Radnor GOP Newsletter

May 2021

Supporting Policies and Candidates

for Economic Growth and Prosperity

Doing What’s Right for Radnor...and America!

In This Issue

Chairman's Message
Candidate Statement: Beth Connor for School Board Director
Candidate Statement: Robert Whitehead for School Board Director
Candidate Statement: Laura Foran for School Board Director
On the Lighter Side: Gas Shortage
Candidate Statement: Sean Waters for 2nd Ward Commissioner
Candidate Statement: Sonja Nekoumand for 4th Ward Commissioner
Candidate Statement: Jake Abel for 6th Ward Commissioner
On the Lighter Side: Border Wall
Sample Ballots and Polling Locations
Radnor Nickname "Raider" in Trouble
What YOU Can Do Now!
In Case You Missed It
On the Lighter Side: Worst President Ever
Election Calendar
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Keeping You Informed (article and video links)
On the Lighter Side: Socialism

Chairman's Message

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Election Day is Tuesday, May 18^th, and while this is a primary election for municipal, county and some state level officials, this election will also determine three important ballot questions to amend the state constitution, and a fourth question which is a statewide referendum. These are important issues and I urge everyone to vote YES on each of these ballot questions. The questions and their context can be found at the following link.

http://www.pahousegop.com/voiceofthepeople.

As is typical in municipal election primaries, there are several candidates who have cross-filed in both the Democrat and Republican primaries. Therefore, when you vote on May 18^th, ensure you are voting for the “endorsed” Republican candidates on the ballot. We have provided “sample” ballots for each office linked to this newsletter. Please refer to these “sample” ballots for your precinct when voting.

Note also, that you can vote multiple times for certain offices, for example, there are four positions for Radnor School Board up for election, and you can therefore cast four votes, so please vote for each of our excellent candidates – Beth Connor, Dave Falcone, Laura Foran and Bob Whitehead – each of whom want to restore balance to our School Board and re-focus the district its core mission of educating our children.

Wards 2, 4 and 6 have Township Commissioner elections this year. Our candidates: Sean Waters, Sonja Nekoumand and Jake Abel are unopposed in the primary and deserving of your vote of confidence in their candidacy. Linda Dowd, our exceptional candidate for Township Treasurer, is also unopposed in the primary.

The following candidates are endorsed for Delaware County and statewide Office and Judicial positions:

Kevin Brobson, Justice of the PA Supreme Court; this is a contested primary
Megan Sullivan, Judge of the Superior Court
Drew Crompton, Stacy Marie Wallace, Judges of the Commonwealth Court (vote for both)
David Lang; Magisterial District Judge (Radnor 4^th, 5^th and 7^th wards only)
Michael Ruggieri and Debra Truscello, Delco Court of Common Pleas – vote for both.
Joseph Lombardo and Frank Agovino, Delco County Council – vote for both.
Joshua Brown - Sheriff; Sherry Smythe – County Controller; David J. Barthoff – Register of Wills

If you requested and received a mail-in ballot, they must be returned and received at the Bureau of Elections by 8 pm on May 18^th. You can also deposit your ballot in the ballot drop box at the Radnor Township Building in lieu of mailing.

I hope to see you at the polls on May 18^th, where you can meet many of our candidates.

Howard Gartland

Chairman

Radnor Republican Committee

Chairman@RadnorGop.org

www.RadnorGOP.org

Candidate Statement: Beth Connor for School Board Director

Seven years ago, my husband, three boys and I moved to Radnor because of its strong sense of community and excellence in education. We are proud to call Radnor our home.

Community service and meeting the needs of others is at the core of who I am. I’m an active WES room parent, have worked with students at The Bluford School in Philadelphia, co-founded the Little Free Pantry, support the Food Pantry of St. Mary’s of Chester and volunteer for many other charitable organizations and educational programs in Delaware County.

I am a former public school teacher with an elementary and special education degree. I am an advocate for public schools and for each child within our district. Next year I will have a child at WES, RMS and RHS. I’ll have insight into the needs of our students at every grade level, making me an informed and effective representative on the Radnor Township School Board.

If elected I will make common sense, child focused and community minded decisions that continues Radnor’s tradition of excellence. As we move into this primary election week and look towards November, I look forward to speaking with all Radnor residents and sharing my platform that truly represents all Radnor voices.

Visit Beth’s Facebook Page here.

Email Beth here.

Donate to Beth Connor's Campaign

Candidate Statement: Bob Whitehead for School Board Director

I have lived in Radnor most of my life, and have a tremendous family base deeply rooted in this community. We have enjoyed serving Radnor as policemen, firefighters, coaches, and civil servants for many generations.

My wife and I have 3 kids in Radnor schools and next year will have one each in RHS, RMS, and WES. My wife is also the incoming PTO President at WES. Busy times ahead!

My goal in the campaign is to earn the trust of Radnor residents, parents, and taxpayers. I commit to returning the position to one of public service, free of ego or partisanship. The decisions that need to be made for the benefit of the kids are too important and should be free of those restrictions. I truly believe that if the board follows its process faithfully and respectfully, we can produce exceptional outcomes.

My pressing concern is prioritizing the academic, social, and emotional challenges faced by the children due to the constant changes over the last year. Additionally, for the past several years our budget has increased and our school rankings dropped. As a Board we need to determine WHY, and correct that course immediately. Radnor residents and students deserve more.

The old adage about having two ears and one mouth has never been more appropriate. Deeply listening to all stakeholders and understanding their true concerns is key. I am always available to talk and would love to hear from anyone who has questions. Thanks very much!

Visit Bob’s Facebook Page here.

Email Bob here.

Donate to Bob Whitehead's Campaign

Candidate Statement: Dave Falcone for School Board Director

On Tuesday, in Radnor, we will have our first opportunity in the current election cycle to express an opinion about whether our community is headed in the right direction. Over the past several elections the most prevalent narratives have been surrounding issues and candidates in Washington, D.C. As a result of those messages, I believe that the concerns of this community have been often overshadowed if not completely overlooked.

Since deciding to run for School Board earlier this year, I have had the opportunity to meet and talk with many people in the community who feel strongly about the outcome of our local elections. The people I’ve spoken with come from all different areas of the Township and most notably, all different sides of the political spectrum. Despite these perceived differences, I’ve found that the issues on the forefront of most minds are remarkably similar and decidedly local. Whether we are thinking about getting our kids back in school, keeping them in school, what is being taught in our buildings, the mascot or the District’s budget, people are thinking and talking about Radnor School District issues.

This week, I am asking each voter to think about what is most important to them right here Radnor. I am asking each voter to consider whether they are happy with the current direction of our Schools and whether their voice is being represented on our current School Board.

If we as an electorate believe that we are unrepresented on our School Board, then on Tuesday, we have the ability to vote to create the change we want to see.

These elections are important and the votes that we cast here in Radnor should be reflective of what we need here in Radnor.

I’ll see you all at the polls.

Visit Dave’s Facebook Page here.

Email Dave here.

Donate to Dave Falcone's Campaign

Candidate Statement: Laura Foran for School Board Director

My name is Laura Foran and as a life long resident here I am committed to this town and our children.

Only a few days left until Primary -

My platform is simple:

We fight for our Raider

We eliminate unnecessary spending

We LISTEN to our community

We are respectful even amidst discourse

AND EVERY decision is made with students - ALL students in the forefront

And we honor all members of our community♥️🌎♥️

Visit Laura’s Facebook Page here.

Email Laura here.

Donate to Laura Foran's Campaign

On the Lighter Side: Gas Shortage

Candidate Statement: Sean Waters for 2nd Ward Commissioner

As the primary draws near, I just wanted to pass along my sincere gratitude to the great people of the 2nd Ward and throughout the Township for their wave of support. From conversations on porches and driveways with lifelong Radnor GOP supporters to discussions with families that just moved here a few months back, it has been an incredible experience. Over the course of this grassroots approach, I have listened to what deeply matters to the residents of our Township, and you have my unwavering commitment that I will represent you with respect, transparency, and dedication.

I have been truly humbled to witness my signs spring up all around our neighborhoods and in every corner of Radnor. Whether it has been an old high school friend flagging me down as I drove by, someone who knows my grandfather from the old neighborhood, or a family I met for the first time at The Willows, I have been met with nothing but support, encouragement, and the occasional side comment of "It's about time you ran for commissioner.... we've known you are the person for the job around here."

While the support and momentum are undeniably positive, there is still much work to be done, as I have only just set out on my duty to serve a Township that has walked with my family and I for the past 100 years. We are fortunate to live in a place like Radnor, and rest assured, I will listen to what matters to you most and fight to keep it as one of the most coveted townships in the country to live, work, grow, and prosper. Below, I have summarized a sampling of priorities that I will take forward for residents of our Township. This is only the beginning, and I look forward to expanding these priorities as I continue to listen to what matters to you.

Grassroots Leadership - Through a community-based approach, I pledge to listen to what matters to you most. Then, with transparency and open communication, I will fight to ensure our voices are collectively heard. I do not represent the crafted agenda of a few, I represent you, the residents of Radnor -- Your voices matter and they will be heard!

Preservation/Conservation - We must take steps to ensure Radnor's trademark standard of excellence is preserved and maintained. Accordingly, our pristine parks and cherished open spaces must be conserved, public safety hazards due to unmitigated traffic congestion must be addressed, critical infrastructure must be upgraded, and storm water must finally be both tactically and strategically managed.

Transparency/Fiscal Responsibility - My commitment will be to dedicate my efforts toward supporting a budget that collectively benefits all tax paying residents. Together, we must limit unmitigated commercial development, support our local small businesses, and find cost-effective measures to continue to modernize Township services. Finally, I will not support irresponsible tax increases for residents.

If you have not done so already, I encourage you to please take a moment to check out my website, where I have detailed the above core values and more.

Thank you again for the support as I continue to strive to provide "Grassroots Leadership for One Radnor," and I look forward to seeing you at the polls for the Primary on May 18th!

Visit Sean's website here.

Email Sean here.

Donate to Sean Waters's Campaign

Candidate Statement: Sonja Nekoumand for 4th Ward Commissioner

As the primaries are quickly approaching I hope you take the opportunity to make your voice heard. Primaries are so important. Not only does it give the voter a chance to vote for the person they choose but it gives us a pulse for the direction in which we are headed. It is more important than we really understand. So make your voice heard. What a great privilege it is to have the freedom to vote!

I hope to be serving as the 4^th Ward Commissioner come November. It has been an amazing learning experience as I have ventured out in this campaign. To gain more understanding about what really matters to the residents of not only the 4^thward of Radnor but all the residents of Radnor has been eye opening. It has been an honor to have this opportunity and I look forward to the next several months to hear from more of you. The support from the all my neighbors and residents of the 4^th ward has been overwhelming and I am forever grateful. I hope to make you proud and do my very best in serving in every capacity.

I feel like I bring fresh perspective to Radnor. As I serve alongside with those that have been in Radnor for their whole lives partnered with fresh ideas, together it brings diversity of thought to help keep Radnor strong and current. I will fight for what matters, I will listen to your desires and I will be fair and honest. I truly desire to bring this to the community of Radnor and I hope to be a leader you can trust.

Let us keep the momentum going starting Tuesday May 18^th 2021 through November 2^nd 2021. Unity is where we find strength and I hope to play a small roll this. I am grateful for you support and for everyone who has been so kind and encouraging. This is what community is all about.

Here are a few of my priorities if I am elected as your 4^th ward Commissioner.

New Leadership: Balanced governance and transparency. Fiscal responsibility and good stewardship of tax money. Common sense leadership. Parks and trails improvements and protection

Fresh Vision: Create a working relationship with Newtown Township to prevent problems before they occur ie. Earls Dam/lake. Collaborate and join forces.

Serving Everyone: Serving our community with equality and fairness to all neighbors. Safety for all residents and those working to make Radnor great.

Visit Sonja’s Facebook Page here.

Email Sonja here.

Donate to Sonja Nekoumand's Campaign

Candidate Statement: Jake Abel for 6th Ward Commissioner

In just a few short hours, neighbors will head to the polls to vote in the primary elections. As I look back at the last three months since announcing my intent for re-election, I cannot be prouder and more excited about the campaign we have run to this point.

You have heard me say many times that the “R” after my name is for Radnor and I am out there working with all neighbors – regardless of party affiliation – to better our neighborhoods and community. I have focused on my four guiding values – transparency in government, fiscal stewardship, public safety, and protection of our parks. It is easy to say you will do all these things if elected, but I am the only candidate in the Ward 6 race who can say, "Promises Made, Promises Kept"!

Let’s look at some of our achievements over the last four years: we finished park renovations at Bo Connor and Filipone Parks, we banned smoking in all township parks, we added new recycling containers at Filipone Park, we installed two new Little Libraries in the Ward, we installed three new crosswalks at busy intersections, we completed the Morris Road Streetscape Project, we fought to ensure our first responders have the necessary equipment and training for flood operations, we led the call for a tree replacement plan before any tree is removed in a public park, and we have worked with the township and utility companies to start cleaning up nuisance wires.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible had the neighbors not been informed and engaged. We were able to come together to achieve shared goals, and I believe our neighborhoods have benefited from our hard work. Look, this is not a fluke – I have spent the past 20 years bringing groups of people together to find common ground on challenging issues. Whether it be in the halls of Congress, the basement of the Pentagon, or in the private sector, I have demonstrated the ability to work with all people to find compromise.

Since announcing at the end of February, the Friends of Jake campaign has done a tremendous job getting our “Values and Vision” campaign out to the community, and the community has responded. Let’s take count of yard signs. We have our signs on approximately 55 yards – this includes about 15 new homes since 2017 and close to one-third of the signs are on homes where there is at least one registered Democrat. On social media, nearly 60 neighbors have endorsed the campaign. I was still receiving requests for signs and endorsements heading into the last weekend before the primary, highlighting how widespread our “One Radnor” message has been.

Signs, social media likes, and endorsements are all good but they do not vote. We need to make sure our supporters are showing up at the polls and helping to ensure we have four more years of good governance, transparency, safety, and stewardship of our parks.

If you would like to volunteer in Ward 6 on Election Day, please reach out to me at jabel.radnorward6@gmail.com. I will not turn away any volunteer support – if you can stand for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, or more – we need our people at the polls interacting with voters.

Visit Jake's website here.

Visit Jake’s Facebook Page here.

Email Jake here.

Donate to Jake Abel's Campaign

On the Lighter Side: Border Wall

Sample Ballots and Polling Locations

Want to see who is on the ballot before heading to the polls on Tuesday, May 18th? Find the Radnor Republicans sample ballots here.

Need to find out where to vote? Find your polling location here.

See you at the polls!

Radnor Nickname "Raider" in Trouble

Radnor Raider Defeated Tuesday, But Issue May Rally

A 6-3 vote by the Radnor Township School Board (RTSB) targeting the local school's team name may have instead made political targets of the board members who cast it. For nearly nine decades, Radnor High School athletes were known as Raiders. The ...

Read more
delawarevalleyjournal.com

What YOU Can Do Now!

Share your feedback. Email us at feedback@RadnorGOP.org.

Volunteer to help. Email us at volunteer@RadnorGOP.org.

Interested in running for office, in Radnor or elsewhere? Email us at info@RadnorGOP.org.

Make a donation to support Republican candidates representing our interests. No gift is too small. You can make a contribution by sending a check to Radnor Republican Campaign Committee, 214 Hermitage Drive, Wayne, PA 19087 or simply clicking here, on the QR code below, or on the "Donate" button on any page of our website.

Thank you for your support!

Donate to the Radnor GOP