By Gloria Vittadello
Staff Writer
Ewing Township Mayor Bert Steinmann has focused on redevelopment, stronger communication with residents and infrastructure improvements for more than 15 years, work he says has helped modernize the town.
Steinmann first ran for mayor in 2006 but was unsuccessful. Rather than stepping away from politics, he ran again in the following term and won. Since then, he says he has never looked back.
“I think this is the greatest job I’ve ever had,” Steinmann says. “I really enjoy the interactions with individuals.”
Redevelopment and infrastructure
One of Steinmann’s main motivations for seeking office was what he saw as unfulfilled potential throughout Ewing. Driving around the township before becoming mayor, he noticed large areas of unused land and aging properties that had remained undeveloped for years.
“Driving around the town back in those days, you looked at a lot of property that was just barren,” and “wasn’t being developed,” Steinmann said, noting that, “nobody was really putting in the effort to try and get it developed.”
Redevelopment quickly became a priority for his administration. Through public meetings and community discussions, Steinmann said the township worked collaboratively with residents to determine how those projects would take shape. One major result has been the development of Ewing’s town center, which he calls “an absolute gem” and an ongoing project for the community.
Infrastructure improvements have also played a key role. One example Steinmann highlighted was extending Silvia Street, which ended abruptly in a wooded dead end near a rail line. The extension created a second access point to a nearby development that had previously only had one way in and out.
“We wanted to save precious time,” Steinmann said, noting the new route helps police and fire departments reach residents more effectively.
Communication and transparency
Another major focus for Steinmann was improving communication between town officials and Ewing residents.
He said that at one point, there was a lot of back-and-forth between residents online, with little to no input from the local government. A change needed to be made, he said.
“There was an easy fix,” Steinmann says. When Ewing's communications department eventually came up with more ways to effectively communicate online, “it opened doors,” he said.
Steinmann credits Communications Director Julie Willmo with helping modernize the township’s outreach.
“Before I hired Julie, we didn’t really have a communication person in the building,” Steinmann said. “We never really answered questions online before.”
“Ewing Buddy,” an online platform for people to report issues, a weekly digital newsletter and an annual report, were published to improve communication and promote transparency between Ewing officials and residents.
The township’s digital platforms now share local updates and promote events happening not only in Ewing, but in nearby areas; Trenton, Washington Crossing State Park and the College. All of which have been “very well received,” according to Steinmann.
Exploring COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a big change for communication in Ewing, according to Steinmann.
“I think it highlighted things we fell short on,” Steinmann said.
When it came to employment, Steinmann said he tried his best to help employees with healthcare’s benefits and hour restrictions. He explained that to get these benefits, residents must work a certain number of hours per week, but the pandemic made it very difficult for everyone to reach those hours.
He said many township employees worked in roles that could not transition to remote work, forcing the municipality to rethink operations.
To protect employees and residents, the township reduced building capacity, installed sneeze guards and invested heavily in air purification systems.
Another challenge involved employees who lost healthcare eligibility when reduced hours caused them to fall below required thresholds. Steinmann said the township responded by redefining full-time eligibility so workers could maintain their benefits.
During the pandemic, Steinmann along with the Colleges’ president at the time, Kathryn Foster, visited off-campus housing to encourage students to limit gatherings.
“You can do things on Zoom and on social media,” he said while reflecting on why he went in person, “but the effect is always great in person.”
Rebuilding Ewing’s Community Center
One of the largest projects of Steinmann’s tenure is the construction of a new community center after the previous building was destroyed in a 2022 fire caused by a contractor’s negligence.
Rather than replacing the building, Steinmann said the township used the opportunity to design a significantly larger and more modern facility.
The new center will expand from roughly 25,000 square feet to 87,000 square feet and includes a gymnasium capable of hosting multiple events, a walking track, workout spaces for different age groups, a sound studio and a flexible performance space,
A recent beam-signing ceremony, where residents were invited to sign one of the final steel beams before it was placed into the structure, became one of Steinmann's most memorable moments as mayor.
“It was great to see the structure up,” he said. “And it was great to be able to sign my name to the last piece of steel going into the building.”
Public safety
Public safety has also been a major focus of Steinmann’s administration, particularly as the township transitions from a volunteer fire department to a larger career firefighting force.
Increasing demand for volunteer participation over the years has prompted the township to begin hiring full-time firefighters to ensure 24-hour service. Steinmann said the department has grown from about 18 firefighters to more than 40, with additional hires planned.
The township is also expanding training opportunities. Firefighters are being sent to specialized training programs in Pittsburgh to learn aircraft techniques so they can respond to emergencies at nearby Trenton-Mercer Airport.
“We want every one of our firefighters to be top-notch,” Steinmann said. “Whether it’s a train wreck, an airplane incident or a house fire.”
Steinmann’s involvement
Steinmann does his best to be involved in the community, frequently attending ribbon cuttings, officiating weddings and recognizing residents for their contributions to the community.
Last year alone, he officiated 72 weddings.
For Steinmann, these personal connections are central to effective leadership.
“I want my constituency to feel comfortable coming up to me and having a conversation,” he said. “I think it’s important for leaders of the town to be out there.”
Steinmann’s advice to students
Steinmann encourages students interested in government or public service to pursue the field, but he warns that leadership roles require resilience.
“You need to jump in with your eyes wide open,” he said. “People look at you for guidance and strong leadership, especially in emergencies.”
For college students wanting to pursue a career in public office, Steinmann says to prioritize service over status. “You're there for a purpose, not for your own glorification,” he said.
Looking forward
Although Steinmann previously planned to retire at the end of his term, he recently announced plans to seek another term following the passing of his wife last summer. The two had planned to spend their retirement traveling to national parks together.
Her death left what he described as a major gap in his life, and he ultimately decided to continue serving the township he cares deeply about.
“I’m not a couch-potato type of guy,” he said. “I enjoy what I do here.”
Despite more than a decade-and-a-half of office, Steinmann believes there is more work to be done.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get to the point where everything is finished,” he said. “There’s always something more you can improve.”
For him, maintaining progress is essential to the township's future.
“When towns stop investing in infrastructure and everyday improvements,” Steinmann said, “that’s when they begin to decline. We can’t let that happen.”
When reflecting on his accomplishments, Steinmann attributes them to his administration, “I’ve been successful with all these things because of all the good managers that I have around,” he said. “I mean, they make a total difference.”
