Washington always has hogged much of the nation’s political oxygen, and in recent weeks, it has grabbed all of it, and probably some of the other basic building blocks of life, as well. But there is an election scheduled for Tuesday, November 5 and as voters, we have choices to make.
The federal government shutdown has invaded this community directly – look no further than the closure of Valley Forge National Historic Park! But our local government and school district affects us more directly than any other public entity – the local roads we drive on, how long it takes someone to come when we dial 911, the school our children attend, etc. etc.
Voters will have an opportunity to learn more about the candidates for the TE School Board and the Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors this Saturday, October 19. Yes, it looks like that in addition to the supverisor debate, there will be a TESD School Board Candidate Debate!
The Chester County League of Women Voters will conduct a debate for the TESD school board candidates this upcoming Saturday, October 19, 1 – 2 PM at the Tredyffrin Township Building, 1100 Duportail Road, Berwyn.
The following are TESD School Board candidates:
- Tredyffrin, East – Region 1: Kevin Buraks (D) **
- Tredyffrin, East – Region 1: Pete Connors (R)
- Tredyffrin West – Region 2: Rich Brake (R) **
- Tredyffrin, West – Region 2: Scott Dorsey (D)
- Easttown, Region III: Doug Carlson (R)
- Easttown, Region III: Virginia Lastner (R)
- Easttown, Region III: Maryann Piccioni (D)
- Easttown, Region III: Jean Kim (D)
It is my understanding that six of the eight school board candidates will participate in Saturday’s debate. Unfortunately, Maryann Piccioni and Jean Kim have personal scheduling issues and are unable to attend. There are four Easttown school board candidates on the ballot because current Board directors Betsy Fadem and Anne Crowley have chosen not to seek re-election. As chosen by Easttown voters, the two candidates receiving the highest vote count will be elected to the TESD school board. Incumbents Kevin Buraks (D) and Rich Brake (R) will be challenged on Election Day by Pete Connors (R) and Scott Dorsey (D) respectively.
Immediately following the TESD School Board Candidate Debate, the Chester County League of Women Voters will conduct the Tredyffrin Township Supervisors Debate, 2 – 4 PM, same location.
The following are Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors candidates:
- Supervisor at Large: Michelle Kichline (R) **
- Supervisor at Large: Trip Lukens (R)
- Supervisor at Large: Murph Wysocki (D)
- Supervisor at Large: Mark Freed (D)
- District 2 Middle:: EJ Richter (R) ** (a)
- District 2 Middle: Laurie Elliott (D
The Supervisor at Large seats go to the two candidates receiving the highest vote count on November 5. In the Middle District, the candidate receiving the highest vote count wins the seat.
Off-year elections are historically very-low voter turnout. Here’s hoping that the upcoming school board and supervisor debates lead to more informed voting and increased voter turnout!
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** Incumbent
(a) Currently serving as a Tredyffrin Township At-Large supervisor, Evelyn Richter is seeking re-election; not as an At-Large candidate but as a candidate in the Middle, District 2 race.