New mayor is putting the ‘we’ into Upper Darby
Barbarann Keffer is intent on putting the “We” in Upper Darby.
As one of her first acts, the new mayor, who leads a pack of Democrats now in control of government in the sprawling township, is looking for ways to bring the township together; unite, not divide.
It’s a theme she first brandished as a campaign slogan in her push for the mayor’s office.
“It’s not about me, it’s about WE,” was her rallying cry.
Now she wants residents to join the party.
On Monday Keffer announced a competition for Upper Darby residents to come up with a new township slogan.
Yeah, we know. The first thing we thought of when we heard the news was the oft-used – and repeated – mantra of former township top cop Mike Chitwood: “Not in my town, scumbag.” That was Chitwood’s message to the bad guys who too often decided to do their dirty work in the township. It showed up on T-shirts and further embellished the chief’s media-friendly persona.
That’s not exactly the tack Keffer is looking for.
She’s serious about focusing on the community, as opposed to any one name.
That includes her own. She wants the new slogan to adorn all township signage, instead of the usual name of the sitting mayor.
Her honor? Keffer would be honored by something a bit more inclusive.
“I want everybody to be part of the new Upper Darby,” Keffer said in a statement. “This is our township together and these are our parks and libraries and what better way to say that than removing the focus from any one name and giving it back to the people to create their own motto for Upper Darby.”
It’s not just the political affiliation of Upper Darby that is changing. It’s the demographic. With all due homage to a longtime icon next door in Clifton Heights, you could call Upper Darby the Bazaar of All Nations.
There are more than 70 dialects spoken among the 12,000 students who attend Upper Darby schools. They come from every corner of the globe.
If you were looking for the grand American experiment of the “melting pot” come to life, you’ve come to the right place.
It is that sense of “e pluribus unum” – out of many, one – that is fueling Keffer’s resolve to unite this very diverse community. That and a healthy dose of fun. “It’s just a very simple way to bring people together and give them something to rally around,” the mayor said.
Keffer also is expressing that sense of community in a bit more practical manner as well. She not only wants residents to talk a good game – in offering suggestions for a new township motto – she wants them to take action.
The mayor renewed a call for township residents to take a more active role in their own government. How? By rolling up their sleeves and getting involved. Keffer put out an open call for people who may want to serve on one of four new mayoral advisory committees.
The four panels include: Planning Committee, to advise on upcoming land developments, the zoning code and the Home Rule Charter, and to monitor progress on the Comprehensive Plan; Vacancy Committee, to evaluate current township boards, commissions and advisory committees and to solicit and vet resumes and letters of interest for vacancies on the same; Communications Committee, to formulate a comprehensive communication strategy for a township public access channel, website and social media presence and beyond; Recreation Committee, to create new possibilities of recreational activities for people of all ages, to advocate for the beautification of our parks and to develop walking and biking trails throughout the township.
More than 80,000 people reside within Upper Darby’s nearly eight square miles.
Keffer wants to represent all of them, and she wants all of them to be involved with their township government.
“I didn’t run for mayor to see my name everywhere,” she said. “I ran for mayor because I love Upper Darby and I want everyone to feel that way and be part of it.”
Upper Darby, the home of 69th Street and the Tower Theater, where Tina Fey and Todd Rundgren cut their teeth.
Upper Darby, where the customs and traditions from every corner of the world come together as one community.
Upper Darby: Tower-ing Diversity.
Or perhaps, Upper Darby:
Tower of Power.
As we said on yesterday’s front page, the new mayor is looking for words to live by.
She’s off to a good start.
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Submissions for the new township motto must be accompanied with the resident’s name and address and an explanation (up to 150 words) of why the slogan best fits Upper Darby. Submissions should be sent to udtransition@gmail.com. The contest will close at end of business on Friday, Jan. 24. The winning motto will be placed on the official government signs placed throughout the township.
To be considered for one of the new advisory committees, apply by the end of business on Friday, Jan. 24 to udtransition@gmail.com.