Winning!

Yesterday's local election resulted in my earning one of two positions that cleared the primary to run in the General Election in November on the Republican ticket for Lower Providence Township supervisor.

Of course, although it's my name that's out front on the ticket, nobody gets to victory alone. Although there were far too many individual contributors in ways big and small to list here, special thanks goes:

First and foremost to my family - my parents and my children. They each were there for me in tangible and intangible ways, and their support of something I love doing so much meant the world to me, especially since their lives were impacted the most by my campaign. Of course, I am now on the hook for a new dog, which my kids extracted from me as my first campaign promise that I must deliver !

To each and every friend of mine who worked the call list hard, wrote a letter or sent an email supporting me, put a sign up in their yard, came to my fundraiser, gave valuable advice or moral support, worked long into the night on my behalf, or did something else on a long list of things that had to be done. My longtime friends were there for me, and I made some wonderful new ones, too. I love you all, and from the bottom of my heart, thanks.

One of those newer friends is Lisa Mossie, who was just elected township supervisor in our sister township, Upper Providence. We bonded last year over blogging and politics in general, and share similar sensibilities and work ethic. We collaborated, shared resources and lent each other moral support this election season, and I am looking forward to working with her on things that may impact both our communities.

Thanks to my employer for allowing me the flexibility of time and location to get this done and still carry my workload. Their support of my passion is one thing that makes me work harder for them, and they know it. I appreciate their belief in my talents and allowing me to follow my dream.

Extra-special thanks to all my poll workers who stepped up to do this tough job, and happily got it done in the trenches - in the rain, no less. No matter if they worked a few hours or all day, they delivered big. They kept us from being in the position of having run a great campaign only to fumble the ball on the goal line - so thanks for your dedication, perseverance and work ethic.

With nothing but All-Star players and a bench loaded with talent, I couldn't lose.

Last but certainly not least, thanks to each voter who took the time to talk with me at the door, to read my literature, to research who I am and what I've done, to call me with questions, and to trust me with your vote. It's something I hold precious and pledge not to lose sight of going forward. You will always know where I stand and be able to find me to talk.

 ~ Janice Kearney

It's Not Easy Being Green

I promised you a surprise, and it WAS delivered yesterday (before the rain we're supposed to get, thankfully). This particular one came in a plain brown wrapper, which ordinarily isn't all that festive a package, but in this case, I think it's a welcome color. Check out the 'before' and 'after photos:



Before

Well on the way to 'after'

As I knocked on doors while campaigning, many residents (particularly those in Audubon) told me their biggest gripe was the chartreause green and polka-dot paint job on the former 'Bud's Bar'. They felt it was an eyesore and gave Lower Providence Township a negative image, as it is the first thing you see when you come into the Township via Audubon.

Well, Audubon, I heard you. Trying to be proactive, I reached out to the property owner and asked, how about if we spruce up the building/property a little? Can I get in there to repaint for the good of the community? He said he had no problem with that, and that had anyone only asked him, this could have been done long before now. Being a person of action, I decided to get it done before he changed his mind (and before rain in the forecast arrived). 

I donated the paint and organized friends (and friends of friends) to come do the work. I think you can agree, it looks fantastic. Hopefully, our neighbors in Audubon are a little happier today, and our Township is a tad bit easier to market to those businesses interested in locating here as we begin our new marketing and branding campaign to attract such interests to Lower Providence. 

Long term, we need to come up with a solution that both preserves this 300+ year old building, (one of the original historical structures in Lower Providence), and does not inhibit the flow of ever-increasing traffic through our Township from other places. Until that day arrives, at least this is a little easier on the eyes.

UPDATE: To hear more about this story, listen live to WYFL 1180AM on Monday morning, May 16 at 8 am (to be rebroadcast again at approximately the same time on Election Day, May 17).



Surprise!

I love surprises. Wait, let me rephrase that. I love GOOD surprises. Birthday presents, spontaneous weekend getaways, an unexpected promotion, flowers for no reason. That's all good. Unexpected layoffs, favorite friends and relatives who pass too soon, a flooded basement (and negative campaign mailers full of inaccuracies, LOL), not so good.

Well, I was able to organize a good surprise for Lower Providence...my gift to you, regardless of the outcome of next week's primary. As I have campaigned, knocking on hundreds of doors in the Township over the last couple of months, it's something that many people (whether they can vote for me or not) have told me is high on their 'wish list' for this Township. I am thrilled to be able to bring it to you.

Stay tuned...it should be delivered tomorrow.