When Hopewell Borough councilwomen Debra Lehman and Shelby Tewell walked into the meeting room for the final Borough Council meeting of the year on Dec. 6, they expected the agenda would list the routine matters every governing body must handle.
What they did not expect was a resolution, signed by Mayor Paul Anzano and Borough Council members, commending them for their years of service – nine years for Lehman and two years for Tewell. Neither Lehman or Tewell sought re-election in November.
Lehman served three three-year terms on the council and Tewell was appointed to the governing body to complete an unexpired term.
The resolutions noted that during their tenure on council, Lehman and Tewell were “always willing to put the needs of Hopewell Borough residents first, no matter the subject.”
The resolutions praised Lehman and Tewell for their “devoted service (that) embodies the spirit of every good municipal official, every good leader and every good citizen in our democratic republic, which is to strive every day in every way to be a good neighbor.”
Lehman’s resolution said she had “worked tirelessly over the years to improve communications between Hopewell Borough and its residents on numerous issues, always encouraging resident involvement and input on issues.”
Tewell’s resolution said she worked hard to ensure the health, safety and welfare of residents and to preserve and protect the quality of life cherished by residents, “particularly in matters of traffic and public safety.”
The resolution pointed out that “one of Councilwoman Tewell’s major accomplishments in office was the development and implementation of a new traffic safety program, Heads Up Hopewell, that is designed to raise awareness of all drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in the borough for years to come.”
Reflecting on her tenure on council after the meeting, Lehman said she enjoyed contributing to the community through her service on the governing body.
“It is time to step down and let other members of the community take part in the process,” Lehman said.
Looking back on her short tenure as a public official, Tewell said it was her first foray into government.
“It was very interesting to me. I come from a corporate background. It was a good growth experience for me, the business of running a town vs. the business of running a corporation,” she said.
Tewell said she was most proud of the Heads Up Hopewell program, whose goal is to encourage drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to be aware of one another when they are using the streets and sidewalks.
