The race for two seats on the Palmyra Borough Council is uncontested in the election, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The Democratic candidates are incumbent Timothy S. Howard, who is currently serving as council president, and Ladonna De’Souza.
Councilwoman Michelle McCann, who will finish her second term in December, is not seeking another term.
Name: Ladonna De’Souza
Age: 33
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 7 years
School and degree: Palmyra High School, Rowan College (BS in Accounting), Western Governor University – (MS in Accounting and MBA in Business Administration)
Profession: Accountant, Analysis, Business Owner
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for a council seat? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? Served on the HOA board in Palmyra (Palmyra Harbour Condominium Association) as the treasurer and then as the president.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for an elected seat because I believe in the power of community and the importance of strong, transparent leadership. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving our community in various capacities, and I’ve seen firsthand the difference that effective governance can make in improving the quality of life for all residents.
With my background in accounting and business administration, I have developed a skill set that allows me to bring a strategic, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving. As someone who has a passion for helping others, I am committed to making sure that our community’s resources are managed responsibly and that decisions are made in the best interest of everyone.
I’m also passionate about creating a sense of unity and making sure that every voice is heard. Serving as president of the Board of Trustees has shown me the importance of being a proactive and accessible leader.
Ultimately, I am running for this elected position to continue my work of making our community a place where everyone feels supported, safe, and proud to live. Together, we can keep moving forward and build an even stronger, more vibrant community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? One area I would like to concentrate on if elected is improving financial transparency and accountability within the council. As someone with a background in accounting and financial management, I believe that clear, accessible financial reporting is essential for building trust and ensuring that community funds are used responsibly. I would work to make the budgeting process more transparent, so residents have a better understanding of where their money is going and how decisions are being made. By fostering openness in financial matters, we can create a more informed, engaged community and ensure that resources are allocated in ways that best serve everyone’s interests.
Name: Timothy S. Howard
Age: 57
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? Graduated from Palmyra High School in 1985 and moved back in 2004. My two oldest graduated from Palmyra High School in 2006, 2017
Family: Newly re-married, with eight children, and eight grandchildren (ages 15,14,11,10,9,8,6,1).
School and degree: Master of Business Administration
Profession: Contract Administrator
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Township Council? No, my first term was 2014, so 10 years on council.
What is your involvement in the community? Through the council committees, I am involved in all aspects of the town. I have been the chairman for Youth and Recreation, Public Works, Public Safety and Public Events. I am a member of the High School Hall of Fame Committee and a member of the class of 2000.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I’m running for re-election because I believe in the potential of our community and want to continue serving our residents. I want to build on our progress, tackle new challenges, and create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? I will prioritize enhancing community engagement and transparency. It is essential that every resident feels their voice is heard and valued. By fostering open dialogue, we can collaboratively address concerns and build a stronger, more connected community.
