Democrat's work is just starting as Republicans get ready to take control in Chambersburg

Dom Brown has been building a reputation in and around Chambersburg. 

He's put together events ranging from a black-tie gala to block parties to a music festival, and he provides meals several times a week to people in need. A combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and ended his military career at Letterkenny Army Depot, he hosts a radio show to help veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues. 

Next, Brown will take a seat on Chambersburg Borough Council, representing the third ward. 

GOP candidates swept the races in the Borough of Chambersburg in the 2021 municipal election. With five seats, one from each ward, up this cycle, borough council flipped from a 6-4 Democratic majority to a 6-4 Republican majority. The mayor, who has the authority to veto borough council actions and to break ties, will remain a Republican. 

Brown won the tightest race, beating incumbent Barbara Beattie by just eight votes. 

"I put my best foot forward, and I was wishing for and hoping for the best," he said. 

The Republican sweep "speaks volumes" about what voters want from their borough council representatives, Brown added. 

Brown told voters on his campaign website he was focused on making the town friendly to businesses, promoting investment and development, and improving transparency. 

He told a reporter his first priority will be Southgate Mall, particularly ensuring the borough is fiscally responsible in redeveloping it. 

Borough council has approved a conceptual plan to turn the dilapidated shopping center into a "sustainable neighborhood" that mixes housing and business, according to a press release. In October, council earmarked more than $4 million - over half the $7,763,037 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds the borough's been allocated via the American Rescue Plan Act - for the project. 

Brown said he would like to see an investor take on the redevelopment of the 14-acre site. Discussion over what to do with the property has evolved over a number of years. 

"I don't want it to become a burden on the taxpayer," Brown said. 

The other new Republican councilmembers who flipped seats are Larry Hensley in the fourth ward and Weston Waytow in the fifth ward. Former councilperson Tom Newcomer will again represent the second ward, and fellow Republican Allen Coffman was re-elected in the first ward. 

Waytow is looking forward to serving friends and strangers alike as a member of borough council. He said he couldn't pass up the chance to help lead the town he loves and in which his family has deep roots. 

"My goal is to be as transparent as possible so people feel like they know what is happening and why it is happening," Waytow said. 

More:Republicans win most races in Franklin County; Dems win seats in Greencastle, Mercersburg

Hock ready to be mayor

Ken Hock, who goes by his nickname, "Hockey," was also part of the GOP sweep in Chambersburg. 

The local business owner's path toward becoming mayor began a few years ago. He was meeting new people and wanted to get involved in the community, and friends started encouraging him to run for mayor. Not wanting to get into the nitty gritty of politics, which would be required for a seat on borough council or school board, he got into the idea. 

Personable and a self-identified "people pleaser," Hock said is looking forward to getting out there and being a figurehead for the town. But his priority falls in line with the main responsibility of the borough mayor, to oversee the police department. He said he wants to work with the police chief, Ron Camacho, to "keep things trucking." 

Worthy 'not disappearing'

Hock's opponent in the election said his loss won't stop him from pushing forward with his mission to make Chambersburg a better place for everyone. 

"Marvin Worthy is not disappearing," the Democrat said. "I will be visible, available and engage in this community around the issues." 

Worthy, who has his own consulting business and runs a racial equality program with his wife, would have brought three decades of community service to the mayor's office. 

Going forward, he is focused on Youth Achievers, a college readiness program for students in grades eight through 12, preparing for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in January, and continuing to do what he can to help local residents with issues and concerns.

“I got an opportunity…to get to know this community at a level I never knew before while canvassing this community and knocking doors," he said. "I want people that I’ve met to know that I hear you, I hear you. I do not have to be mayor now to respond to needs and wishes. I will work for these people and their issues.”

Noting the political shift of the borough’s elected leadership, Worthy advised people to be diligent and pay attention.

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“We must hold leadership accountable and do it as professionally as we can, and ask questions and demand honest responses and be actively engaged in any process that makes decisions that affect the community as a whole.”

Hock and the new members of borough council will take their oaths of office on Monday, Jan. 3. Regular council meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in Council Chambers at Borough Hall, 100 S. 2nd St., Chambersburg. 

Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.