Four candidates seek three seats on Milford Borough Council

Maria Farrell

Why are you running for Borough Council?

I am running for re-election because I care deeply about maintaining the safety, natural beauty, and small-town charm that make Milford so special. It has been an honor to serve our residents, and my commitment to community service continues to guide every decision I make. During my time on council, I’ve worked hard to make responsible choices that protect our fiscal health while supporting projects that enhance our quality of life. One example is the renovation of Ann Street Park — a project that reflects our shared values of community, recreation, and preservation. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and hope to continue that progress to keep Milford a safe, beautiful, and welcoming place for generations to come.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

1. Preserving Milford’s Character: Maintaining Milford’s distinctive look and feel is a top priority. I’ve worked to keep our borough beautiful for residents and visitors alike and will continue to pursue grants that improve our parks and public spaces — without raising taxes.

2. Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility: I remain committed to protecting taxpayers by supporting projects that strengthen infrastructure and enhance our quality of life while maintaining a balanced budget. My goal is to promote thoughtful progress that preserves Milford’s small-town spirit.

3. Strengthening Community Connections: I value open communication and collaboration with residents. Listening to community needs and working together ensures decisions reflect the priorities of those who call Milford home.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I believe I am the best candidate for Milford Borough Council because I bring proven experience, trusted relationships, and a record of results. I’ve helped lead projects that improve our parks, enhance public spaces, and protect our town’s natural beauty—all while ensuring fiscal stability.

My relationships with residents, local organizations, and fellow council members are built on transparency, trust, and teamwork. Experience and continuity are essential to Milford’s continued success, and I have the knowledge and dedication to make informed, responsible decisions that preserve our town’s charm while preparing for the future.

George Lutfy

Why are you running for Borough Council?

I am running to continue the work I have accomplished over the past four years, protecting the quality of life, health, and safety of Borough residents, while representing the next generation of Milford.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

1. Continue my ongoing work as Chair of both the Planning Commission and the Law and Zoning Committee.

2. Finalize a solar energy project estimated to save the Borough over $250,000 if implemented.

3. Find creative ways to reduce Borough costs while maintaining current services and the level of police coverage.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I have a proven record demonstrating my willingness to put in the time and work it takes to make a real, positive difference as a Council member. I will always put the best interests of our town before anything else.

Doug Manion

Why are you running for Borough Council?

I am running for re-election because I care deeply about our Borough and this unique community we have built. It would be my deep honor to serve another four years.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

1. Continued oversight of Borough finances. As Head of the Finance Committee, I have pushed all Committees to create a multiyear capital expenditure (CapEx) budget to reduce unbudgeted costs. Better financial support assures resources for quality of life capital investments such as the improved Ann Street Park project where we are maximizing grant subsidies while adequately budgeting for future maintenance expenses.

2. Improved public safety, particularly for our pedestrians who enjoy walking through our beautiful Borough. I will work toward improving our cross-walks and car speed control measures and support the vital services essential to our Borough such as our independent police force.

3. I will continue to push back on governmental overreach as was the case with the recently adopted overly invasive and cumbersome rental property registration process.

And I will continue to promote non-partisan/bi-partisan governance in these very politically polarized times.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I applaud and thank fellow Borough residents running for Council.

My experience as a civil engineer, a medical doctor and a business person, having run several companies (both private and public), make me well qualified to face the fiscal and other challenges facing the Borough. Since making the Borough my permanent home in 2019, I feel I have had a positive impact on the community. I am a co-Founder of the annual Pike, Opera, Park event. I am a Board Member of the Milford Water Authority protecting our precious aquifer. I sit on the Strategic Planning Committee of the Greater Pike Foundation. During the COVID pandemic, I used my infectious diseases training to help keep our community safe and well informed by co-founding the Milford Volunteer Task Force which distributed much needed support to our local businesses, as well as led multiple Ask the Doctor webcasts, and participated on multiple local radio stations weekly COVID updates.

John Messer

Why are you running for Borough Council?

My wife and I are still in love with Milford three years after moving here. Our business, The John H Wallace House Bed & Breakfast, has welcomed hundreds of guests to the borough and we have listened as they have told us what they like (mostly) and what they find missing. We have found that, as wonderful as Milford is, there are some areas that need improvement. As a resident who owns and operates a business in the borough, I believe my position on borough council would provide a valuable voice for the business community.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

The existing council gets a lot of things right. Unfortunately, there are a few areas where the borough’s efforts are insufficient. First, there are too many vacant and underutilized properties in the commercial district. We need to find a way to fill these buildings with attractive shops and eateries. Second, we need to reconsider some of the existing borough policies and get rid of policies that don’t make sense. As an example, parking regulations in the borough are contradictory and either unenforced or unenforceable. Finally, we need to recognize that Milford is in a very competitive market locally and regionally and the borough needs a “re-branding” to attract and retain workers, businesses, residents, investments and tourists.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

As the only candidate who lives, works and runs a business in the borough, I am uniquely qualified. I have been on the borough planning board for the last three years and have been active in the community. I am a long-time Rotarian and actively seek out opportunities to give back to the community. I am a licensed professional engineer and ran a consulting company for over 30 years. I am married (39 years) with four grown children, five grands and one on the way. I don’t believe that local government is a red or blue issue – we all want a safe, prosperous, and beautiful community.