The Mayor’s Role

Real Responsibilities. Clear Limits.

The role of a Pennsylvania borough mayor is often misunderstood.

Some people assume the mayor has full control over everything that happens in the Borough. Others believe the office is mostly ceremonial and has very little real authority.

The truth is somewhere in between.

The mayor has meaningful responsibilities and legal authority, but the office is one part of Borough government. Borough Council, the Borough Manager, Borough staff, boards, commissions, and other officials each have their own responsibilities.

At the end of the day, for me, the Mayor’s role is about serving the people.

Working With Borough Council

The mayor is not a regular voting member of Borough Council and does not vote on every matter that comes before Council.

The mayor may participate in discussions, offer recommendations, and cast a deciding vote when Council is tied, as permitted under Pennsylvania law.

This gives the mayor a limited but meaningful role in helping Borough government move forward when Council cannot reach a decision on its own

Reviewing Ordinances

Borough Council is responsible for considering and passing ordinances.

After Council passes an ordinance, it is presented to the mayor for review. The mayor may sign and approve it, return it to Council with a written explanation of the objections, or allow it to take effect without a signature.

If the mayor vetoes an ordinance, Council may reconsider it. The veto may be overridden by a majority of all elected Council members, plus one.

The mayor also reviews the Borough’s annual tax measure. When the property-tax rate remains the same or decreases, Council adopts the tax rate by resolution. When the tax rate increases, Council must adopt it by ordinance.

Although a mayor does not ordinarily approve or veto Council resolutions, Pennsylvania law specifically makes this annual tax resolution subject to the Mayor’s review and veto. The Borough budget itself is adopted by Council and is not subject to the mayor’s veto.

This process gives the mayor an opportunity to carefully review proposed Borough laws and the annual tax measure before they take effect, while allowing Council to make the final decision if it has enough votes to override a veto.

Public Safety and the Police Department

Under Pennsylvania law, a borough mayor ordinarily has authority concerning the borough police force, including oversight of the chief of police and how officers perform their duties.

East Petersburg is different because police services are provided through the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department.

I serve as one of East Petersburg’s representatives on the regional Police Commission. In that role, I help represent the Borough’s interests, communicate residents’ concerns, and participate in the Commission’s oversight responsibilities.

However, I do not personally direct officers, control daily police operations, or decide how individual incidents and investigations are handled.

The Chief of Police and the department’s command staff are responsible for day-to-day operations, officer assignments, investigations, and enforcement decisions.

My responsibility is to support public safety, maintain a strong working relationship with the Police Department, and help ensure residents’ concerns reach the appropriate people.

Emergency Responsibilities

During a declared emergency, Pennsylvania law gives a borough mayor certain responsibilities, including the authority to request assistance from other law-enforcement agencies when necessary.

Emergency response requires coordination among many people and organizations, including police, fire, emergency medical services, Borough officials, county agencies, and other partners.

The mayor’s role is to help support that coordination, communicate responsibly, and act within the authority provided by law.

Representing the Borough

The mayor represents East Petersburg at community events, official functions, regional meetings, and other occasions where Borough representation is appropriate.

That responsibility is not only ceremonial. It provides an opportunity to build relationships, support local organizations, recognize community service, and make sure East Petersburg has a voice beyond Borough boundaries.

When I represent the Borough, I do so with the understanding that I serve the entire community.

Ceremonial and Community Responsibilities

The mayor may issue proclamations, recognize individuals and organizations, participate in public ceremonies, and help mark important events in the life of the community.

These responsibilities may not involve day-to-day Borough operations, but they still matter.

Recognizing service, celebrating accomplishments, honoring important moments, and bringing people together are all meaningful parts of serving as mayor.

Listening and Helping Residents Navigate Local Government

Not every concern brought to the mayor falls directly within the mayor’s authority.

Even when I cannot personally resolve an issue, I can listen, help explain the process, follow up when appropriate, and try to connect a resident with the right person or department.

I will never promise an outcome that is outside my control. What I can promise is that I will treat people with respect, be honest about my role, and make a genuine effort to help.

What the Mayor Does Not Control

• Manage the Borough’s day-to-day operations.
• Supervise Borough employees.
• Approve zoning or land development applications.
• Make decisions assigned to Borough Council, the Borough Manager, boards, commissions, or other officials.
• Control how individual police incidents or investigations are handled.
• Guarantee a particular outcome simply because a resident asks for help.

These limits are not excuses. They are part of how local government is structured under the law.

Respecting those boundaries helps protect fairness, accountability, and the responsibilities of each part of Borough government.

My Commitment to You

I may not have the authority to solve every problem brought to me, but I will always take the time to listen.

I will be honest about what I can and cannot do.

I will help explain the process when local government feels confusing.

I will make a genuine effort to connect you with the right person or department.

And whether we agree or disagree, I will always treat you with kindness and respect.