Election 2022: Meet Jill Dennin, State Senate Candidate

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — The general election is fast approaching, and Patch has bringing you profiles of those individuals running for certain elected positions across Montgomery County.

Below, meet Jill Dennin, a Democrat who is running for the 24th Senatorial District representing parts of Montgomery and Berks Counties.

Dennin took the time to respond to a Patch candidate questionnaire and below are her responses.

Name
Jill Dennin

Age
60

Town Of Residence
Gilberstville

What Communities Does Your District Cover?
The newly drawn 24th District includes parts of Berks and Montgomery Counties,
including areas new to the district. Communities include Amity Township, Longswamp,
Red Hill, Pennsburg East Greenville, Boyertown, Colebrookdale, Earl, Douglass Berks,
Douglass Montgomery, Pottstown, Pottsgroves, Upper and Lower Frederick, Upper and
Lower Salford, Skippack, Collegeville, Limerick, Upper Gwynedd, North Wales, and
Towamencin.

Party Affiliation (If Applicable)
Democratic

Family
Married for 35 years and have four sons.

Education
BA in Political Science and Public Policy from Goucher College

Occupation
Retired

How Long Have You Held Public Office? If You Are A Political Newcomer, What Made
You Decide To Get Involved In Politics?

I was elected twice and served eight years on the Boyertown School Board. In 2020 I ran
for State Representative in the 147th . I decided to run for office and became involved in the
political process after seeing the gridlock in Harrisburg. For eight years, I went to
Harrisburg and advocated for fair equitable public education funding and cyber/charter
reform. When nothing was done, I decided to run for office myself in hopes of representing
the needs of those in my district, especially the students and taxpayers.

How Long Have You Lived In Pennsylvania? How Long Have You Lived In The District
You Either Represent, Or Are Seeking To Represent?
I have lived in Pennsylvania for 33 years and in my district for 28 years.

What Are Some Of The Top Issues Facing Your District?
Fair equitable education funding and property tax reform for senior citizens.
Investing in infrastructure including broadband and stormwater maintenance.
Protecting Women’s Reproductive Rights and passing common sense gun control.

What In Your Background Qualifies You For The Elected Position?
I have been volunteering and serving in my community and the district for 30 years. As a
school board director, substitute teacher, meals on wheels volunteer, and board member of
the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities (PCRC) I understand the issues that
impact our hard-working families and small business. In addition, as a member of several
legislative and advocacy groups, I understand the legislative process and how to navigate
that process in Harrisburg.

Do You Believe Adhering To Party Doctrine Or Serving Constituents Is More Important?
Serving Constituents is most important. When elected I will advocate and vote for rule
changes that allow bipartisan legislation to be brought to the floor for a vote. In addition, I
will ensure that I have staff and responsive constituent services offices in the district.

Are You Willing To Work Across The Political Aisle To Get Things Accomplished?
I absolutely will be willing to work across the aisle. As a former member of the bipartisan
Pennsylvania School Board Association’s Legislative Advisory Council, I have experience
doing so.

Is There Anything Else You Would Like Folks To Know About You?
I view becoming your next State Senator not as a job or career move but as an extension of
my public service. Years of advocating for the least among us in our communities has
taught me if we are to help those we are advocating for, we must first be willing to serve
and then to compromise. It would be my honor to serve you as your State Senator in the
24th district.