There is light at the end of the tunnel for Republican Mike Heaberg and Democrat Molly Duffy, Tredyffrin’s special election supervisor candidates. Monday, May 16 will be the last full campaign day before the special election and primary election the following day. Appointed interim township supervisor on February 7, Heaberg faces opposition from Duffy in the special election . . . they will take their case to the voters on Tuesday, May 17. Vying to fill the open Board of Supervisors seat left vacant by State Rep Warren Kampf, Heaberg and Duffy have spent much time at people’s doors in the community, asking for support and hoping to garner a commitment of a vote.

Historically local voter turnout for the primary election is dismal; but maybe the prospect of choosing a supervisor in the special election will attract more voters this year. For us registered Independents, primary elections come and go in Pennsylvania, always without us . . . sadly we do not get to vote in primaries. Pennsylvania is one of 18 states where Independent voters cannot vote in primary elections; I have often-thought that closed primaries disenfranchise a significant number of the American people.

So although we must leave it to our Republican and Democratic friends to vote in Tuesday’s primary election, the Independents can make our voice heard in the supervisor selection process in the special election. Yes, all registered Independent voters, your vote will count in the Heaberg-Duffy special election race. Although we only get one vote on Tuesday, it is an important vote nonetheless . . . your can help decide who will serve our community as an at-large supervisor until January 2012. Regardless of who merges victorious on Tuesday, Heaberg and Duffy will both appear on the November general election ballot for a full 4-year term.

For registered Democratic and Republican voters, you too can vote in the special election but, additionally you can vote in the primary election for supervisor, school board and magisterial district court judge candidates.

The polls will be open for the special and primary election from 7 AM – 8 PM. Below are all our local candidates that will appear on Tuesday’s ballot.

In case you missed them the last time I posted them, I have again included each candidate’s resumes or bios. (click on the candidates names).

Although I encourage and welcome thoughtful debate and commentary on Community Matters, it is your vote that will make the difference on Tuesday!

Special Election Supervisor Candidates:

• Michael Heaberg (R) **
• Molly Duffy (D)

Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisor Candidates:

• At Large: Michael Heaberg (R) **
• At Large: Kristen Kirk Mayock (R)
• At Large: Molly Duffy (D)
• At Large: Ernani (Ernie) Falcone (D)

• District 1 East: Paul Olson (R) **
• District 1 East: Victoria (Tory) Snyder (D)

• District 3 West: John DiBuonaventuro (R) **
• District 3 West: No Candidate (D)

Tredyffrin-Easttown School Board Candidates:

It is my understanding that all school board candidates have cross-filed as both Republican and Democratic candidates.

• Region 1: James Bruce (R) **
• Region 1: Tara G. LaFiura (R)
• Region 1: Karen Cruickshank (D) **
• Region 1: Jerry Henige (D)

• Region 2: Kristine Graham (R)
• Region 2: Elizabeth Mercogliano (R)
• Region 2: Scott Dorsey (D)
• Region 2: Jenny Wessels (D)

• Easttown, Region 3: Peter Motel (R) **
• Easttown, Region 3: Craig Lewis (D) No Response from Candidate

Magisterial District Court Judge, 15-4-01:

• Jeremy Blackburn (R) ** No resume provided by candidate.
• Analisa Sondergaard (D)

** Incumbent