By Dana Roberts • The Cardinal Contributing Writer
“Get to Know a Doylestownian” is a monthly feature in which a Doylestown resident or person of interest helps us get to know them better by finishing sentences we provide; in any way they see fit. This month, we extended this feature’s residency “parameters” and chatted with Andrew Nowick, the Mayor of Lambertville, the charming town across the river. Nowick took the oath of office in January 2022 and will serve through December 31, 2024. Nowick came into the position of Mayor during one of the most difficult times in Lambertville’s history: in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, which damaged over 400 residences. He’s worked hard throughout his term thus far to make necessary repairs to the city’s infrastructure, all the while championing Lambertville as a highly desirable place to live. He notes that it’s routinely voted among the 10 prettiest towns in the country; but more importantly, is a place where community is deeply fostered. During the month in which we are reminded to give thanks, Nowick’s view that his mayorship is a way to give back to the community that has been so welcoming to his own family is an astute reminder for us all to be grateful for the town we live in.
I’ve lived in Lambertville… since 2011.
I grew up in… an old farmhouse in western Massachusetts.
My professional background is… very varied. I’ve worked as a waiter, a gardener, a hotel concierge, a manager at Ralph Lauren, and a personal assistant in France.
My family includes: my husband of twenty years, our three sons, and a rascally border terrier called Archer.
I always tell people to visit Lambertville because… it’s the best place I have ever lived, and I know they’ll find lots to enjoy.
I decided to get involved in local government… to give back to the community I love so much.
I decided to run for mayor because… I thought the city needed a full-time mayor who could devote more energy and time to what is a surprisingly complex organization.
When I learned I won the mayoral election, I… was absolutely delighted.
During my term so far, I have… become acquainted with many of our wonderful residents and business owners. Being a mayor who can be out and about every day is great fun, and when I need a break from administrative work, I go right out in the streets. Following a year’s work of recovery from Hurricane Ida, my most important and ongoing policy initiatives are centered around climate resilience and flood preparedness and mitigation.
People would be surprised to know that… the mayor is an introvert.
My kids’ reaction to me being elected mayor was: Does this mean we have to walk the dog more often?
If I need a really good cup of coffee I… head to my own kitchen or any of our terrific coffee shops in town. This mayor has no favorites, only a happy rotation of coffee shops, restaurants, and local businesses.
The quality that sets Lambertville apart from Doylestown and New Hope is… our community’s deep appreciation of its history and small-town culture.
I am really good at…taking fifteen-minute naps while sitting in my office chair.
Right now, I’m reading…This is Happiness, by Niall Williams.
My favorite spot in Lambertville is… the front room in the historic Holcombe house at Holcombe Park.
If I need to get a gift for someone, I… love to go to the Central Business District, where I might buy a rare book, a tin of Portuguese sardines, some small antiques, or a bottle of wine. The last gift I got for someone was a pot scrubber from Foxy Reds, which was a big success.
My favorite place to walk our dog Archer… is from our house on N. Union Street to Goat Hill Overlook.
I hope that my 3-year term… reminds people that to be a part of a community, you need to volunteer, you need to be of use, and that local politics doesn’t have to be divisive or uncaring. The mayor sets the tone and, together, we do the work. It’s our City and it is what we make it.
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