Democrats Krista Weaver and Paul Buda were sworn in as Hopewell Borough Council members on Jan. 5 during the Borough’s annual reorganization meeting and swearing-in ceremony at Borough Hall.
Weaver, who was first elected in 2022, will continue her focus on improving pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout the borough. Buda, an architect with 40 years of experience, bring experience with development proposals and construction to the council. Both will serve three-year terms through the end of 2029.
“We’re all looking forward to another year of Krista’s leadership moving safety in the borough forward,” said Councilwoman Debra Stuhler, adding that she expects “great things” from Buda as well.
During her first term, Weaver helped secure $1.51 million, along with up to $750,000 in design funding, through a Safe Routes to School grant to improve safety for children walking and biking to school. She also worked with county officials to reduce the speed limit on Broad Street to 25 mph, eliminate right turns on red at busy intersections, and lead a traffic-calming project on North Greenwood Avenue. Weaver said she hopes to pursue similar safety initiatives in other parts of town. She was sworn in alongside her husband and two children, one of whom attended the ceremony wearing a dinosaur costume.
Buda, a Hopewell Borough resident since 1997, was first appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board in 1998 at the request of then-Mayor Michael Padgett, following Buda’s presentation of a restoration and addition project for his own home. He served on the board for 10 years, a role he said he found fulfilling and one that deepened his appreciation for working alongside dedicated volunteers focused on the borough’s best interests. Buda was sworn in with his wife at his side and said he is “looking forward to making Hopewell the best place it can be.”
During the reorganization meeting, Stuhler was elected council president, a role that includes presiding over council meetings when the mayor is unavailable. She was elected in a 4–2 vote against one other nominee, Anthony Fuller.
Reflecting on major issues addressed by the council in 2025, including redevelopment and the proposed sale of the borough’s water system, Mayor Ryan Kennedy expressed pride in the community and gratitude for the volunteers, committee members, and engaged residents who participated in borough affairs.
“More engagement is what we are looking for,” Kennedy said. “We want to create as many opportunities for that as we possibly can.”
