4 vying for 3 seats on Hampton Council

Four candidates are vying for three seats on Hampton’s five-member council in the Nov. 4 election.

Council members are elected at-large, or across the entire township, every four years.

Seeking reelection are incumbents Carolynn Johnson, Bethany Blackburn and Julie Fritsch. They were unopposed in the Democratic primary. Fritsch and Johnson also received Republican nominations as write-ins.

Dennis R. Phillips, a political newcomer, will be on the ballot as a Republican.

Here’s a look at the council candidates:

Bethany Blackburn

Age: 49

Party: Democrat

Education: BA in economics from Smith College (Northampton, Mass.) and MBA from Washington University in St. Louis

Occupation: CEO of North Side Christian Health Center

Community involvement/volunteer work: Vice-chair of Shaler-Hampton EMS Board of Directors; ex-officio member of the Depreciation Lands Museum Board of Directors; Girl Scout Leader (Hampton), 2011-2023; United States Peace Corps Volunteer, 1999-2001; ad-hoc volunteering with my children’s school/extracurricular activities and through my church

Years residing in municipality: 14

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

As a council member and CEO of a community health clinic, I know resources are limited while service expectations grow. Thus, my approach as an elected leader and of a nonprofit are similar: I continuously pursue cost reductions, efficiency improvements, grant opportunities and partnerships with community organizations, legislators and businesses. Despite post-pandemic inflation, the township hasn’t raised taxes and maintains strong emergency reserves, eliminating any need for increases.

What do you feel are the top issue or issues facing Hampton today? Explain briefly how you would address them as a member of the council.

Three of Hampton Township’s top priorities are fiscal responsibility, public safety and connecting the community through services and infrastructure. As Shaler-Hampton EMS vice-chair, I focus on making sure our police, fire and EMS have the needed resources and residents can safely circulate throughout the township by car, bike or foot. I’ve championed pathways such as Topnick Drive, advocated for EMS facility expansion, approved updated police equipment and endorsed embedding social services with officers, so they can focus on law enforcement. Next term’s focus would include improving storm preparedness, rebuilding the Route 8/Wildwood intersection and consolidating fire and EMS into one facility.

Julie W. Fritsch

Age: 49

Party: Democrat

Education: BA in political science from Penn State Behrend; law degree from the University of Pittsburgh

Occupation: Attorney

Community involvement/volunteer work: Through my work on council, I am on the Youth Sports Advisory Board and the steering committee for the zoning and SALDO update. I am also president of the Hampton High School Girls Basketball Boosters, secretary of the Hampton Softball Boosters, secretary of Passion Softball and on council for the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. For several years, I was vice president of fundraising and the softball tournament director for the Hampton Athletic Association, and have been president and vice president of the Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence, vice chair of the Hampton Township Zoning Hearing Board, treasurer of the Poff PTO and a coach for the Odyssey of the Mind.

Years residing in municipality: 17

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Since I have been on council, we have invested in our community center and the park, as well as in the road paving project. We did this without raising taxes. It comes down to fiscal responsibility and efficiency, including applying for grants and prioritizing projects.

What do you feel are the top issue or issues facing Hampton today? Explain briefly how you would address them as a member of the council.

We are in the process of a much-needed update to our zoning ordinances. I am working to amend them to allow for flexibility and growth in our township, and to make the process easier for our residents and businesses, including those that want to move to our community.

There is a need to continue to improve the relationships between the township, our community recreational leagues, the school district and its teams and clubs. This is why we founded the Youth Sports Advisory Board. I will continue to work with the board to strengthen our relationships and work together to find space for all to thrive. My goal is to ensure that Meadow Field gets turf and lights in order to help create more space and time for those groups in need of fields.

Carolynn R. Johnson

Age: 54

Party: Democrat

Education: PhD in cognitive psychology from Purdue University

Occupation: User experience researcher and designer

Community involvement/volunteer work: I’ve been involved with volunteerism most of my life, from staffing a crisis intervention line in college and facilitating a grief bereavement group in graduate school, to spending years with an animal rescue. In addition to council, I am currently on the Hampton Community Library Board and am president of the North Hills Council of Governments’ executive board. When my daughter was in the school district, I was highly involved with her Girl Scout troop and volunteered for school activities, and I regularly guest lecture for local universities.

Years residing in municipality: 19

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Balancing new projects while keeping taxes manageable requires smart planning. We prioritize projects that maximize our investments in infrastructure, public safety and community engagement by focusing on high-impact projects. While on council, we have actively sought out grants beyond state funding, explored shared services with nearby municipalities and pursued cost-saving efficiencies.

What do you feel are the top issue or issues facing Hampton today? Explain briefly how you would address them as a member of the council.

The top issues facing Hampton Township today are protecting our investments in infrastructure, ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and fostering stronger community connections, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

My focus is on strengthening Hampton’s sense of community by enhancing our park amenities, hosting township events that bring people together in the heart of our community, like Pints in the Park and the farmers market, improving sidewalk connectivity between neighborhoods and ensuring residents have access to vital support services, like the highly successful Police Social Services program, which also allows our officers to focus on law enforcement.

During my time on council, I’ve promoted a citizen-centered approach to governance in Hampton by encouraging public outreach as a core part of decision-making. With my background as a user-centered researcher and designer, I bring a strong focus on engaging stakeholders in meaningful, thoughtful conversations. I use those insights to develop solutions that work for a broad range of people. I believe our policies, initiatives and ordinances should be informed by the voices of those in our community who want to participate.

Dennis Phillips

Age: 52

Party: Republican

Education: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; anesthesiology residency, critical care medicine fellowship, cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Occupation: Physician

Community involvement/volunteer work: This is my first time seeking community involvement.

Years residing in municipality: 12

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

I would start by identifying the projects and services that provide the greatest benefit to the community. Then, I’d review the budget to find opportunities to reallocate funds or improve efficiency so new initiatives remain as close to cost-neutral as possible. This approach helps protect seniors and others most affected by tax increases. I also believe in sharing this analysis with residents and seeking their input before making final decisions.

What do you feel are the top issue or issues facing Hampton today? Explain briefly how you would address them as a member of the council.

A main challenge in Hampton, as in many townships, is maintaining high-quality services and pursuing new initiatives while staying within budget during a time of economic pressure. The township is also reevaluating zoning, EMS purchases and overall connectivity. Drawing on my background in quality improvement and high-risk perioperative care, I’d emphasize collaboration, expert input and fiscal responsibility to help council find the right balance for the community.