Meet Your Newtown GOP Primary Candidates

Only one seat is up for grabs on 's Board of Supervisors this year. Two-term serving School Board member Edward Partridge has challenged long-time serving Supervisor and Vice Chairwoman Linda Houldin, who is seeking re-election, in the GOP primaries for a six-year seat on the board. Meet the candidates below before you vote on May 17, Tuesday.

*Name: Linda Houldin

Background: I have lived in Newtown since 1953, where my husband and I raised two children. I began serving Newtown as a fighter for special needs students, followed by terms on the school board and as tax collector, where I worked hard to diligently ensure fiscal responsibility.

Currently, I serve as a township supervisor, where I battle for low-density development and sound fiscal policy. What I bring to the Board of Supervisors is leadership, experience, honesty and, most importantly, integrity.

Platform: Quality of life in Newtown and low taxes are my key concerns. I believe that less traffic congestion, responsible land development, no obnoxious billboards, open space, lower taxes and fiscal responsibility are what the residents want and what I hope to deliver to them if I am re-elected.

Traffic is a major concern for all of us.  I'm in the process working with surrounding townships and state agencies to create region-wide, long-term solutions to traffic congestion problems.

I will continue to fight for responsible low-density development. I've battled against building projects that destroy our current open space, businesses, increase traffic congestion, and create additional problems for our police. I will work hard for new development plans that responsibly addresses density concerns, traffic and infrastructure issues, and the additional cost of new public services. With new developments coming, we need to create a plan on how to keep our current businesses here to protect our tax base.  

Keeping Newtown beautiful is important.  As a supervisor, I have and will continue to fight against billboards.

Reducing costs and taxes are essential components of fiscal responsibility.  As a supervisor, I did vote to reduce heathcare costs. I feel that only the supervisor should take health insurance and not for spouse or family which would reduce our budget by thousands of dollars. I've spearheaded an effort to begin a multi-township purchasing system in order to reduce costs. I have fought to keep taxes low, while on the board, I have kept tax increases to $21 per year for the last 11 years.

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Name: Edward Partridge

Background: I am a 19-year resident of Newtown Square, where me and my late wife Kate raised our two sons Eddie and Kevin. I currently live with my wife Marie Therese and our stepson Kevin in the Greene Countrie section of the township. I graduated from St. Joseph’s University with a B.S. in Accounting and an M.B.A. in Finance. I am currently employed by SAP America and have over 30 years of experience managing people, projects and budgets.

I have spent the past eight years on the Marple Newtown School Board. During that time, I have served with distinction in the offices as president, vice president and the Human Resources and Policy Committee chairman. I have been instrumental in improving the quality of education, renovating deteriorated facilities and upgrading the districts antiquated technology while reducing expenses and maintaining
Delaware County’s lowest tax millage.

I am active in several organizations and have volunteered significant time to local baseball, basketball, and soccer leagues. I have also served on the Newtown Township Planning Commission and as Assistant Republican Committeeman.

Platform: As a Newtown Township supervisor, I want to establish a foundation of open, honest government. I want to bring unity to the Board of Supervisors and other township committees so that they work collaboratively on township issues and find solutions that bring the most benefit to residents.

I will work to streamline and cut expenditures so that we have an efficient budget while providing valuable services to our community. I am committed to maintain and keep township taxes as low as possible. 

I will work with my fellow supervisors, committees and other experts to solve the tough issues facing Newtown Township, such as traffic, sewers, land development and storm water runoff.

I have committed himself to ensure that Newtown Township remains a great place to live, work, shop and raise a family.

* Marked as incumbent.