Two New Faces on Ballot in Lansdale’s Ward 3

Dan Sokil | The Reporter•

For the first time in over a decade, a new face will represent Lansdale’s Ward 3 on council in 2024.

Democrat Rafia Razzak and Republican Jasen Meitzler are both running for the seat that’s been held since 2012 by council President Denton Burnell.

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

Razzak

Raffia Razzak (Submitted photo)

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

I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Finance from Temple’s Fox School of Business and an associate’s degree in Computer Science from Montgomery County Community College. So my educational background is very useful when it comes to things like analyzing statistics and understanding finances. I have had the opportunity to put these skills to use in my work with Lansdale’s Economic Development Committee and feel they would also serve me well as a member of Borough Council.

In addition, my professional experience has been very heavy on people skills. I spent several years working in constituent services for State Representative Steve Malagari, where I had the opportunity to get to know a great many Lansdale residents and help them navigate state services and agencies. I am currently serving as District Office Director for State Representative Melissa Cerrato, which has given me an even broader and deeper view of the functions of state government.

More locally, I am an involved member of the North Penn Mosque and also serve on the Lansdale Civil Service Commission. I speak Hindi and Bengali fluently and have been very active in helping to build bridges between the varied and vibrant communities that make Lansdale such a great place to live.

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

I love Lansdale. It’s my home, my community and where I’ve raised my children. I feel deeply connected to this town and I want to see it become the best it can possibly be.

I devoted many years of my career to helping the people of Lansdale, which has given me a uniquely deep understanding of the area and its residents. It’s also given me a very precise and useful skill set that allows me to assess residents’ needs and identify ways in which their government can serve them. I think this combination of experience, skills and knowledge could be a great asset to Lansdale Borough Council as we attempt to preserve the things that make this such a great place to live while striving for better.

I’d like to help support our local businesses, revitalize Main Street, improve our parks and increase public safety, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I believe that I am uniquely suited to assist in those efforts. That is why I am running for election.

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

I agree that infrastructure repairs are sorely needed. However, many citizens of Lansdale are under tremendous economic strain right now. As a single parent, I understand how even a slight increase in the cost of living can have a deep impact. Tax and utility increases are not something I would take lightly.

My approach would be to encourage Borough Council to explore more creative approaches to funding these necessary projects. My career in state government has made me very familiar with the grants, loans and other programs available to assist municipalities in improving their infrastructure. I would draw on this knowledge as a member of council to take full advantage of any funding available to offset the costs of these projects and minimize the financial burden on local residents.

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

Facebook: Rafia Razzak for Lansdale council

Meitzler

Jasen Meitzler (Submitted photo)

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

I’ve been Living in Lansdale for 13 years. My wife’s family have lived here their whole lives. I am a Licensed Electrician. I work for Swartley Brothers in Souderton. I am contracted to Hatfield Packaging.

I have worked previously at Crystal Soap. I was a shift lead. Also I was a representative for the Steel Workers Union. I negotiated contracts for all employees.

I live locally on York Avenue, and also work locally. My boys both go to one of the local elementary schools. My wife teaches for North Penn School District. My family is very much a part of the local community.

I am a second degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do. I also am an Army Veteran.

I am a Job Foreman. I order material, bid work, coordinate around production and also with other contractors. At times, I work independently other, times I lead five to ten employees. I Interact with many department heads and with many different types of people and personalities. I believe these are good qualities to bring to the council. I am very much a people person. I am able to talk to everyone, and I work well with others. I want to put the people in my ward first. Hear people’s complaints and take action.

I believe independents and republicans also need to be represented on the council and end one party rule.

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

I want to make sure people feel they can contact council members and get results. I want to put an end to rubber stamping everything. I want everyone to feel they have a voice on council. I go to committee meetings and general counsel meetings. I see motions proposed, have seconded motions, and few questions are asked. I believe I would ask more questions. I would bring a new fresh view point, it is much needed.

For example the old block party rules have drastically changed. My view is that incremental changes can achieve the same goals, they also allow residents to adjust to changes and adapt to them. That’s how contracts and benefit adjustments work in the labor world.

As a council member I would encourage residents to come to me with concerns.

This raises to my mind why are wooden sawhorses allowed for first Friday’s parades and town events? We should have same level of safety for all events.

If elected I will bring a motion to council to change Halloween to a Borough event or exempt it from fees. We have 500 to 1000 kids that night, more then any event the borough has. Safety of the kids and showing off Lansdale should be handled by the Borough. The residents decorate, provide candy, healthy snacks and their time. It is an entire family event.

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

I am door knocking, campaigning, speaking to residents, listening to concerns and complaints. I want to address residents concerns, putting residents first. I think national issues should stay national, Borough issues should stay in the Borough. I also feel more efforts have to be done to fill the vacant spaces on Main Street. We need to make it more attractive to businesses, that includes insuring commercial realtors are used by all empty landlords.

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

Email: [email protected]

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