In keeping things consistent, here are my answers the Gettysburg Borough Council asked the mayor applicants: I was not appointed. But I was very happy to see other Republicans also apply. No Republican received votes. Gettysburg is still dealing with a very liberal council and the system is still a broken one! But the good news, as previously stated, other Republicans tried which is fantastic. This possibly opens the door for other Republicans to run for office in the borough at the next election!

Due to laryngitis I could not read my own answers. The Borough Council President Matt Moon had to read them and exposed their own shortcomings! 🙂 It is no wonder I didn’t get voted in. But I had to stay true to my convictions and speak truth. In the days ahead, I will be filing formal complaints with the Board of Elections and defamation against those who participated in the Gentiles lies. https://julianalove.com/2026/03/14/my-response-mayor-of-gettysburg-regarding-dale-tiffany-gentile/. I will also be working on a discrimination case as well!

ANSWERS:

*What makes a community special are its people. This, added to our town’s economy, is driven by visitors from people around the world. The reenactors that used to grace our town with Living History, are the reason the majority of those people come here. This, after all, is a historical town. I am sure you read the recent remarks by our State Senator Doug Mastriano. I agree with what he stated. However, I also believe that in order to heal the wounds, not just from scandals but from strong political opposition, a good mayor must become a bridge between the past and the present that unites and connects the community, regardless of race, creed, color, political affiliation, straight, or of the LGBTQ community. Our community is a diverse one and the mayor must not adhere to his or her own party affiliation alone. But to treat each member with respect, kindness, care, and compassion. As Mayor of Gettysburg, I would spend time out in public and not just in an office. I believe that being part of the community, welcoming tourists, listening to grievances, and allowing others to voice their needs, is a huge part of this position. I feel for far too long, people have lost their voice. Which is ironic because as you know, from time to time, I physically lose mine. But it does not make me unfit for the position. I think it actually enhances reasons why I should become mayor. I understand empathy! I believe a mayor should be approachable and to make sure that he or she keeps the public informed. If needed, a mayor should be a liaison between the Borough Council and the community.

*The above tourists that I previously mentioned want to be immersed in Civil War history and when they find out there are hardly any reenactors, they leave disappointed. Not only that reenactors used to bring millions of dollars in revenue into our town, thus boosting our economy. Gettysburg is a historical town, and it needs to stay that way. How would I intend to make sure the office of the mayor serves the health, safety and welfare of our community? First, I would monitor the protests personally along with officers from the Gettysburg Police Department. I would have the permit in hand and make sure it is honored. I have filed several complaints with the Borough Council, and the Gettysburg Police Department about such violations, including the use of a megaphone, profanity on the signs, and other violations. The borough secretary sent me an email telling me that no violations were ever reported. This is not only shocking, it is scary because not only did I report them, but several other people did too, including business owners and managers. Recently, there were people staying past the allotted time on the permit, people in the streets chasing cars waving their signs, crosswalks that are still blocked, the use of the megaphone is still happening as well. If someone does get hurt, or worse killed, it will be the borough that gets sued. I fully understand the GPD does not want to interfere in someone’s 1^st Amendment rights for fear of them being sued as well. But our ordinances are in place for a reason; safety violations like chasing after cars and blocking crosswalks can bring significant harm to the protesters and other pedestrians as well. A mayor is to: “preserve the public peace and order within the borough, enforce borough ordinances and regulations, and remove nuisances.” I would not infringe upon someone’s 1^st Amendment rights. But I do expect it to be a peaceful protest and not one that constantly breaks the terms of the permits. At that point, the safety of the community comes into question, and something must be done to stop it. If all other efforts fail, only as a last resort, revoke the permits.

The mayor, on another note, must be mindful of conditions of the sidewalks, ice and snow removal, and issues pertaining to public safety and transit. The mayor might not have authority on certain things. But he or she must bring to the attention of those who do, issues that might be a concern and detrimental to the health and well-being of our town and all who visit.

*In regard to working with the council and staff to project a sense of stability and calm. My strategies are simple – be available if needed during this time of transition, maintain all social media, create newsletters to keep the public informed, as previously stated be a liaison between the community and the borough council if need be. This would help to ensure a “sense of calm,” by building a sense of trust, reliability, and accountability first.  

*It is the mayor’s responsibility to provide for the safety and well-being of the town. But I believe the Gettysburg Police Department must be involved in all aspects of special events, as well as the Borough Council. Working together as a team and preparing beforehand is key. I believe that the way to balance and maintain these relationships is by mutual respect; listening to advice; and understanding that we all are working for the common good of our community.

*In Conclusion, as a reenactor myself, we must do better at welcoming them back to town. I am aware of the controversy surrounding the Confederate uniform. However, we cannot change what history has left behind. As much as the LGBTQ is welcome in our community, so must the reenactors. We do not have the right to judge what parts of history are right or wrong. Discrimination and abuse have been allowed to run rampant in our town, and we must do better at putting a stop to it. Being a mayor is so much more than waving in a parade. It is about connection and creating a safe space for everyone, not just a selected few!

Juliana Love