Carol De Wolf Seeks Reelection To Westtown Twp. Supervisors Board

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Carol De Wolf seeks reelection to her position on the Westtown Township Board of Supervisors in a race between two candidates for a single seat on the Democratic primary election ballot.

She explained why she is running for election.

Carol De Wolf

Age: 67

Position Sought: Westtown Township Board of Supervisors

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: Husband, John, and our dog, Yuki. We have lived in Westtown for 25 years on S. New Street, where we raised our two sons who attended Westtown School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: University of Colorado, B.A. Environmental Planning, and Graduate School of Public Policy, and Kutztown University, Master of Public Administration and Political Science.

Occupation: I have been working at Natural Lands for 14 years as director of a public-private partnership in the six-county area promulgated by the Pennsylvania DCNR. The program advances conservation landscape initiatives with counties, municipalities, and non-profits focusing on the protection of natural, cultural, and historical resources, land protection, water conservation, outdoor recreation, and compatible economic development. My prior work included over 20 years of community and environmental planning in the greater regional area, and in the Colorado Front Range.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Currently serving as Chair of the Westtown Township Board of Supervisors. I am in my third term serving as Supervisor, and I have served on the Westtown East Goshen Police Commission. I also serve on the Chester County Association of Township Officials Board and the Commissioner's Environmental and Energy Advisory Board. I have served on the West Chester Regional Council of Governments for years.

Why are you seeking elective office?: I have in-depth knowledge of the critically significant issues and challenges facing the township to provide a continuation of recent progress made. I can hit the ground running with our robust path forward for Westtown.
As an example, the following is in-process: two development plans on our most bucolic and historic farms — Crebilly and Stokes Farms encompassing fabulous open space; Oakbourne Park's new athletic facilities for active recreation and an interconnected trail network with interpretive signage in design phase this year, and construction following; stormwater projects that mitigate the township-wide impaired streams, and seeking solutions to resident stormwater issues due to increasing rains; implementing traffic calming measures; moving forward on efficient renewable energy solutions for the township; and at the same time maintain our strong fiscal standing.
The choices made by the board in the near-term years will determine the character of Westtown forever. I am proud of the work that I have been able to accomplish and together we can continue to keep Westtown a safe, vibrant community, the place we call home.

The single most pressing issue facing our township is: The most critical issue facing our township is the changing land use and its resultant myriad of impacts facing residents of Westtown.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I have municipal experience and knowledge on the complex matters the Board handles, and a proven leader in my third term of governing Westtown Township. I have lived here for more than 25 years and know our community. I have had the privilege of serving Westtown and have a deep respect for its history and who we are as a community. I have a record of working well with the community.
We must be transparent — the sunshine act requires us to be so, taking all official action in an open and public meeting. Gaining consensus when possible is important to me. I have already implemented and put into practice that which my opponent states to do. I initiated The Parks and Open Space Plan, the Master Parks Plan, and now the design-build phase for the active recreational facilities and interconnected trail network at Oakbourne Park. I obtained the grant to undertake Tyson Park to completion.
We are a great community, and together we will adapt and implement change to benefit Westtown. I serve my township residents with my professional skills for our everyday township business and not for a career jump. I am proud to have been part of our strong financial position the township enjoys today.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: My priorities as a Supervisor in the near term include: listening to Westtown residents and meeting their current and future needs; engaging community members to achieve shared priorities; deliver the level of township services resident’s desire; keeping Westtown fiscally strong; preserving open space; solving stormwater runoff issues; finding solutions to traffic impacts; promoting the use of renewable energy in the township; and working diligently to ensure a vibrant and equitable future for all residents of Westtown.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I have mentioned my extensive experience in governing and years of municipal leadership as my proven track record to manage the duties of being a Supervisor. Some accomplishments include the following: assisting residents with numerous issues; initiated Westtown Parks, Open Space and Recreation Plan; Oakbourne Master Park Plan; Westtown’s Comprehensive Plan; Westtown’s Open Space Bond Study; Tyson Park Improvements; Stokes’s appraisal to encourage a conservation easement; and traffic calming solutions in neighborhoods. I was instrumental in creating the following: the Westtown Community Garden; keeping on lot systems; the West Chester Renewable Energy Plan; Environmental Advisory Council, new building facilities for Westtown East Goshen Police, Administration, and Public Works, and played a key role in Westtown’s financial stability.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Be who you are and speak truth.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I have been an independent and Democrat for all my years prior to starting my political career and recently a breath of fresh air to be a democrat, once again. When a group of citizens formed, Westtown Citizens for Responsible Growth, we needed a voice on the board for resident desires and their vision for the township. At that time, a woman had never served on the board, and a Democrat was not yet electable in Westtown.
We strategized to have me switch parties and at the same time run a Democratic write-in, and that is how I started my municipal servant leadership for the Township of Westtown. We fought a 500-plus housing development to be placed on the Marshall Jones Farm. Currently, Rustin High School and its open space exist, rather than a dense development, due to the group's efforts. This was my first call to action. I have been devoted ever since to open space and responsible development as a Westtown Supervisor.
My professional background is municipal work, and I will continue to put the desires and concerns of Westtown residents first and foremost as we adapt smartly together to the issues we face for the future health, safety, and quality of life in Westtown.

Website: My positions are in the public record through the years and can easily be seen online.

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