Donald McGowan, left, and Tom Zipfel (Submitted photos)
Incumbent Republican won fourth term in same matchup in 2021
Elections (Credit: MediaNews Group)The race for Hatfield’s Ward 4 commissioner’s seat may feel like a case of déjà vu, as both candidates from 2021 are back for another ballot battle.
Incumbent commissioners’ President Tom Zipfel, a Republian, is once again being opposed by Democrat Donald McGowan for a four-year term; in 2021, Zipfel prevailed by a total of 666 votes to 455 for McGowan, according to county records, to win his fourth term on the board.
Both candidates were asked the same questions, and below are their answers.
McGowan
Donald McGowan (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
I bring a practical approach to local leadership that is rooted in both professional expertise and community service.
In my current role on the Township’s Planning Commission, I’ve gained valuable insight into how local government operates and how it can best serve the needs of its residents. This experience has deepened my commitment to making thoughtful, effective decisions that improve quality of life across the community.
Public safety is also a top priority for me. I’m proud to be endorsed by the Montgomery County Sheriff, a reflection of my unwavering support for public safety.
Professionally, I work as a project manager, a role that has honed my ability to lead complex initiatives, manage resources wisely, and deliver real results.
Because of my Master’s Degree in Business Administration from DeSales University, I understand the key drivers of economic success. I know what it takes to support small businesses, encourage responsible growth, and keep taxes low for Hatfield families.
Above all, I believe that public office is about service. As a Township Commissioner of Ward 4, I will always be accountable to the residents: listening, responding, and fighting for the issues that matter most to the community.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
Hatfield Township is approaching a pivotal moment, with major infrastructure challenges on the horizon. Our aging wastewater treatment plant and an increasingly overburdened stormwater management system require urgent, thoughtful action.
As a project manager, I bring a critical skill set currently missing from the Board of Commissioners. My experience in managing budgets, resources, and timelines ensures that residents can trust these complex projects will be handled efficiently and responsibly.
In addition, election security is an important and growing concern among Hatfield residents. I am committed to working closely with the Hatfield Township Police Department, the County Sheriff’s Office, and our elected constables to ensure our polling places remain secure and that every vote is properly counted.
Finally, we must continue to prioritize the overall cleanliness and safety of our community. I will make it my mission to ensure Hatfield remains a safe, welcoming place for all who live here, work here, and visit here.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
You can learn more about me by visiting this site, https://www.hatfielddemocrats.org/candidates, or emailing me at [email protected]
Zipfel
Tom Zipfel (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
In Hatfield, Commissioner is an unpaid but elected position whose primary role is to balance the diverse needs and interests of approximately 19,000 residents, and to act in the best interest of the Township at all times.
That is why the job requires leadership experience and dedication to community service.
It has been my honor to represent the 4th Ward as its Commissioner and as President of the Board of Commissioners. Prior to that, I served as secretary for the Hatfield Township Civil Service Commission and as a longtime member of the Hatfield Park Commission.
I have been a resident of Hatfield for 29 years. During that time, I have been a volunteer attorney with the Support Center for Child Advocates, which provides legal assistance for abused and neglected children in the Philadelphia area, for which I received their advocate of the year award.
For over 20 years, I volunteered as a youth basketball, baseball, soccer and softball coach.
Prior to my current position as a labor/employment lawyer, I was General Counsel for two local construction companies and previously served as Chief Counsel for the PA Department of Labor and Industry, a multibillion-dollar government agency.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
Hatfield has enjoyed many successes during my time as commissioner. The one that I am most proud of — and which I believe is the most important issue to Hatfield — is the manner in which we govern.
In Hatfield, all residents are treated with civility, dignity and respect — no exceptions. Local government must be a place where we put aside party politics and focus ondelivering the day-to-day needs of residents.
Notwithstanding the political divisiveness that grips our country, we chose a different path in Hatfield, where all residents are treated with decency. That isn’t just a nice-sounding platitude; we have been governing like this for years.
Further, we have been successful in doing the following:
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
Website: www.zipfel4commissioner.com
Facebook: Commissioner Tom Zipfel
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