Pocono News Section

Bucknell Student Wins Lewisburg Council Seat

Bucknell Student Wins Lewisburg Council Seat - Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 5:48PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Nov 4, 2009 @ 05:48pm EST
Lewisburg, Union County-

The votes have been tallied and Lewisburg's next council member is…a Bucknell student?

We headed out in search of reaction to the upset election victory in Union County.

Meet Tim Hoffman, a senior political science and history major at Bucknell University. And thanks to a tech-savvy write-in campaign, he’ll be Lewisburg's newest councilman.

Hoffman explained, "When I decided to start this, everybody told me ‘Bucknell students don't vote. You don't have a shot. It's a waste of your time.’ And I think that they really proved them wrong."

Hoffman took nearly 75% of the vote. He's believed to be the first student elected to Lewisburg council while still enrolled in college.

He noted, "I think I'm in a very unique position to really bridge the gap between the permanent residents and the Bucknell community."

Hoffman's fellow students agree, noting a need to strengthen the ties between the school and the borough.

Junior Alyson Lamb said, "He understands what we actually go through. It's like his own voice is our voice. If we can just make that bond a little closer, then I think we could have some good things happen."

As expected, students were excited to have one of their peers elected. But how would residents react to a student sitting on their borough council?

Erica Shames, of Lewisburg, answered, "Well I always think it's great to get new blood into a situation, political or otherwise. And the fact that he won so handily sends a message that new ideas are needed."

But supporters here realize not everyone will be happy with Hoffman’s election.

Shames noted, "Well I think other people could find some down sides, but I really don't see any."

Hoffman's not about to let any negativity stop him.

He added, "I'm humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve and I feel very privileged that people have decided to put their trust in me."

Hoffman defeated incumbent Peter Bergonia in Lewisburg's 3rd Ward. He hopes to find a full-time job in Lewisburg and serve out his entire four-year term.