Joanne Phillips: Delaware County Council Candidate

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — The primary election is coming up, and voters in Delaware County should get to know who is on the ballot as they prepare to cast their votes on May 20.

Below is a profile of Delaware County Council candidate Joanne Phillips:

Name: Joanne Phillips
Age: 66
Gender: Female
Location/Town: Middletown, Delaware County
Position Sought: County Council
Party: Democratic
Campaign website/social media: https://joanne4delcocouncil.com/

How would you go about addressing any county funding issues related to the Trump Administration's efforts to cut government spending?

As the current County Controller I know exactly what it takes to pay our bills and keep our county moving. The threats coming from the Trump administration have been disconcerting but also a reminder that we need to be thinking about ways Delaware County can take care of itself. We know that federal cuts to certain programs will be far-reaching and will have harmful impacts to our residents. I'd work tirelessly with our state level elected officials to make sure that we are shoring up our resources. Second, I would work to find ways to generate more revenue here in Delaware County. I'd focus on expanding job opportunities and making sure that families have the ability to continue to stay and work in Delaware County. Lastly, I'd work with the other members of Council to use our taxpayer dollars wisely and make sure we continue to be transparent about the ways we use our money.

What do you think could, and should, be done to ensure Delaware County residents have their healthcare needs met amid the ongoing issues with Crozer Health?

The ongoing issues with Crozer Health are devastating for so many in our community. As I go around the county I am saddened by the stories of workers who have lost their jobs, patients who no longer know where to get their health care, and residents who are scared about what the future of healthcare access in Delaware County holds. On Council, I'd make sure we use every tool we have available to help residents. I'd work with our county health department to leverage their resources and make sure they are a go-to resource for county residents, I'd explore how our emergency services can support municipalities better, and I'd press on our state legislators and our governor to work with Delaware County to come up with a solution to return access to our residents. However, this problem cannot go away with county action alone. The county did everything it could by paying its bills on time and trying to bring the various parties to the table to find a deal to preserve the hospitals. I'd press the state to punish private equity companies like Prospect and their executives, who put profits over people and come into communities turning their hospitals into chop shops -- selling them off for parts so they make money.

How will you handle any immigration enforcement actions taken in Delaware County?

As a member of the Jail Oversight Board, I know how important it is to keep our community safe and so I'd support the enforcement of the existing laws on the books to make sure that violent criminals and those who seek to do harm in our community are held responsible for those crimes. However, we are a county made up of immigrants, and I have seen the fear that has been created by the actions of the Trump administration as they have snatched people off the streets and even rounded up those who are American citizens -- violating our constitution by denying due process. We are a country of laws and I believe that those laws need to be enforced fairly without prejudice.

What is the most pressing issue residents of Delaware County face now, and how do you plan to tackle it?

As I talk to residents and business owners around the county the number one issue I hear most is about our economy. Due to the Trump administration and Republican actions, we have seen a period of intense economic uncertainty, continued high inflation, and a rising cost of living. I'd be heavily focused on making sure that our residents have the resources they need here in the county, I'd practice fiscal restraint to make sure that we're focused on spending taxpayer dollars wisely, and I'd work to give families the breathing room they need to continue to live in Delaware County. On Council, I'd work to expand investment in infrastructure, housing, and job opportunities to increase the tax base so that everyone can keep more of what they earn.

What do you love about Delaware County?

Delaware County residents have a grit and toughness that is unparalleled. People here value hard work and sacrifice for their families. We all share a lot of pride in our communities and, while many families have been here for generations, many have moved here because they know what a special place Delaware County is. We have a good understanding of the past but we are looking to our place in the future and are willing to work for that. Without its residents, Delaware County wouldn't be nearly the unique place it is today and I love being part of this beautiful, vibrant, and diverse community.