5 Questions for Shrewsbury Mayor Erik Anderson

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Photo of the Shrewsbury Municipal Center building with an American flag flying.
Shrewsbury Municipal Center. Photo by Eduardo Pinzon

SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury Borough is a historic and charming town within the Two River area. Its shopping, eateries, parks and more are just part of what makes it unique. The Two River Times reached out to Shrewsbury Mayor Erik Anderson to get his thoughts on the borough, the pandemic and what makes Shrewsbury so special.

The Two River Times: How did you become involved in local politics?

Mayor Erik Anderson: While growing up in Shrewsbury I learned the importance of community service from my parents. My dad was a member of the Shrewsbury Board of Education and my mom was an actively involved with the PTA. As my family began to grow, I looked for ways which would allow me to help better Shrewsbury. That opportunity came in 2010 when I was appointed to serve on the Shrewsbury Zoning Board. This appointment provided me with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of residential and commercial development in our Borough and how the town “worked.” After six years on the Zoning Board, I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Borough Council. I was re-elected to the Council in 2016 and 2017 and in 2018 was elected to a four-year term as Mayor. It is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to serve our town.

TRT: What is an accomplishment during your mayoral term you are proud of?

Anderson: I am very proud of the fact that over the past two years, our Council has achieved savings for Shrewsbury taxpayers by entering into shared service agreements with the county and other towns, modernizing/consolidating Borough administrative operations and implementing new budgeting processes. Additionally, the Council has undertaken projects which have greatly improved pedestrian safety (especially for our children) and upgraded our parks. The Borough has also improved direct communications with the community through a new website, civic ready notifications and social media channels.

TRT: What are the pandemic-recovery challenges Shrewsbur y faces in 2021?

Anderson: Shrewsbury is very fortunate to have dedicated first responders who have worked around the clock since March of last year to ensure the safety of our community. They have provided invaluable services in protecting our town. As the pandemic begins to subside, Shrewsbury, along with every other community, will face new challenges which will range from the mental wellness of our fellow residents to the financial impact on our local businesses. It will be essential that in the coming weeks and months, the same intensity employed in defeating the virus is directed to supporting our friends, neighbors and local businesses.

TRT: Describe your perfect (pre/post-COVID) Saturday in Shrewsbury.

Anderson: Our town has so much to offer, one Saturday is not enough time to experience all the great aspects of Shrewsbury. However, I’ll do my best to pack as much as possible in to one day. After grabbing a Patron wrap and coffee at Bagel Masters, I would start the day visiting Shrewsbury’s historic four corners – Christ Church, Allen House, Quaker Meeting House and the Shrewsbury Historical Society. After getting my fill of our rich local history, I would go for a hike in the newly refurbished Ester Hymer Nature preserve (shout out to Troop 50 for their great work on sprucing up the preserve) and then visit one of Shrewsbury’s great parks. Following my time in the great outdoors, I would grab lunch and do some shopping at the Grove. The day would end with dinner at one of Shrewsbury’s great restaurants.

TRT: You’ve been the mayor for a number of years. Tell our readers something about yourself they don’t know.

Anderson: In addition to being a husband, father, small business owner and Mayor, I race in Skier Cross events (think motor cross on skis) with my three boys. Last year I qualified to compete in the National Championship for my age bracket.

This article originally appeared in the Feb. 18 – 24, 2021, print edition of The Two River Times.