The upcoming Democratic primary election for mayor of New Hope Borough features a contest between Mary Brashier, the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce vice president, and Frank DeLuca, a retired police officer.
The May 20 primary will determine who will lead the borough after current Mayor Larry Keller leaves office after nearly three decades in the role.
Brashier, a 15-year resident of New Hope and mother of six, highlighted her experience in community engagement through her role with the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce.
In an interview with NewHopeFreePress.com, Brashier pointed to her involvement in organizing local events such as the holiday parade, tree lighting, and summer street festival.
“I believe in clear, transparent communication and collaborating with residents and businesses to do the best that we can for New Hope,” Brashier said.
DeLuca, a lifelong Democrat and former New Hope Borough police officer, noted his deep roots in the community and his extensive background in law enforcement in the riverfront borough. He also noted his experience attending borough council meetings, and his husband’s 12 years of service on the council.
He served as a corporal and interim police chief and was a member of the Bucks County Major Incident Response Team.
“I know how it works for the department and how things are run with the police department,” DeLuca said.
A key point of contention in the race is Brashier’s switch to the Democratic Party.
Brashier acknowledged her past registration as an independent and addressed concerns about her political affiliation.
“I made a clear and conscious decision to choose a party,” she said, citing her voting history and current state of affairs.
Both candidates have identified key issues facing New Hope Borough.
Brashier pointed traffic concerns, including speeding and tractor-trailer traffic on residential streets, as major complaints from residents.
DeLuca echoed these concerns, particularly citing a recent serious traffic accident on Sugan Road. He also emphasized parking issues and advocating for residential parking permits for seniors.
Regarding their approaches to the role of mayor, Brashier emphasized communication and collaboration with the police chief and fire department.
“It’s conversations, communication, making sure that everybody’s informed what they need to be informed on and then going from there.”
DeLuca, with his law enforcement background, expressed a desire to work with the police department to address issues such as bike patrols and officer visibility at key intersections.
Both candidates are actively campaigning by focusing on meet-and-greets and door-to-door campaigning.
There is no Republican on the primary ballot.
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