Campaigns for Lansdale’s Ward 1 Seats Answer Candidate Questions

Dan Sokil | The Reporter•

Voters in Lansdale’s Ward 1 will see two familiar names on the ballot on Nov. 7.

In that ward, incumbent Democrat BJ Breish is running for a second full four-year term on council, and is being challenged by Republican Yanni Lambros, who ran unsuccessfully for another seat from that ward in 2021.

Both candidates were asked the same questions, and below are their answers:

Breish

BJ Breish (center) and family. (Submitted photo)

Describe your background and qualifications for a position on Lansdale Borough Council

I have had the privilege of serving Lansdale Borough as Councilman for the past 5 years. During that time, I have worked on a number of important projects, including some of the most aggressive road and infrastructure repair projects Lansdale has seen in the last 30-plus years. Taking an aggressive approach to repair has allowed us to bring 85 percent of our roadways current on maintenance; there is still work to be done. Ultimately I hope to help build a strong foundation for future growth and possibilities and move from a reactive state of repair and maintenance to a proactive and sustainable approach where future projects are properly funded and our investment in infrastructure is maintained.

I currently serve on the following committees: Public Works (chair), Parks & Recreation, Economic Development, Lansdale Public Library, and the Environmental Advisory Commission.

My experience and qualifications make me uniquely suited to continue to serve the community as a Councilman. Through my professional career serving the mission of Habitat for Humanity and my previous experience as a Lansdale Volunteer Firefighter, I have learned over the years that I am called to the service of others. I apply this same moral code to my service on Council.

Why are you running for a position on Lansdale Borough Council?

I am not running for a position on Lansdale Borough Council. I am running for the opportunity to serve Lansdale through a position on Council. This distinction is significant because the position itself without the right intentions is inconsequential.

I am primarily motivated to earn another term on Borough Council by my desire and calling to serve others, and to help create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This calling and strong desire informs every important decision I make. For example, when my wife and I were seeking homeownership, we made a decision to settle on a home close to the Fairmount Fire Company so that I could continue to volunteer. When we had our first child (now 8), I struggled to balance my community service with my family life due to the unpredictability of responding to emergencies. When I learned of the opportunity to serve on Borough Council though, I felt strongly that I could use my skills and passion for service to make a difference in this new capacity, and hopefully build a brighter future for my family and neighbors.

In addition to my strong will to serve others I have developed new skills as Councilman to work effectively with stakeholders to get things done, and I am confidently engaged in all aspects of town management. I scrutinize the impact decisions have on residents and businesses, both present and future and I work tirelessly to balance growth and stability so that everyone might have a decent place to live in Lansdale.

Serving on Borough Council has been a great fit for me personally, and I am proud of the work me and my colleagues have done towards building a stronger, more inclusive community. I look forward to the opportunity to keep this momentum going.

Borough officials have been debating how to balance needed infrastructure repairs with tax and utility increases. How would you approach those decisions?

I’m currently meticulously reviewing the 2024 draft budgets. In looking at this draft, although we see a balanced budget, it includes no expenditure for road paving (only maintenance) and does not provide a sustainable solution for the future. Borrowing money could be an option to help us move forward and establish a sustainable funding stream for proper asset management but would come with a minimum obligation in excess of $200,000 that would need to be paid in 2024. Nobody wants to tell residents there isn’t the funding to fix their road, yet this is where we are today. I believe multi-pronged solutions that repair our infrastructure today, but also create a way to avoid these types of situations in the future is necessary. Simultaneously, we should encourage traffic calming engineering in these projects that minimize the degradation of our roadways and infrastructure. The benefits are twofold: it will help create a safer, more walkable town and it will increase the life expectancy of our investments.

Tax and utility increases are one way to help develop this strategy, but relying on this solution is shortsighted. Raising taxes is a difficult decision that I don’t take lightly; I understand that for many, even a marginal tax increase can lead to impossible decisions within the household. I anticipate that we have some incredibly hard decisions to make as a community over the next four years, and these decisions will impact generations to come. If we want to continue to move Lansdale forward we must be able to find ways to sustainably fund our infrastructure. This growth will result in increased taxes and rates, anything less would be financially irresponsible, but we must minimize that burden by working hard to find alternative revenue sources, and develop innovative solutions that protect our investments in infrastructure.

Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Facebook: BJ Breish For Lansdale

Email: [email protected]

Lambros

Yanni Lambros (Submitted photo)

Describe your background and qualifications for a position on Lansdale Borough Council

I have lived in Lansdale for most of my life. I’ve seen the area grow and change over the years. I have been blessed to make many friendships in the community. I own the Koffee Korner in Lansdale which has taught me many important lessons. Lessons such as patience, planning, problem solving, and financial discipline. I am also a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway and understand the importance of investing while remaining financially responsible. I see various residents on a daily basis and have the opportunity to connect and hear their stories about living in Lansdale Borough.

Why are you running for a position on Lansdale Borough Council?

I am running for borough council for a few reasons. One reason is because I care about the community I grew up in and would like to contribute to the growth of Lansdale. I believe one party rule of either side is not good for the community as a whole. I would like to help solve some problems in the borough and find ways to keep costs and taxes down. Republicans in Lansdale have not had representation of policy and ideas for years, I would like to be a voice for them. The main reason I am running is to help restore balance in the community and let those in charge understand that they represent everyone, not just their party. Last election I was running alone, this time I have two others that have joined the efforts to rebuild the Republican party in Lansdale. Taxes and fees should not be constantly on the rise, we have a large budget for a small borough. I want to help ensure that Lansdale borough can keep growing while staying fair and affordable for residents.

Borough officials have been debating how to balance needed infrastructure repairs with tax and utility increases. How would you approach those decisions?

I would not want to raise costs further on the citizens. Instead I would like to propose ways to cut unnecessary spending in the budget. I would like to help propose ways to make Lansdale more small business friendly and make sure every business in the borough has a fair shot, not just a few on main street. Since I do not have access to the itemized list on the budget it is hard to say exactly where we can cut costs. The borough brings in over 60 million for the year so I’m sure we can find ways to shift the funds to the proper places saving the taxpayers more. If Lansdale is affordable and taxes are lower the residents will have more opportunities. Lansdale has plenty of resources we do not need to overspend but instead redirect and prioritize funds on what’s most important. Another factor is negotiation and common sense, we need fair deals at the right price. As a business owner I understand the importance of paying attention to the funds. It’s easy to spend other people’s money and that is the problem because it is your money. Let’s find a way to spend less and focus on the priorities such as infrastructure, helping the homeless, and keeping Lansdale a affordable place to live.

Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

None provided.

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