League of Women Voters Questions

Recently I had a chance to answer questions from the Berks County League of Women Voters. Unfortunately print space is limited so I had to reduce my responses. Here are the full responses for those interested:

1. What skills, knowledge, and experience do you have to help you be an effective Borough Mayor?

I’ve been honored to serve as Hamburg’s Mayor since 2018, and I’m the only candidate in this race with hands-on experience in local government. I have an MBA from St. Joseph’s University, and I’m a Certified Borough Official through the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs. I also represent Hamburg on the Community Advisory Board for the Center for Excellence in Local Government.

My strong working relationships with County, State, and Federal officials have helped advance Hamburg’s interests at every level. As a combat veteran of three conflicts and a retired Army Sergeant Major, I’ve led teams in complex and high-stakes environments—skills that translate directly to my role as Mayor. During my tenure, I’ve helped guide the borough through major challenges, including a flood, the COVID-19 pandemic, a Black Lives Matter march, and multiple public safety incidents in our schools and neighborhoods.

These successes are only possible through close collaboration with Borough Council and the dedication of our Borough employees. Leadership, accountability, and teamwork are central to everything I do. Learn more at holmesformayor.com.

2. Why are you running for Borough Mayor?

I’m seeking re-election because I’ve invested the time and effort to truly understand how local government works. Governing at the municipal level often means navigating what can’t be done just as much as what can—and that requires patience, persistence, and deep institutional knowledge. I’ve built that knowledge over the past several years, and I’m committed to putting it to work for Hamburg.

I believe we must actively manage change, not just react to it. Projects like the Schuylkill River Trail will shape Hamburg’s future for generations. I want to make sure we’re prepared to take full advantage of opportunities like this while preserving the values that make our town special.

3. What are your thoughts about the best way to manage fluoridation in public water at the local level?

Currently, the Hamburg Water Authority does not add fluoride to our water supply, and to date, I’m not aware of any public complaints on this issue. While low levels of fluoride may be considered safe, recent rulings and evolving science suggest the topic deserves renewed scrutiny.

Given the increasing preference for bottled water over tap water, there appears to be little public demand to change our current policy. Ultimately, decisions about water quality should remain with the Hamburg Municipal Authority—an separate body specifically tasked with ensuring our water is clean and safe for all residents.

4. What are your three top priorities for this office?

First, I want to get our Police Department accredited. It’s a big step that would improve professionalism and help lower insurance costs for the borough. It’s good for the department and good for taxpayers.

Second, I want to see a School Resource Officer (SRO) placed in our school district. Student safety has always been a top priority for me, and an SRO would give us a stronger presence and better relationships between students and law enforcement.

And third, I’d like to work toward forming a Council of Governments for Northern Berks. Right now, a lot of decision-making in the county is centered around Reading. We need a stronger voice for our region, and this would help neighboring towns collaborate and tackle shared challenges together.