Hello, primary season. Yep, that’s right. It’s time to vote again. Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania, and there is a lot locally on the ballot, if not a lot contested.
Three State Supreme Court Justices are up for retention. There are also elections for Commonwealth Court, Superior Court, Common Pleas Court, school boards, county row offices, township supervisors, council people, and various other local positions.
If you’re voting in person, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place here.
If you’re voting by mail-in or absentee ballot, there are several secure ballot dropboxes around. The Chester County Government Services Center on Westtown Rd. is the only one in West Chester. At this point, do not mail your ballot. The deadline to drop off mail-in and absentee ballots is 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Candidate Previews
West Chester Borough
West Chester Borough has four wards on the ballot this election cycle. Brian McGinnis is seeking a second term in Ward 3. He would like to see investment in a new public works facility and more parking decks. Wards 1, 5, and 7 will all get new faces after Patrick McCoy, Lisa Dorsey, and Sheila Vacaro decided not to run again.
Not sure what Ward you are? Here’s a handy map with current Council Representation.
Ward 1
Looking to step up in Ward 1 is Jerry Szczepaniak, who is running as a Democrat, and businessman John McDonald, who is running as a Republican. Jerry wants to help the town remain great by being “prepared to meet the needs of next year and the years after,” specifically regarding infrastructure (including the public works department). John says his main priority is to be a “check against the majority on the council.” He’d also like to reduce the local earned income tax credit to 1 percent. (It is currently 1.25 percent.)
Ward 5
In Ward 5, retired business librarian and practicing artist Steven Marvin has several local concerns he’d like to address, including “bacterial infections, fire, sewer, water quality, drainage, power outages, trees, local crime, mental health, vandalism, wellness checks, and pedestrian safety.”
Democratic voters of Ward 7, lucky you, you get to make a decision. There are, however, no Republican candidates. So, this is the choice. Unfortunately, not everyone will get to make, but that is something you’ll need to take up with state legislatures.
Ward 7
Lisa Bryan-Confronti is an art history teacher with a background in administration and finance. She will focus on “preserving the historical charm of our town… and [be] a staunch advocate for public arts initiatives.” Council and committee meeting regular Lisa Kearns feels her FAA Aviation Safety Inspector and National Division Manager background has prepared her to lead. She would like to see fiscal responsibility, smart growth, environmental protection, and better community building.
Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste is also seeking reelection. She is running unopposed.
Read more about the Democratic candidates here, and the Republican candidate here.
East Bradford
East Bradford has one of its three Township Supervisor positions on the ballot. Republican incumbent John Snook will face Democratic challenger Debbie Maynard. According to his LinkedIn page, John has served as a Township Supervisor for the last 17 and a half years. In 2019, he stated his objectives were to “keep taxes low, control development impacts, deliver cost-effective community services, protect open space, and promote energy conservation.” (I did reach out for an updated statement, but never received a response.)
Debbie vows to use her business and planning background to “support financial transparency, responsible development, protection of our open spaces, and respond to the needs of the residents of East Bradford.”
West Goshen
West Goshen must also choose a Township Supervisor. Democratic incumbent Ashley Gagne will face Republican challenger Brandon Drobenak. This will be Ashley’s second term as supervisor. In a Facebook post announcing her reelection, she acknowledged the challenges of serving in public office. “[Public service] tests your character, your patience, and your resolve. But it also strengthens your purpose,” she wrote. She will work to ensure that West Goshen residents get exceptional service and feel safe.
Army veteran Brandon moved to West Goshen five years ago with his family. He believes in “responsible governance, strategic planning, and transparent leadership.” He wants to see smart growth, resilient infrastructure, and a high quality of life for all residents.
West Chester Area School Board
The West Chester Area School Board has four seats up for reelection, including in Region 1, which serves West Chester Borough and parts of West Goshen, Region 2, which serves East Goshen and West Whiteland Townships, and Region 3, which serves everywhere else. (You can find the breakdown here.)
Current School Board Members Jewell Parkinson and Karen Fleming are unopposed in Regions 1 and 2, respectively, while a fight brews in Region 3.
Region 1
Director Jewell Parkinson loves making a difference in the lives of children. If re-elected, she would continue to prioritize student success and work to improve community outreach and communication. (She did complete my questionnaire.)
Region 2
Director Karen Fleming has served on the board since 2021 and counts improved student achievement, safe schools, modernized buildings, and higher teacher pay among her achievements. Still, she feels the district can do more to reduce achievement gaps among students.
Region 3
Director Laura Detre is running for reelection in Region 3. She is running against newcomers Ashley Padula and Beth Campbell. Region 3 has two open positions and three candidates. School Board member Stacey Whomsley is not seeking re-election.
Laura says the district does an excellent job of preparing students for graduation, but she would still like to see more project-based learning opportunities integrated into the curriculum.
Beth, who has young kids in the district, is eager to keep schools safe and foster the best possible environment for their success. She applauds the district for its fiscal responsibility but would like to improve transparency and review curriculum requirements.
You can read the full responses here.
(If you know Ashley, or any of the local candidates running for office. Please send them my way. I will continue to build out the candidate sheets ahead of the November elections. Even if there isn’t a choice, I still think it’s nice to know who’s running.)
This story was part of a longer West Chester newsletter featuring all the news and events of the week. Curious what else is going on? Subscribe now to get the full story. New issues come out on Fridays!