Elections (Credit: MediaNews Group)
Republican D'Angelo is also running for mayor against incumbent McDevitt
Three familiar names will be on the ballot for voters in North Wales Borough’s Ward 3, with several others running unopposed this year.
Incumbent Democrats Anji Fazio and Sally Neiderhiser are opposed on the ballot by former Mayor and Republican Greg D’Angelo for two four-year terms on council.
Five other seats will also be on the ballot, with Democrat candidates running unopposed for all: Melanie Catenese in Ward 1, Susan Manning and incumbent Alex Groce in Ward 2 are all running for four-year terms, and newly appointed Candace Anderson in Ward 1 and Star Little in Ward 3 are running for two-year terms. D’Angelo is also running for Mayor against incumbent Democrat Neil McDevitt, a rematch of their races from 2017 and 2021.
The three candidates running the contested Ward 3 race were all asked the same questions, and below are their answers:
Fazio
Anji Fazio (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
As a current member of North Wales Borough Council, I take pride in listening to residents and making thoughtful, non-partisan decisions that serve our entire community.
While on the Communications Subcommittee, I helped strengthen how we connect with residents by first surveying their needs and then recommending new tools to reach them. In 2023, we launched Savvy Citizen and Instagram, and it’s been exciting to see how much engagement has grown since then.
I’ve served on Council for four years and completed training in Effective Elected Leadership, Zoning, and Municipal Budgeting and Finance to better support my role on the Finance Committee. Before joining Council, I led a team of more than 100 employees, which taught me the importance of listening, collaboration, and sound financial management — all skills I bring to my work in local government.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
When I first ran for Council, residents often shared that they wanted stronger communication from the Borough. That’s something we’ve worked hard to improve, from adding Savvy Citizen and Instagram to exploring new ways to share updates and encourage civic involvement. I’d like to continue building on that progress so residents always feel informed and included.
Another common concern is supporting the growth of our local businesses while attracting new ones. The recent zoning map updates simplify permitted uses and make it easier for new businesses to get started here. I want North Wales to remain a place where both residents and small businesses can thrive.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
Residents can reach me through the North Wales Borough website: https://northwalesborough.org/government/elected-officials/
Neiderhiser
Sally Neiderhiser (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
I am a former Special Ed teacher and Mental Health Worker for 20 years. I have been on North Wales borough council nearly 16 years.
I am seeking re-election to North Wales borough council. I am a life long resident of North Wales Borough. Born and raised. Along with my late husband Edward Neiderhiser, we also raised our family here.
So I am very invested in the safety and welfare of our residents and continuing to build on the work our council has done to make North Wales borough a great place to live.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
Speeding within the borough.
Keeping our sidewalks and roads in good shape. Clean parks.
Communication between residents and the borough.
I worked on the communications committee with my colleague Anji Fazio to establish Savvy Citizen and a more thorough newsletter.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
I can be reached on the North Wales borough website and in the newsletter.
D’Angelo
Greg D’Angelo (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
I served as Mayor 2014-2021, receiving strong Democratic support, including endorsements from former Mayor Herb Schlegel. I have a proven record of working with the Council in a bipartisan fashion, which is why most, if not all, Democratic councilmembers supported me in 2021.
Elected officials serve all residents, no matter their political party affiliation. In 2021, I issued a proclamation condemning our then Republican County Commissioner for his deplorable comments about the Black Philadelphia Police Commissioner and asked him to resign for not working with the Democrat Commissioners for the betterment of our residents.
Councilmembers should make themselves available beyond Council meetings. I will have day and evening office hours for residents to meet with me without appointments, something I introduced as mayor.
I have earned the Certified Borough Official designation from the PA State Association of Boroughs. Since 2010, I have served on the Planning Commission, currently its Chair. I served on the North Wales Water Authority Board from 2013-2017. Since 2012, I have been a (non-firefighter) volunteer with the North Penn Volunteer Fire Company, serving eight years on its Board.
I have attended Council meetings since 2008, with an attendance rate of over 90 percent since 2014.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
Two long-time issues have been walkability and communications.
The Planning Commission, which I currently chair, has addressed walkability when reviewing subdivision and land development plans; either requiring immediate sidewalk installation, or reserving the right to require installation as part of a future Borough-wide plan.
The Planning Commission also made walkability a priority when it updated the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan.
There are many facets to the communications issue. Over the years, attendance at Council meetings has been sparse. Residents have often depended on “whisper down the lane,” e.g., Facebook, to obtain information.
I introduced The Mayor’s Corner to provide some information. While the Borough has introduced Savvy Citizen to help keep residents up to date, there is still a feeling that Council can communicate better. As a member of Council, I would work to address residents’ concerns.
Finally, when one political party holds every elected office, there can be a perception that not every resident matters. I would work with the Council to correct that perception.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
I do not have a campaign website. I can be reached at (215) 616-0348, or at [email protected]
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