On November 7th, eight Ambler Borough Council candidates will vie for five council seats in the general election. Three candidates in Ward 1, incumbent Nancy Deininger (D) , Robert Lagreca (R) and Erin McKenna Endicott (D), will compete for 2 seats. Ward 2 will have Bill Thornton (R), Glynnis Siskind (D) and Sara Hertz (D) fighting for 2 seats. And in Ward 3 , Nellie DiPietro (D) and Salvatore Boccuti (R) go head to head for one seat.
A couple of weeks ago, AroundAmbler.com asked each Borough Council candidate to answer the same questions, and give a little bit of insight into their platforms and personal backgrounds. With the exception of Sara Hertz, who declined to answer our questions, and Bill Thornton , who didn’t respond after several attempts to contact, here are their responses:
- Name: Nancy Deininger
- Ward: 1
- Occupation: Building Substitute at Wissahickon High School
- Political party: Democrat
- Name: Robert Lagreca
- Ward: 1
- Political Party: Republican
What is your background? I’m a longtime Ambler resident and have been on the Ambler Borough Planning Commission for twenty years, and the Chair since 2015. Professionally, I am a partner in a real estate appraisal firm and am the Treasurer and Incoming Vice President of the Philadelphia Metro Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. I’m a graduate of Temple University’s Fox School of Business, and an active member of St. Anthony’s parish.
Why are you running for this position? After raising my three children in Ambler and volunteering in many local organizations, including their schools, AJB, WRA and CYO , I see myself as now having the time to devote to improving the quality of life for Ambler residents and make a meaningful impact. Ambler has come so far in the years that I have lived here, I want to ensure that the Borough continues to be a walkable, sustainable community with a healthy business district and desirable amenities for its residents.
What is your Platform/What are your Goals? As an Ambler Planning Commission member over the last twenty years, I have been at the forefront of the redevelopment and renaissance of the Butler Avenue corridor as a destination that has enhanced the quality of life, real estate values and amenities for everyone in Ambler. Our status as a walkable community has increased demand for homes and businesses and I wish to see that continue by increasing the collaboration between Borough Council, the Planning Commission and the Environmental Advisory Council.
Goals while you are in office?
- Increased parking options including signage and shared parking
- Enhance the Borough’s parks, recreation and open spaces
- Work with surrounding municipalities regarding management of local creeks to better regulate storm water flow into the Borough
- Reinforce Ambler’s partnership with Ambler Main Street to boost the expansion and success of the business community.
What is your Platform/What are your Goals?
- Work towards a more economically and environmentally sustainable Borough.
- Inspire active citizenship by encouraging residents to participate in planning and development.
- Try a more creative, multipronged approach to alleviate the parking problems we face to the mutual benefit of residents and businesses alike.
Additional Comments: I’d love to hear from you! Please visit my website, ErinMcKennaEndicott.com or find me on facebook.com/ErinMcKennaEndicott to find out more about my goals for Ambler and to let me know what matters most to you.
- Name: Glynnis Siskind
- Ward: 2
- Political Party : Democrat
What is your background? After graduating from Upper Dublin and Penn State, I worked in advertising for ten years before leaving the paid workforce to have two kids and do lots of volunteer work. Most recently, I was a board member of Lower Gwynedd Elementary’s Home and School Association for eight years, working in many different capacities but with a focus on communication and administration. I also serve on the board of the Wissahickon Educational Opportunities Foundation (WEOF.)
Why Are You Running? I’m running because I know that the experience I’ve gained working to make a difference at our school will help me to make a difference in our town too. I love Ambler, and have the time, energy and skills to work hard to make it the best town it can be for everyone lucky enough to live, work or play here.
What is your Platform/What are your Goals?
- balancing growth with existing needs
- improving transparency and communication
- making the borough a leader in environmental stewardship
- working with other groups that serve borough residents (WVPL, WSD, etc.)
- listening and doing my homework before making decisions .
- Name: Nellie DiPietro
- Ward: 3
- Political party: Democrat
What is your background? I am a proud mother, certified math teacher, registered financial principal, dedicated pet owner, vegetarian cook, and enthusiastic hula hooper.
Reason you are running? I decided to get involved in politics last year, in response to the election. I started going to as many meetings as possible, in Ambler and elsewhere, to gain a deeper understanding of the democratic process and how citizens manage their own towns. It takes time, work, and experience to improve the world around us – one day at a time.
What is your Platform/What are your Goals? If elected to Borough Council for Ward 3, I will represent my constituents to the best of my ability – by fighting for transparent growth, community development, environmental stewardship, and social justice. I welcome the challenge this position brings, and I look forward to speaking my truth as needed in a professional and positive manner.
Goals: Our council has achieved a great deal to make Ambler the flourishing borough it is today! I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on many initiatives, including powering borough buildings with solar panels. Ambler could be a trailblazer in municipal renewable energy. We have an Environmental Advisory Council that’s ready, willing, and able to lead the charge! Please contact me anytime at nelliedipietro.com with your questions, comments, or concerns.
- Name: Salvatore A. Boccuti
- Ward: 3
- Occupation: Aerial Photographer
- Political Party: Republican
What is your background? Ambler Borough Planning Commission for the past 9 years; former co-chair of the Bo-Rit Community Advisory Group (CAG) and a member since it’s inception in 2007; regularly attend Borough Council and Zoning Hearing Board meetings. Am up to date on Ambler’s policies and issues.
What is your platform/goals?:I would like to contribute to the community. Being a lifetime resident of Ambler, along with my participation in Borough activities, gives me the knowledge and experience to help keep Ambler a safe and healthy place to live and work and being on Council would give me the opportunity to do that. My goals are : Health & safety of the residents is Job #1. I believe the answer to controlling the storm water in Ambler is a regional concern and will work towards engaging the surrounding municipalities in constructive dialog to
address that issue. Also I advocate more citizen participation in Borough activities.
Any Additional Comments? It is extremely important for ALL citizens to come out and VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7TH !