The American presidential selection process goes on for three (3) years and can be at times extremely tedious. Like anything else in life there are positives and negatives from such a process. A positive effect is that a presidential election garners attention, thereby facilitating greater public participation in the electoral
process. A negative effect is that a presidential election has the effect of sucking all of the air out of the balloon resulting in very little attention paid to the off-year elections for Township Commissioner.
However, these offyear elections are the ones that are most important for us as Springfield residents. Our Township Commissioners are responsible for overseeing most of the day to day services (police/public safety, trash removal, street maintenance etc…) that we depend on.
This year there are commissioner races in the 2nd, 4th and 6th wards. The Springfield Republican Party endorses Gina Sage, Paul Wechsler and Jim Devenney for those positions. Gina is our newest addition to the Board of Commissioners. She replaced Bob McAndrews who resigned earlier this year. Gina has a very high energy level and working knowledge of local government that she gained as member of the township planning commission.
Paul Wechsler has done an outstanding job filling the large void left by the unexpected passing of Kitty Jurciukonis. Paul faced some early challenges with the issue of the high school lights but his role in the resolution of that matter demonstrates his ability as a Township Commissioner.
Jim Devenney has been a member of the Springfield Township Board of Commissioners for over twenty (20) years and during that period of time has provided the residents of the sixth ward with the responsiveness, good government and fiscal responsibility that they expect.
The Springfield Republican Party supports and endorses candidates who have strong ties to the community and who have pledged fiscal responsibility in overseeing the efficient and competent provision of township services. Springfield Township is not like the federal government. There is no one printing money in the basement of the Township building and these candidates recognize the need for fiscal restraint.
On the county level, Council Vice-Chairman Jack Whelan and Upper Darby State Representative Mario Civera are running for county council. Jack has worked very well with our representative, Tom McGarrigle and Mario Civera brings a wealth of knowledge to the position.
Joseph McGinn is running for re-election as Sheriff of Delaware County. Joe has done an outstanding job as Sheriff, providing security for the courthouse, transporting prisoners and overseeing all applications for firearms.
Lastly, County Council Chairwoman, Linda Cartisano, is running for the Court of Common Pleas. Linda is an excellent lawyer and will make a positive difference on the bench.
Please remember how important these local elections are and come out to the polls on May 19th to support our endorsed candidates.