Dennis Fisher & John Mack For Newtown Township Supervisors 2019

This Patch article is sponsored by Friends of Fisher and Mack.

Newtown Township is in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The township has a population of 19,299 and a proud heritage. Dennis Fisher was appointed Newtown Township supervisor to fill a vacancy in 2018. John Mack was elected supervisor in 2017 to fill a two-year term. Now, they are seeking re-election for a full six-year term.

Patch sent Fisher and Mack a few questions to find out more about his experience, priorities and upcoming events. You can read Mack’s answers here. Below are Fisher’s answers:

Patch: What attracted you to become a Newtown Township Supervisor and how did you get started?

Fisher: I have been involved in township activities for over 13 years. I was a Planning Commission (PC) member from 2006 until 2018. Likewise, I was the PC liaison to the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) during that same period. In 2017 I was elected Township Auditor. In August 2018 I was appointed Supervisor when Jen Dix moved out of the area. As supervisor, I have liaison responsibilities on various committees, including Financial Planning, the Environmental Advisory Council and the Newtown Fire Association.

In response to national issues I got involved in politics in 2004, registering voters. In 2005 I worked on the local campaign that elected Phil Calabro and Jerry Schenkman as supervisors. In 2006 I was appointed to the Planning Commission and became liaison to the Environmental Advisory Council. Because my family has supported environmental issues for many years, I enthusiastically learned how environmental performance standards could help control development and protect Newtown’s parks, woodlands, meadows and streams.

Patch: If you had to sum up your mission as Township Supervisor to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Fisher: As a candidate to continue as a Newtown Township Supervisor I would sum up my mission as “Balancing Progress for Public Good.”

Patch: What's the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you've faced in your position as Newtown Township Supervisor?

Fisher: Apart from the hours of reading reports, researching my questions and interacting with township staff and community members, the most difficult part is learning how things work interpersonally with board staff, professionals and the community.

Fisher: There is a learning curve for becoming supervisor. You must learn land use regulations, finance issues, protocols for setting agendas, meeting etiquette and much more. As the newest on the Board I am discovering that my biggest challenge is knowing the appropriate times to offer suggestions and answers. Though I have a reserved personality it will be my continued challenge to rely on my life/work experience and my 13 years of volunteer township service to offer solutions when needed.

Patch: What's the most satisfying part of your job as Newtown Township Supervisor?

Fisher: It is the most satisfying when we can assist a home or small business owner get the approval(s) they need to make home improvements or open a successful new business. The approval process can be daunting, and it is always gratifying to help residents and new business owners through each of the steps.

Patch: How would you say your idea of "good governance" distinguishes itself from that of other elected officials?

Fisher: As a Board, we listen. Specifically, my personal advantage is my life experience. I am the product of over 42 years providing behavior health services in Philadelphia. As such, I have developed excellent listening skills, an open mindedness and a willingness to incorporate alternative points of view to build consensus. In Newtown I have spent 12 years serving the township on both the Planning Commission and the Environmental Advisory Council. In 2017, I was elected Auditor. I have a record of humble service from experience in faith organizations. For years I have been leading missions in Appalachia and in Africa. I have been asked to assume leadership of local, regional, national and international non-profits. As a current Newtown Township Supervisor I have learned about the requirements of the position. I will embrace those job requirements and keep my focus on Newtown.

Patch: What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given when it comes to success in being a Newtown Township Supervisor?

Fisher: My father gave me some wise advice when I was promoted to my first leadership position: “Whenever possible talk to people 1 to 1 when giving them bad news.” This allows people to save-face, respond in a dignified manner and spares them the embarrassment if they become emotional and/or over-react. It also increases the likelihood that the relationship will continue.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you're working on that you're extra excited about?

Fisher: Yes. I have been encouraging township departments and committees to speak at televised meetings. My vision is to present selected “educational” topics on a regular basis at almost every televised meeting. The topics could range from traffic safely to environmental/ gardening tips. The topics could also be part of the regular reports from the police or emergency services. Standing committees, elected officials and community experts (to name just a few) would be invited to present in order to take advantage of the expanded reach of television exposure. The spot could be dubbed, “Teachable Moments” or “An Educational Minute.”

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Fisher: Friends of Fisher & Mack are planning a unique fundraising event on September 15, 2019, at La Stalla Restaurant from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. There will be food, soft drinks, a cash bar and special guest speakers, including State Senator Steve Santarsiero, who will update attendees on PFAS in our local water sources and legislation designed to set standards to address the problem. RSVP Here.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your activities as Newtown Township Supervisor?

Dennis Fisher:

• Website (Linkedin) https://www.linkedin.com/in/de...
• Phone: 215-356-3193
• Twitter: @DennisLF53
• Instagram: @DFisher53
• Email: dennisf@newtownpa.gov

Fisher & Mack Campaign:

• Website: www.fishermack.com
• FB link: www.facebook.com/FisherandMack...
• Twitter link: @FisherandMack
• Instagram: @FisherandMack
• Youtube Link: bit.ly/fisherandmackvideos