Candidate for
Council Member; Borough of Swarthmore; Democratic Party

I am a professor of economics at Swarthmore College. My wife and I, along with our two school-aged sons, have lived in Swarthmore since 1997. My desire to serve on Borough Council stems from my belief that my experience with the budgeting and financing of non-profit organizations can positively contribute to the lives of Borough residents. The Borough consistently faces a trade-off between the provision of services and a reasonable rate of taxation. Strategic management of this trade-off is crucial if the Borough is to sustain the services it should provide and remain an affordable place to live for residents of all ages. My experience as an economist provides me with an excellent skill set to help manage the trade-offs that the Borough will face in the next four years. As we look ahead to enriching our downtown, possibly adding an inn, and maintaining our parks, public safety and public works, Borough Council will have to be forward-looking, strategic, and fiscally pragmatic. I believe that by joining the Council now, I can help to create the kind of Council needed at this important juncture in the Borough's history.