You may recall that Rita Frealing narrowly lost the Democratic primary, but overwhelming won the write-in Republican vote, which qualifies her to run on the Republican ticket. She could have quit at that point, but Rita is not a person who backs down in the face of adversity or challenge. Regardless of ticket, Rita has been, and will be a mayor for all of Gettysburg. She believes, as do I, that she possesses the common sense and reason that make her the better mayoral candidate.
The area of police management provides an excellent example. I understand that Rita’s opponent wants to concede management of the police from the mayor to the council and/or the borough manager, reasoning that eight managers (i.e., the council/manager) are better than one (i.e, the mayor).
Really? I can’t imagine anyone who would like eight bosses, none of whom know anything about police operations, peering over one’s shoulder. The Pennsylvania Municipal Code explicitly gives the mayor oversight of the police department. Rita, who possesses a law degree, understands that and will fight to keep the status quo.
I have known Chad-Alan Carr for some time. He has contributed significantly to the arts as well as to other aspects of the Gettysburg community. However, I do not believe he has the fortitude necessary to keep the mayor’s office separate from the council/manager. Rita, on the other hand, has demonstrated for four years her ability to maintain the office of the mayor as an entity separate and apart,
The upcoming election is crucial. It will determine whether the borough continues to follow the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Municipal Code, which have worked so well for so long, or whether the borough consolidates power in one body thereby destroying the separation of powers. That, in my opinion, would be an extremely unhealthy move. Rita Frealing, an attorney, understands this and will fight for the status quo. I urge voters to endorse Rita’s strong leadership, and vote for her on November 4.
Ted Streeter, Gettysburg Former Mayor
I support Chad–Alan Carr because his record as a successful entrepreneur demonstrates the kind of leadership, vision, and accountability our community needs. He has built a thriving enterprise from the ground up — creating jobs, fostering innovation, and proving he can manage complex challenges while staying focused on results. His experience with community involvement and business shows he understands how to balance budgets, attract investment, and make practical decisions that deliver long-term benefits. With that same energy and commitment, he can bring growth, efficiency, and opportunity to our city government.
I am concerned that the incumbent’s support for high-rise development, the relocation of the library, and continued discussion of expanding high-rise zones are not aligned with what the community truly wants. Many residents value the character, scale, and sense of connection that define our city, and these projects risk undermining that. Growth can and should happen, but it must reflect the priorities of the people who live here — protecting neighborhood identity, accessibility, and livability. Our community deserves leadership that listens first and plans with residents, not around them.
If you don’t support high-rise development in Gettysburg, it’s worth asking why anyone would vote for Mr. Carr. He voted to move the 7-story Station Project forward and has expressed support for expanding this type of development west of Carlisle Street. Mr. Carr is the only “incumbent” running for mayor who supports high-rise development. Mayor Frealing does not support it, and that is one of the reasons I strongly support her re-election.
Another reason is Mayor Frealing’s background and proven leadership. She is a trained attorney with extensive experience and has done an excellent job representing Gettysburg and its residents.
But the most important reason I support Mayor Frealing is the issue of police oversight. Mr. Carr will turn control of our police department over to borough council and the borough manager. Make no mistake: under his plan, the borough manager will control our police. No borough manager should have that much concentrated authority—managing borough operations, acting as finance director, and overseeing law enforcement. That structure is not only impractical but also dangerous for our community.
Regarding the library, it’s important to note that the borough manager—not the mayor—opposes the library’s proposed location on the lot where the Station Project is now planned. The mayor had no role in that decision.
Finally, on the issue of leadership that truly listens and collaborates with residents: I’ve attended many council meetings. My respect for Mr. Carr ended at the December 2024 meeting when he joined in sarcasm and disrespect toward the citizens who filled borough hall to express their opposition to the Station Project. That behavior showed me he’s not listening to the people he’s supposed to represent.