I’ve Seen the Problems and I Know How to Fix Them.

Four years ago, when our current mayor was elected, many of us were hopeful for improved communication, teamwork, and leadership. Those hopes haven’t been fully realized, and many people in the community have called for change. Encouraged by that, I decided to run again for mayor because I believe Gettysburg needs consistent, transparent, and reliable leadership.

My platform focuses on accountability, especially when it comes to public safety. I believe proper oversight of the police department is essential to protect good officers and strengthen community trust. In a borough as active as Gettysburg, that responsibility shouldn’t fall solely to a part-time mayor under a limited government structure. Oversight should rest with Borough Council, where decisions can be made collaboratively and in public view.

Pennsylvania’s Borough Code gives the mayor authority over the police department but allows, with Council’s consent, for that oversight to be transferred to the borough manager and Council. This arrangement promotes continuity, accountability, and transparency because seven elected officials make decisions together, rather than one person acting alone. Council already manages hiring, budgeting, and labor negotiations for all borough departments — including the police department — so it’s logical for all departments to report to Council.

Recently there has been confusion about how candidates can appear on multiple party ballots. A local article incorrectly compared the mayoral race to judicial races that allow cross-filing. Pennsylvania law only permits cross-filing for certain offices, such as judicial and school board seats — not for municipal offices like mayor or council. In this election, the incumbent did not cross-file; instead, she solicited Republican write-in votes before the primary, which gave her the Republican nomination even though she lost the Democratic nomination. That is a write-in nomination, not cross-filing. Voters deserve clear, accurate information about how these processes work.

As a Council member, I have consistently supported public safety and our police department through my votes and actions. I believe residents deserve a local government that manages costs effectively, attracts investment, and preserves Gettysburg’s historic character. Having worked closely with Council, I’ve seen how dedicated they are to advancing this community — but I also know that greater cooperation from the mayor’s office is needed.

My goal as mayor is to provide steady leadership, clear communication, and stronger collaboration across all levels of local government. Gettysburg works best when we work together, and I’m running to make sure that happens.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from this community, and I feel I can give back even more as a champion for Gettysburg as its next Mayor,” says Carr. “Winning the Democratic primary is an incredible honor. Since moving here 17 years ago, I have worked to bring people together to share peace, love, happiness, and equality in Gettysburg. I will continue to do so, but I also believe Gettysburg needs stronger transparency and accountability to our community, and as Mayor, I plan to improve that.” — Chad-Alan Carr

Why Change Mayor Now?

“I see it as an opportunity to do what was promised and not delivered on four years ago: oversight of the police. At the time the borough code was written, most borough’s had probably 1 or two officers if any. “Day to day operations” were probably not overly intense. Now, for a borough our size, with a medium sized department that operates 24 hours a day, that approach is antiquated at best. Mayors and council are at best part time jobs. The police need full time professional oversight to ensure compliance with all of the requirements of policing in the 21st century, and at the very least, must be held to the policies and directions that council-the authority under the borough code- has set either by ordinance or resolution. We have a very very good department, but the management of that department has not been what council has directed.

In Pennsylvania, under the borough code, Mayors are essentially ceremonial. This was by design. They can contribute during council deliberations, but ultimately the decisions lay with the people’s elected council, not the mayor’s office. The mayor can opt to break a tie vote if they choose, in the rare occasion of a tie (a council member would have to be absent or abstaining). They can help set the tone of conversation, and they can represent the borough’s interests in a variety of settings, but they must do just that- represent the borough’s interests.

There is no professional qualification required to be a mayor. How can that be adequate in an age where policing needs such intense oversight? In the 10 years before I was elected, Gettysburg paid out over $1.25M in lawsuits originating in the police department. Those bad actors are gone, and we have a much better group of officers working for us now. That said, the tax payers liability is best protected by strong policy, implemented fairly, and enforced equitably. Our current oversight structure fails to provide that. Chad-Alan is thinking about the best interests of the tax payers, plain and simple.’ 

Matt Moon, President, Council Member, Ward 2