Alan Horowitz acknowledges that it’s an uphill battle for him to be elected supervisor in Chadds Ford come November. Horowitz is the Democratic Party candidate for that position, and he’s going up against incumbent Supervisor Samantha Reiner.
Reiner was appointed to replace Keith Klaver, who resigned as supervisor in January, but she’ll be running for the seat currently held by George Thorpe, who’s not running for re-election. Noelle Barbone will run for the remainder of Klaver’s term that expires in 2017.
“I am not doing this as a token gesture,” Horowitz said. “I believe in my heart that I have a path to victory if people vote with their hearts — and minds — rather out of habit or mere ‘obligation’ to the Republican Party.”
He added that he’d urge as many people as possible to vote in November and to vote for him if they believe he’s the type of person who would serve Chadds Ford responsibly.
“There has never been a more important time than now for the people of Chadds Ford to be served by an effective, diverse and truly representative board of supervisors,” Horowitz said.
During a candidate’s night at his home on May 15, Horowitz, who moved to Chadds Ford from Wilmington in 2002, said he’s in the race for the long haul.
“I’m doing this because I care about Chadds Ford…The township is at a crossroads. We have a great opportunity to make this community even better than it is,” Horowitz said to several dozen supporters.
He’s an advocate for the Walkable Chadds Ford project and sees great opportunity there.
“That whole initiative in trying to make a Centreville [Del.] type of community I think is absolutely tremendous, and I’ll put all my effort behind that.”
However, he also sees challenges. Specifically, he sees traffic along Route 202 and development in that area — including the Wegmans store currently being built — as problematic.
“That can compromise the way we enjoy this place. This is a special place and I do worry about that,” he said. “There are some very tough decisions the supervisors will have to make.”
One statement drew strong applause from the partisan audience.
“The other reason I’m running is that after 100 years, it’s time for some balance with Democratic representation…We’ve had one-party rule long enough,” he said.
But there’s a third reason for his candidacy: “I really think I can do a good job. I have a lot of experience as a leader.”
Horowitz is an environmental attorney and has been involved in a variety of volunteer organizations. He cited his position as president of the Board of Jewish Family Services in Wilmington, as an environmental safety leader, and working on other boards as examples of his leadership experience.
“I’d like to take the leadership skills I’ve learned and apply them to township government,” Horowitz said.
Democratic Party Chairman Jesse Shepard said he’s proud of Horowitz for taking on the responsibility of running. He had spoken with a number of others about running, but Horowitz stood out.
“He was, by far, the best because he reflects that combination of being super smart and engaged in the community. He has a lot of integrity and is engaged with the issues,” Shepard said.
Asked why Democratic Party candidates for supervisor only go to supervisors’ meeting when they run for office, Shepard said it’s difficult for many of his people to attend because most are working and have family commitments as well.
“They have very busy lives day to day. Getting to those meetings, getting engaged is more of a sacrifice for them than it is for a retired person who’s older or has older kids,” he said.
In addition, he said: “If you’re the only Democrat in the room, it can be a little intimidating.”
But Shepard added, “Having a Democrat as supervisor will bring more people into the process.”
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
(6 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
Loading...
Comments