Longtime Hatfield Commissioner Andris Faces Newcomer Gilroy in Ward 5

Dan Sokil | The Reporter•

Hatfield Township’s Ward 5 voters will have a choice next month, as longtime incumbent Republican Gerald ‘Jerry’ Andris squares off against Democratic challenger Frank Gilroy for a four-year term on the township’s board of commissioners.

Both candidates were asked the following questions, and below are their answers.

ANDRIS

Gerald Andris (Submitted photo)

Describe your background and qualifications for a position on Hatfield’s board of commissioners.

I am a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and Lehigh University with a MS Manufacturing Systems Engineering. I have worked for IBM Corporation, Visteon Corporation, Merck & Co and now Johnson & Johnson Incorporated. I earned six US Patents, published five IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletins, and recognized by Johnson & Johnson Inc for Environmental Excellence.

I am a 30 year Hatfield Township resident, married 35 years, raised four children, coached a number of youth teams and served as your Hatfield Township Commissioner for over 20 years. While a Hatfield Township Commissioner I have served as President, Vice-President, Finance Chairperson, Public Works Chairperson, Administration Chairperson and Public Safety Chairperson.

My qualifications for your commissioner come from being raised in a large family in Northeast Philadelphia. I was taught to work hard and be the best at what you do. I was also taught not to spend more than you make. These fundamentals have served me well as Hatfield Township Finance Chair.

Hatfield Township reduced spending during the COVID Pandemic to limit risk to our financial bottom line. Because of these spending controls, Hatfield Township has not had a tax increase nine years running and does not project to increase taxes for a 10th straight year.

Why are you running for a position on Hatfield’s board of commissioners?

I am running for Hatfield Township Board of Commissioner to serve my community and to continue to build on the outstanding accomplishments of the past 20 years. I will work to manage a growing community while continuing to improve, and expand essential and quality of life services to Hatfield Township residents.

I will address much needed intersection and roadway improvements, expand our parks for active and passive recreation options for all ages, support the county’s best public swimming pool facility — our Hatfield Aquatic Center, and by making the community more walk able with sidewalks and trail connections.

What would be your goals and priorities for your term?

I will continue to support and improve our roadway infrastructure. Our comprehensive traffic improvement plan was successful at completing the Orvilla and Cowpath Intersection. I will support the design effort to upgrade Welsh and Orvilla and to fix Koffel and Orvilla Road Intersections. Developer traffic impact fees, state grants, and local matches will contribute to fund these projects.

Continue to support our Hatfield Police Department (HPD). During my tenure the HPD has become an accredited agency, among the first to wear body cameras, and regularly do community outreach events to build relationships with our residents. I will work to support the construction of a new public safety facility on Cowpath Road.

I will continue to support our Parks and Recreation offerings including concerts, seminars, exercise classes, camps, pickle ball and our Liberty Bell Trail to connect to Hatfield and Lansdale Borough

Develop a comprehensive storm water management plan. A recent grant was received to perform a multi-municipal storm water study to identify water management improvements. I will actively participate and support grant applications to fund improvements.

All of these initiatives will be monitored and tracked with fiscal responsibility in mind to hold the line on taxes by aggressively pursuing grants from the county and state.

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

None provided.

GILROY

Frank Gilroy (Submitted photo)

Describe your background and qualifications for a position on Hatfield’s board of commissioners.

I’ve have been a proud resident of Hatfield township for over 10 years. I am a proud father, grandfather, and husband. My wife, Kathryn, and I have raised three boys, two of whom have graduated from North Penn High School and gone on to the Journalism Program at Temple and the Electrical Engineering Program at Drexel.

I am the son of a police officer and am both an active duty and post-9/11 reserve member of the United States Air Force. I served under the first woman to head a military department during Operation Desert Storm and returned after 9/11 to support logistics operations in Operation Enduring Freedom. I’ve served as a director and leader in software engineering on a number of large tech projects over my 25-year career. I’ve held positions in both lean startup environments and Fortune 500 companies.

Over the past few years, I’ve felt a calling to serve once again. I know firsthand how important civil service is to the fabric of our society and am eager to put my project management and business analytics skills to task for the people of Hatfield.

Why are you running for a position on Hatfield’s board of commissioners?

My decision to run for Commissioner of Hatfield Township is anchored in a straightforward, yet impactful, principle: service. Having lived here for over a decade and witnessing the admirable work done by our community organizers and volunteers, it’s evident that a safe, well-planned, and financially sound environment doesn’t happen by accident. It takes dedication and skilled management, both of which I am committed to providing.

I am running on a message of unity and practicality. Hatfield has been managed well, and I plan to continue this trend by focusing on safety, planning, financial management, and diversity. My 25-year career in software engineering and leadership, plus military service, have equipped me with strong project management and analytics skills, which I’ll apply to ensure our township operates efficiently and effectively.

I understand the importance of civil service and community, having firsthand experience in both. I’m not here to make sweeping changes but to preserve and enhance the stability and quality of life that Hatfield residents have come to enjoy. I am here to listen, act, and serve in the best interest of all of us — ensuring that our township not only maintains but grows in value, community spirit, and forward progress.

What would be your goals and priorities for your term?

In aspiring to be Commissioner for Hatfield Township, my goals are clear and directed towards tangible progress in our neighborhoods. Ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, including those from our LGBTQ+ community, stands paramount. My commitment extends to cultivating a milieu where cultural diversity is more than respected — it’s fundamentally integral to how our township operates and makes decisions.

Effective management of construction projects, particularly the ones on 309 and Orvilla, is pivotal. I will apply a meticulous and data-driven approach, honed from years in project management, to ensure that these projects are executed efficiently, with minimal disruption to residents and businesses. Transparent communication will be maintained regarding project timelines, disruptions, and outcomes to keep all Hatfield stakeholders informed and prepared.

Public safety and accessibility are non-negotiable. My aim is to enhance Hatfield’s walkability by exploring and implementing pragmatic solutions that promote pedestrian safety and convenience wherever feasible and appropriate. This means considering things like additional sidewalks/crosswalks, pedestrian pathways, and ensuring that any new developments prioritize pedestrian-friendly design.

In summary, my tenure as Commissioner will prioritize the amplification of underrepresented voices, meticulous management of key infrastructure projects, and an enhanced focus on public safety and accessibility. All efforts will be underpinned by a practical, transparent, and inclusive approach to decision-making, ensuring that Hatfield Township not only sustains but elevates its status as a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community.

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

Website: https://gilroyforhatfield.org

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