Several familiar names will not be on the ballot this time around.
By: Cynthia Williamson
Several familiar names will be absent from New Hope and Solebury Township ballots when Pennsylvania holds its primary election May 15.
Most notably will be longtime New Hope-Solebury School Board of Directors President Harold "Hardy" Bush III, who has decided not to seek re-election.
"After great deliberation, I have decided not to seek re-election," Mr. Bush wrote in a January press release. "I can only hope that the children of our community benefited during my tenure on the board."
Mr. Bush thanked board members and the New Hope/Solebury communities for "all the support displayed" since he was first elected to the board in 1992.
"Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife (Karen) and my children, Lauren and Carter, for their constant unconditional support," he wrote.
School board member Kenneth Kroupa also had not filed as of press deadline Tuesday but it could not be confirmed if he has decided not to seek re-election.
As of press deadline Tuesday, the following candidates filed petitions (The deadline for filing with the Bucks County Board of Elections was Tuesday at the close of the business day):
Incumbent Mary Teagan has filed for the four four-year terms available on the nine-member School Board of Directors. She will be challenged by Christine Flynn, Peter Augenblick, Sharon Shaw, Michael Sarachilli and Michael Scavullo. All candidates cross filed with the exception of Mr. Scavullo, who filed on the Republican ballot only.
The fourth opening on the board was held by Jerry Ruddle, who resigned in February.
In New Hope, three Democrats and five Republicans filed for three four-year terms available on the Borough Council.
Running unopposed for the Democratic nominations are incumbent Council President Sharyn Keiser and newcomers Edward Duffy and Randall Flager.
Seeking the Republican nominations are incumbent Councilman Jake Fell, former New Hope Police Chief Robert Brobson, Kathleen Brown, Richard Swanson and Hepburn Duncan. Mr. Swanson and Mr. Duncan ran for the council in 1999 but were defeated.
Councilmen Robert Gerenser and Bert Johnson did not file petitions. Mr. Gerenser said he is disgruntled with the local Republican Committee and announced plans this week to form a third political party in New Hope and field a slate of candidates, including himself, in the November general election.
Mr. Johnson confirmed Tuesday he will not seek re-election to the council.
New Hope Mayor Laurence Keller, a Republican, will be challenged by newcomer David Fleming. Civil Service Commission Chairman Joseph Knox is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for mayor.
Republican Denton Kanouff is running unopposed for a four-year term as New Hope tax collector.
There is no contest for two six-year terms available on the Solebury Township Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Thomas Caracio and newcomer John Eichert, both Republicans, are running unopposed.
Board of Supervisor Robert Bryne had not filed a petition as of press deadline Tuesday.
Solebury Township tax collector Alice Betts, a Republican, is running unopposed for another four-year term.