Young Democrats talk about running for office

WEST CHESTER >> A dozen candidates for local office – all no older than 40 – talked politics, running for office and their favorite place to visit in the county, at Tuesday’s virtual Chester County Young Dems Candidate Forum.

County Commissioners and moderators, Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell, asked the questions. The event was organized in part by Alex Christy and the Chester County Young Democratic Committee.

Vince Gillen is a candidate for Uwchlan Township Auditor and replied to a question concerning the advantages and disadvantages of being a young candidate.

He said the first question he is asked is usually about his age.

“We are young and whatever our resume says … it allows us to have a fresh perspective of government,” he said. “Government at every level needs new ideas and fresh perspectives.”

Erin Ward is running for supervisor in East Brandywine Township and said that as a young candidate she is willing to try new things.

Laura Obenski is running for Uwchlan Township supervisor and said she has the advantage of the “little eyes” of her young children watching, while she has the capacity to make change.

Mayoral candidate in West Chester, Kyle Hudson, noted that his is the first generation which did not improve on their parent’s lot.

“We have to be more frugal,” he said. “It shows that we’re able to do a lot with very little.”

Mackenzie Smith is running for judge in District 151-02, which covers parts of Tredyffrin and Easttown, Willistown, Malvern and East Goshen.

She often hears that while she has much experience, she doesn’t look old enough to be a judge

Bryan Maher seeks a supervisor position in West Pikeland Township and said that age is not a barrier.

“People respect ideas and respect initiatives rather than just see age,” he said. “Young people shake up things.”

Coroner Candidate Sophia Garcia-Jackson said the campaign has been a “whirlwind, fun, learning experience.”

Phillip Garabedian is running in Westtown Township for supervisor and said that people are ready for new ideas.

Daniel Hollander wants to represent parts of West Chester, and East Bradford and West Bradford, as judge for District 15-1-01.

He said that while younger, he has more trial experience than his two opponents.

Ward said she earned respect by accurately explaining the ballot questions on the primary ballot to a voter.

Owen J. Roberts School Board candidate April Saboe said prospective candidates should be informed in advance of the financial costs of running and an equitable way should be found for everyone to run.

Scott Overland seeks a seat on the Phoenixville Area School Board and talked about how important it is to represent the entire community.

“To be able to do this job you need to lean on other people around you,” he said.

When asked for advice, Erik Unger, Easttown Supervisor candidate said to “just get out there and do it.

“You can plan forever, but you need to be comfortable in your own skin.”

The runners noted their favorite places in the county.

Garcia-Jackson likes Wolf’s Hollow County Park, Gillen prefers all the parks in general and Hudson favors the Melton Center and history.

Everhart Park is a favorite of Hollander, Smith enjoys Four Dogs Tavern and Saboe likes Marsh Creek State Park and walking around West Chester University.

Overland favors Bridge Street in Phoenixville, Unger enjoys La Cabra Brewing and Obenski is a Marsh Creek fan.

Maher enjoys Pine Creek Park, Ward is a fan of Bondsville Mill Park and Garabedian likes Longwood Gardens.