John Mack - Newtown Supervisor
Meet the 8 Applicants Vying to Fill the Vacancy on the Newtown Board of Supervisors

Meet the 8 Applicants Vying to Fill the Vacancy on the Newtown Board of Supervisors

As reported previously (here), Supervisor Jen Dix resigned her position on the Newtown Board of Supervisors effective June 30, 2018 and the Supervisors have until July 30, 2018, to appoint someone to fill the position. The person appointed will serve as a member of the Board of Supervisors until the reorganization meeting in January 2020.

The deadline for accepting letters of interest and resumes was 4:30 PM on Monday, July 2, 2018. The Town received letters of interest and resumes from eight people interested in being appointed to fill the vacancy. The applicants will be interviewed by the Board at a special public meeting on July 18, 2018, beginning at 5:00 pm.

Meet the Applicants

Presented in the order of their scheduled appearance before the Board:

Kierstyn Zolfo

Interview time slot: 5:00-5:15 pm

Excerpt from letter of interest: My husband and I moved to Newtown Township in 2005. Shortly after moving here I began part time work in an administrative/technical role for a law firm that exclusively handles cases helping disabled people get Social Security benefits. This task has given me a facility with understanding technical and legal text and conveying the crux of the issue presented in a manner designed for quick comprehension. I would imagine there is some translation between this task at my place of employment, and the Board's work reading through proposed development plans, ordinances and resolutions.

I had always hoped to find some way to serve our community that would best utilize my skills and experience.

John D’Aprile

Interview time slot: 5:30-5:45 pm

Excerpt from letter of interest: You all know me, I come to MOST meetings, I am up on all current actions of the Board, and would not miss a step in communicating with the other members. In brief here are my Qualifications:

  • President of my HOA cluster, Ravens View II
  • Member of Newtown Grant Master Board
  • Vice-Chairman Newtown Township Veterans Committee
Joe McAtee

Interview time slot: 6:00-6:15 pm

Excerpt from letter of interest: Because of my affinity for this town, I've recently made it a point to become a consistent attendee of the Board of Supervisor meetings. Since I've been attending these meetings, I am consistently struck at just how important and engaged the board is in the vitality of our community. Knowing what I can bring to the betterment and sustainability of our town, it would be my passion, and my privilege, to give back to the community and serve on the Board of Supervisors.

As a Computer Engineer, who has worked the last 10 years in finance, my profession has trained me to solve problems, analyze data and improve outcomes.

Jo Vlastaris

Interview time slot: 6:30-6:45 pm

Excerpt from letter of interest: I have been a Newtown resident for the past 10 years, and have been a member of the Technology Committee for the past 3 years. I currently chair the Technology Committee.

I am very keen on contributing to initiatives that would continue to make Newtown a great place to live while weighing in residents' concerns. I am fair, considerate, level headed, analytical, thorough, and can reach decisions after carefully collecting data and evaluating possible outcomes.

Ben Connolly

Interview time slot: 7:00-7:15 pm

Excerpt from letter of interest: Are you looking for a Township Supervisor with:

  • Knowledge of the latest technology?
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills?
  • A passion to learn and to increase his skills?

If so, then you need to look no further. You will see from my enclosed resume that I meet all of these qualifications and more.

The current President… has challenged existing forms of political communications. I am seeking a position to enable a response to that challenge. Change is a constant. We the people need to become smarter not just about what we message but how that message is delivered. We have the tools. There is a line in the Declaration of Independence that roughly translates to mean that those who have the ability to act have a responsibility to act.

Jerry Festa

Interview time slot: 7:30-7:45 pm

Excerpt from letter of interest: NA

Dennis Fisher

Interview time slot: 8:00-8:15 pm

Excerpt from letter of interest: I believe I am uniquely qualified to seek and be granted the appointment to the open seat on the Township Board of Supervisors. I have served the Township for more than a decade as a member of the Planning Commission since 2006. I was also a member to the Environmental Advisory Council since 2015 (as well as PC liaison to the EAC from 2006 to 2015). Since 2007 when I ran for election as Supervisor, I have maintained an interest in the township financial status and I have reviewed township budgets annually. I have been active (on an ad hoc basis) with a core group of the Swamp Road Residents Group to monitor Penndot activity on Swamp Road. Additionally, I was elected Township-wide, as Auditor in 2017.

Gerry Couch

Interview time slot: 8:30-8:45 pm

Excerpt from letter of interest: 

I have recent experience as a Town Supervisor and worked well with Jen when we both served for nearly two years [during which I]

  • [helped improve the] Township’s relationship with Newtown Volunteer Fire Dept with the help of Supervisor Dix.
  • worked on Brixmore redevelopment at Eagle Road with the board to assure a great outcome.
  • worked with residents and developer to attempt to resolve development issues in Newtown Crossing

Posted on 03 Jul 2018, 12:11 - Category: Governance