Macungie Borough Council Candidate Gregory A. Hutchison

Editor's note: Four candidates are running for two four-year seats on Macungie Borough Council. Each was asked the same questions, and Patch brings them to you in alphabetical order today.

Republican Gregory A. Hutchinson of 120 N. Walnut Street, is seeking a four-year term on Macungie Borough Council in the May 17 Primary Election.  He and his wife, Judy, have lived in Macungie since 1980.  They have one daughter, Kerry.   Hutchinson, 61, graduated from Emmaus High School in 1968.

He is employed at Knoll in East Greenville as a forklift operator.

Hutchinson was elected to council in Nov. 1983 and served 5 terms, until 2004.  He received a certificate of appreciation from Macungie Council for his 20 years of service. He ran again in 2007, but lost.  Hutchinson has been a member of the Zoning Hearing Board for four years.

He enjoys volunteering at Macungie Park during special events and helping wherever he is needed.  He also referees PIAA girls volleyball and is a member of the Muzzle Loaders Rifle Association.

Why are you running for Macungie Borough Council?  “I want to go back to the old way – be impartial.”  Hutchinson feels the borough staff, council, the mayor and the police force need to work together for the Borough of Macungie as a whole – something he says is not happening currently.  “I want to try to get Macungie back the way it was, before all this bickering,” he said.  “I want to get back on council to straighten it out – to use common sense and mutual respect.”

What do you feel is the biggest issue in Macungie?  According to Hutchinson, “Council is supposed to be the leading body of the borough, but the way everything is right now, there is no leadership in the borough that is fair, just, and respectful.” He stated rules are not being followed the way they should be. That is the main issue, he said.

A secondary issue is the police chief and council versus the mayor.  Council should be impartial and not take sides, he said.

How do you feel about Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget and what it will do for education?  “If the budget passes,” he said, “we will just have to do with less.  We have to use what money we get, wisely.  Basically, we’ll need to work with whatever we have.”  Hutchinson added that the community must look at what is needed for the students rather than “what we want.”

What are your plans for Macungie?  “I see our future as going back to the past.  I see our future as having better leadership on council.  I envision better decisions,” he stated.   “I would like to see our police officers out in public more,” he continued.  “I would like to see Macungie Borough employees work as a team.”