Moment With The Mayor

When Leighton Wildrick's last day to serve as main street manager approached last month, Pottstown Mayor Bonnie Heath said she was disappointed that a “great” boost for the borough would come to an end. 

Wildrick was very experienced and sometimes worked 60 and 70 hours per week to improve Pottstown, Heath said. 

"He came in with big ideas and new ideas," Heath said of Wildrick, who worked with community groups such as Rotary and The Gallery On High to decorate the town for a successful winter holiday program, she said. 

But the borough council decided not to accept a grant to fund Wildrick's job.

"They voted to turn it down," she said. "It was disturbing."

Despite her dissatisfaction, Heath said she will move forward and stay positive for the remainder of her term.

One important role of the mayor is to be an advocate for Pottstown’s growth and success, Heath said.

“It’s very economical to start here,” she said of encouraging businesses to move to town. 

Heath said she has great faith in Pottstown Manager Jason Bobst, a “can do guy” who knows how to unite necessary forces to lead the borough.

“He has my support,” she said. 

She’s also an advocate for the Pottstown Police Department. The department runs well and includes highly trained officers, she said.

Heath attends borough council meetings and has commented on issues concerning the need to bring more business to Pottstown.

“I try to be a voice for our … rebranding,” she said. Outsiders often say Pottstown has many assets including parks, The Hill School, the Montgomery County Community College West Campus and riverfront, Heath said. 

“As mayor, I get to be kind of the spokesperson,” she said and added she’s grateful for businesses and entities that make their home in Pottstown. “I don’t take credit for others’ work.”

All in all the borough council has remained fairly united, effective in stepping past disagreements and moves forward with Pottstown work, she said.

Heath said she doesn't dwell on negative criticism of her work.

"I support the groups that are positive," she said.