Hockersmith elected to 4th term as mayor of Shippensburg

by JIM HOOK

SHIPPENSBURG — Shippensburg Mayor Bruce Hockersmith has won a fourth term.

Hockersmith, a Democrat, beat Independent candidate Frank Cressler 420-252, according to unofficial results. He took 63 percent of the vote. Hockersmith won the West End precinct in Franklin County 178-83 and the two Cumberland County districts.

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Incumbent mayor Bruce Hockersmith won re-election

Hockersmith, 304 W. King St., has served as mayor of Shippensburg for 12 years. He won both the Democratic and Republican nominations in the May primary election.

Cressler, 9400 Molly Pitcher Highway, is a businessman in the borough.

Cressler said he wanted to facilitate things to highlight “the culture and heritage” of the town. He said he doesn’t feel that the town’s “potential” is being realized.

“I am trying to revitalize the community,” Cressler said. “I think the way to do that is get the community involved. I think we need leadership that will engage the community and help them to achieve revitalization. I feel that if we have the right leadership and the community works together, we can have a town that our children and their children can be proud.”

Cressler, 31, is the president and co-founder of The Thought Lot Contemporary Arts Center, and said that under his leadership, he would bring something new to Shippensburg.

“I think that what I can bring to Shippensburg is a new perspective,” he said. “I think that what our community really needs is leadership that will engage the people in our community and encourage them to be involved.”

Hockersmith, 75, said that he is aware that some people feel that due to his age, he may not be their choice in terms of changing things.

“But my mind is still young and inquisitive and constantly looking for things to improve the community,” Hockersmith said. “I’ve never given up on looking for change because through change comes growth. My life has been steeped in community work and I intend to serve my community as long as I am capable and well.”

The term for mayor is four years.