary:

Your Background:

How long have you lived in the borough?

Since 1991

Do you have any kids?

3 children, grown and married blessing us with 8 grandchildren.

What kind of work experience do you have?

I served 4 years in US Army, I have worked for my current employer for over 30 years. I have also served our community for over 15 years as a volunteer EMT and Paramedic.

What experience do you have that is relevant to serving on council?

I served 7 years as both a operations officer and member of board of directors of VMSC Narberth.

What it the first music record you ever bought?

The Knack: Get the Knack

Tell us something about yourself that others may be surprised to know about you.

I enjoy Off-roading. I am involved with several local Jeep clubs that are involved with fund raising mostly for First Responder, Veteran and Breast Cancer charities. We also collect non-perishables for annual Phil-A-abundance donation.

Your Outlook:

Who or what has had a big impact on your leadership style?

Both my paternal Grandparents and maternal Grandfather.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure who would you pick?

Ronald Reagan

What is something you learned in the last week?

You CAN teach an old dog NEW tricks.

Thoughts on politics:

What is your favorite quote that reflects how you feel about government?

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and Philosophy. – John Adams

What is your favorite website for political information?

Political websites tend to offer points of view skewed to the operators point of view. I prefer to research the facts and multiple points of view before forming my own opinions.

What does it mean to you to be a Republican?

Smaller government with greater individual freedom

Who is your favorite president?

Abraham Lincoln

Thoughts on West Conshy:

What do you like most about living in the borough?

The central location and small town feeling.

What do you think is the most over looked problem in the borough?

Traffic on the main throughways and on the small residential streets. This is a issue that has been kicked down the road for years. It is also compounded regularly by the addition of large office buildings adding to already stressed infrastructure.

What are the biggest opportunities for the borough in the next five years?

To create a close knit community that is more than a hub for transients and traffic.

What do you think can be done to get residents more involved in local government?

I would like to see more support for Parks & Recreation and programs for seniors in the borough.

Thoughts on borough council:

Why do you want to be on the borough council?

I am running for council because I am not happy with the direction the current council is moving the borough.

What has the council done well that you would like to see more of?

They have done well with the Parks program and Streets department, they have also handled zoning issues well.

What do you think is the biggest failing of the current council and how would you correct it?

I think the biggest failure of the current council is their attitude towards public safety and the individuals both career and volunteer that work hard to keep our borough safe.

What particular issue do you care most about and want to get on the council agenda?

Public Safety is my pet peeve. The number one responsibility of any government is the safety of its citizens.

What can the council do to improve communications with the borough residents?

I would like to see a regular newsletter as well as council and committee minutes and agenda posted on webpage and or emailed to interested citizens in a timely matter.

What can the borough do better to support small business?

I would like to see more retail space in town.

What can the borough do to improve public safety?

Solve the traffic issues. The gridlock on our streets impedes the movement of police, fire and EMS vehicles.

What advice would you give someone who is running for council for the first time?

This being my first attempt, I will pass on this question