Meet Marple's Newest Commissioners

BROOMALL–Wards 1, 3, 5 and 7 are all up for grabs in this year's election for 's Board of Commissioners race, but all the candidates running for each ward will run uncontested.

Incumbents Dan Leefson (R-Ward 7) and John Longacre II (R-Ward 5) will return to their seats on the Board again, while Trudy Riddell (D-Ward 1) and Jim Balk (D-Ward 3) will not be returning.

Two new players will be running for the spots of Riddell and Balk–Joseph Rufo for First Ward and Robert Fortebuono for Third Ward. Rufo and Fortebuono are both running on the ballot as a democrat and republican.

Read below to get to know these two newcomers on Marple's Board of Commissioners.

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Name: Robert Fortebuono

Background: I'm 42 years old and have lived in Marple for over three years with my wife and our three young children. We moved here because we have a great number of friends and family that live in the community, great schools, and dedicated emergency services personnel. I have never served on a committee/board.

Why did you decide to run for a commissioners seat this year?  With three children and plenty of friends and family in the community, I wanted to be a part of keeping this the place where families want to live, our youth have a place to play and grow, and seniors feel safe.

Take on the budget: I’m excited to be part of the budget process going forward. My goal is to never project a tax increase. I believe that looking at spending first is the key to keeping to our budget.

Take on new emergency services building project:  I'm excited about the project, but I believe that something this large in scope that will benefit our community should not be rushed. Rushing this process could cost the township more tax money than needed. We should make sure we review each step to get the best for our township and residents.

What do you hope to bring to the Board? I hope to bring a high level of energy and focus on the residents' needs, while keeping fiscal responsibility. 

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Name: Joseph Rufo

Background: I am 45 years old and have lived in Marple township since August of 1994 when my wife Julie and I bought our home. I have served on the Marple Newtown School Board for the past two years as a member of the Facilities and Transportation Committee, Human Resources and Policy Committee, and Curriculum and Instruction Committee. We are currently raising our family of five children in what I see as a great community with great schools.

Why did you decide to run for a commissioners seat this year? I decided to run for the First Ward commissioner’s seat because I feel that as the high school and community center renovations are almost completed, I can make more of a contribution to our community as a member of the Marple Township Board of Commissioners.

Take on the budget: I am looking forward to being a part of the budget process in the upcoming years, and I will work very hard to control costs and keep taxes low. 

Take on new emergency services building project: The proposed emergency services building is a project that should not be rushed. We only get one shot at doing an important project such as this, and doing it in a way that will be the most cost effective and productive to the township. We certainly cannot hit our residents with any kind of significant tax increase in these tough economic times. I will be new to the board of commissioners, so I have not been involved in the budget process but I would certainly strive for a zero percent tax increase once I get involved.

What do you hope to bring to the Board? I hope to bring a personalized and accessible approach to the Board, while making sure that decisions are open and honest, and in the best interest of our residents.