TAYLOR - A 53-year-old borough woman has announced her bid for the mayor's seat, possibly making her the first woman to do so since Taylor's inception.
Roxanne Pauline, 309 S. Main St., a Democrat, said Saturday she has been told that she is the first woman to run for mayor, but she seldom thinks in terms of gender. She wants to use her experience and contacts to bring more businesses to downtown Taylor.
Ms. Pauline, a Northeastern Pennsylvania Area Labor Federation coordinator, said she works with labor unions in at least 20 counties.
"We have a great Main Street now, but let's get some new business there," Ms. Pauline said.
She said she also wants to increase community engagement by raising awareness of area activities and then following up by increasing turnout at those activities.
"First, you start the talking at events and town halls," she said, adding that she wanted to see more participation at open meetings. To increase turnout at meetings, she wants to go around the neighborhood and knock on doors to get to know people. At a kick-off rally Saturday night at St. George's Orthodox Church, she welcomed borough residents and community leaders.
"People don't know their neighbors. Back in the old days, everyone on the block knew everyone else." Ms. Pauline said, adding later: "I want to know my neighbors."
Richard Bowen, mayor of Taylor for the past 10 years, will not be running for another term.
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