Election Year - My hat is in the ring

Well friends I have decided to run for Commissioner. Thanks to many of my friends and neighbors I came very close 4 years ago, losing by only 33 votes. Not bad against an encumbent witha 2 to one registration advantage.
Below is a copy of an article that appeared in Main Line Life on March 1st:

Biden. Clinton.Dodd. Edwards.Gravel. Kucinich.Obama.Richardson.Brady.Evans.Fattah.Knox.

Nutter. And Nagle. It’s that time of year when governments- federal, city and local- ask voters to scrutinize public servants to see if they’re worthy of election. For the Presidency, Democrats have crowded a field that will thin as lack of money forces candidates to drop out. But that’s probably true of all races in the 21^st century. Well maybe.

On a local level, candidates need to have much less financial backing to insure successful campaigns than say, candidates for Mayor of Philadelphia. What matters in suburban politics is party affiliation, and prior service to the community. While registration in the right party used to mean “Republican” in Radnor, over the years there’s been a sea change in that requirement. More and more families here view the world through the Democratic Party lens. Currently, there are two Democrats who sit on the Board of Commissioners although it took eons for that to happen. But if the current trend in voter registration continues, it’s predictable that one of the next contested Commissioner’s seats will go to a Democrat. And the 5^th ward’s got one ready to take his place at the table-John Nagle.

Nagle is no stranger to community service and to politics in general. In 2003, he ran against the Republican incumbent Commissioner and lost by a mere 33 votes. At that time, although the 1^st precinct of his 5^th ward was evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, there was a strong 2 to 1 margin in favor of Republicans in the 2^nd precinct. Four years ago it was still a Herculean feat to overcome a Republican. He very nearly did that first time around. How?

Besides enduring the grueling work of daily campaigning, John brought years of experience in decision making to the race. He’s served on Radnor’s Park and Recreation Board for over thirteen years, was Chair for three and Vice Chair for two. Of particular note is his leadership in the efforts to persuade the Township to use non-toxic natural lawn treatment on Radnor’s playing fields. If you’re a parent whose kids kick a soccer balls or swing bats a little league practices, you have something to be very grateful for.

In his aggressive concern about the environment, he wrote grant applications that generated $60,000 for park improvement projects, and directed his energy to the development of trails through Skunk Hollow, the Willows, and Brooke Farm, all of which residents enjoy today. In addition, he worked with the Township Environmental Advisory Committee for three years and chaired it for its first two years. Years ago, when the debate was still red hot, Nagle fiercely supported the creation of the now much used P&W bike/walking trail. That was when many myopic township leaders dug in their heels against its construction. Sixth Ward residents know that he supported the purchase the of the Levin tract, one of that wards most effective natural storm water management open space parcels.

Finally, if you’ve been asked to support the Radnor Conservancy, you need to know that Nagle was one of its Founders, and is currently its Secretary-Treasurer. How could a resident demonstrate more concern about his township and its quality of life?

John’s adamant about making prudent decisions that will benefit residents throughout the township, not just those in his ward or party. Second, he’s not anti-development but wants smart development that preserves the character of Radnor Township. Third, he cares about how tax money is spent and not simply that taxes aren’t raised from year to year.

John holds a Masters of Business Administration and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the US Air Force from 1971 to 1973. Thank him for the contributions he’s already made to Radnor as a whole, and for his insight about 5^th ward issues in particular by supporting him this May in the Primary for 5^th ward Commissioner.