“I am grateful for the support I have received from this community, and I feel I can give back even more as a champion for Gettysburg as its next Mayor,” says Carr. “Since moving here 17 years ago, I have worked to bring people together to share peace, love, happiness, and equality in Gettysburg. I will continue to do so, but I also believe Gettysburg needs stronger transparency and accountability to our community, and as Mayor, I plan to improve that.” Chad-Alan Carr

Why Change Mayor Now?

“I see it as an opportunity to do what was promised and not delivered on four years ago: oversight of the police. At the time the borough code was written, most borough’s had probably 1 or two officers if any. “Day to day operations” were probably not overly intense. Now, for a borough our size, with a medium sized department that operates 24 hours a day, that approach is antiquated at best. Mayors and council are at best part time jobs. The police need full time professional oversight to ensure compliance with all of the requirements of policing in the 21st century, and at the very least, must be held to the policies and directions that council-the authority under the borough code- has set either by ordinance or resolution. We have a very very good department, but the management of that department has not been what council has directed.

In Pennsylvania, under the borough code, Mayors are essentially ceremonial. This was by design. They can contribute during council deliberations, but ultimately the decisions lay with the people’s elected council, not the mayor’s office. The mayor can opt to break a tie vote if they choose, in the rare occasion of a tie (a council member would have to be absent or abstaining). They can help set the tone of conversation, and they can represent the borough’s interests in a variety of settings, but they must do just that- represent the borough’s interests.

There is no professional qualification required to be a mayor. How can that be adequate in an age where policing needs such intense oversight? In the 10 years before I was elected, Gettysburg paid out over $1.25M in lawsuits originating in the police department. Those bad actors are gone, and we have a much better group of officers working for us now. That said, the tax payers liability is best protected by strong policy, implemented fairly, and enforced equitably. Our current oversight structure fails to provide that. Chad-Alan is thinking about the best interests of the tax payers, plain and simple.’ 

Matt Moon, President, Council Member, Ward 2

I am Chad-Alan Carr, and I am running for Mayor of the Borough of Gettysburg!

For the past 17 years, I have lived in Gettysburg and worked to bring people together to share peace, love, happiness, and equality. It has been my greatest honor to be welcomed into this community, despite not having been raised here. While respecting its history, I am grateful to have contributed to positive change in Gettysburg.

From founding Gettysburg Community Theatre and bringing state and national conferences to boost the local economy to creating the annual Gettysburg Pride Fest, I have always worked to make this community stronger. I introduced the Non-Discrimination Ordinance to the Borough Council in 2019 and fought to get it passed unanimously in 2020, ensuring protections for all residents. In 2021, I became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected in Adams County as a Borough Council Member At-Large.

Gettysburg is more than a historic landmark—it is a living, breathing community. We have a responsibility to prepare it for the next generation by balancing preservation with progress, supporting local businesses, and ensuring our Borough government works for everyone.

I am running for Mayor because leadership should be about collaboration, transparency, proper oversight, and action. Too often, government feels disconnected from the people it serves. I want to change that by bringing the community into the conversation—whether it’s about infrastructure, public safety, or the future of our local economy—all of which the Mayor can and should play a key role in after listening to the community.

I am honored that the majority of current Council Members have publicly endorsed my candidacy for Mayor. We believe change is needed now. I am enthusiastic about Gettysburg’s future and committed to making a meaningful impact as your next Mayor. With a proven record of leadership and service, I understand the challenges our town faces and am dedicated to helping build a more economically stable, equitable, and efficiently managed community.

A key issue we must address is how we grow our tax base without compromising Gettysburg’s character. We need smart economic development that attracts new businesses, encourages young families to settle here, and keeps our Borough financially strong without overburdening residents.

One of my biggest concerns is the oversight and management of the Borough of Gettysburg Police Department. It needs greater transparency, accountability, and professional leadership. When I ran for Mayor three years ago, this was a major part of my platform. Despite multiple efforts to collaborate with the current Mayor to improve the situation, in my opinion, nothing has really changed—and in some ways, it has worsened.

Effective oversight is not just about accountability—it’s about protecting taxpayers. Professionally guided policies reduce legal risks, prevent costly lawsuits, and ensure fair, consistent law enforcement. Prioritizing structured oversight safeguards public funds, builds community trust, and creates a system that serves everyone equitably. This approach delivers the best financial and social outcomes for Gettysburg.

I want Gettysburg to be a place where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to shape our future. I welcome your questions and ask for your support. You can find more information about my campaign on my website and social media or reach me anytime at ChadAlanCarrForMayor@gmail.com.