T he contest for New Hope Borough mayor is entering its final hours, with voters set to cast deciding ballots Tuesday for Republican Mary Brashier and Democrat Frank DeLuca.
The winner will succeed Mayor Larry Keller, who is stepping down after nearly three decades in office.
Brashier, vice president of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, and DeLuca, a retired police officer and constable, both emphasized that their focus is on the borough’s well-being over party lines.
DeLuca declined a debate challenge from Brashier last month, citing his schedule.
Both candidates expressed that they have enjoyed speaking with residents about the future of the riverfront town during the campaign.
On the campaign trail, Brashier said she has heard from Democrats and Republicans and received their support.
DeLuca, who is supported by the local Democratic committee, said he has built a collation of support. He has known many of his supporters for decades.
Brashier, a 15-year resident and mother of six, pointed to her community engagement experience. She noted her involvement in organizing local events, including the holiday parade, tree lighting, and summer street festival.
Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com
DeLuca, a lifelong Democrat with deep roots in the riverfront borough, stressed his extensive law enforcement background. He served as a former New Hope Borough police officer, 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.
DeLuca points to his experience attending borough council meetings and his husband’s 12 years of service on the council.
A subplot in the race is Brashier’s political affiliation. Though she is listed as a Republican on the ballot, Brashier ran against DeLuca in the Democratic primary but secured enough write-in votes on the GOP side to gain a ballot spot.
In spring, Brashier acknowledged her past registration as an independent, saying she “made a clear and conscious decision to choose a party,” citing her voting history and “current state of affairs.”
Both candidates agreed on key issues facing New Hope. Brashier pointed to traffic concerns, including speeding and tractor-trailer traffic on residential streets, as major resident complaints. DeLuca echoed these concerns. He also focused on parking issues, advocating for residential parking permits for seniors.
Regarding the mayoral role, Brashier emphasized communication and collaboration with the police chief and fire department.
DeLuca, citing his police experience, said he wants to work with the police department on issues like bike patrols and officer visibility at key intersections.
While the mayor has a limited role in development matters before the council, both candidates expressed support for reasonable development that incorporates resident opinion.
Brashier vowed to listen to residents, while DeLuca said his police experience has prepared him to lead on day one.
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