West Chester Interim Mayor Jordan Norley Wants To Make It 'Mayor'

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Jordan Norley has served on West Chester Borough Council as a member and as president and twice as interim mayor of the borough. He's now running for the position of West Chester Mayor.

He explained why he is running for election.

Jordan Norley

Age: 41

Position Sought: West Chester Borough Mayor

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: Wife Rani; Two kids; Asha, 5, and Dylan, 2. One dog; Chester; Two rescue cats, Buster and Pearl

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

Education: Bachelor of Science in Management Science and Information Systems, Penn State University, 2003

Occupation: Co-founder of The Plan Advocate, Financial Advisor with Independence Square Advisors, helping families, individuals and business owners make informed financial decisions

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Interim Mayor of West Chester, 2021 (Present); Interim Mayor of West Chester, 2017, West Chester Borough Council President 2014-2016, West Chester Borough Council 2011-2016.

Why are you seeking elective office?: As a dedicated public servant for over six years, it is my calling to give back to the community I love. Members of our West Chester community are actively working towards so many amazing initiatives — from the re-establishment of rail service from Philly to West Chester, to renewable energy, to the West Chester Police Department Diversity Task Force, to financial security practices. We need a community leader with experience, vision, and action to shepherd these projects over the finish line. I am ready to meet this moment.

The single most pressing issue facing our borough is: When thinking about the issues close to West Chester residents' hearts — Quality of Life, Financial Security, and Sustainability — one project helps improve all three of these issues: Re-Establishment of a Rail Service from Philly to West Chester. The Rail Service would dramatically improve efficiency of public transit in our Borough, offering a direct way to solve traffic congestion in town by diverting vehicle traffic that would otherwise be coming in and out of Philadelphia.
The Rail Service, connecting to the Media-Elwyn line, would provide a boom for West Chester businesses and rapidly advance employment opportunities. The rail service would also address environmental sustainability as a much greener route for transportation than individual car ownership.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I have over six years of public service experience, serving on West Chester Borough Council and as Interim Mayor this year and previously in 2017. In these roles, I have utilized my collaboration and leadership skills, serving as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Chair of the Finance and Revenue Committee, and spearheading the Committee to Re-Establish Rail Service to West Chester.
Part of what I think makes me an effective leader is my ability to get things done. If we are fully committed to what we say then we must prove it in action. We must be willing to fight for our rights to local self-governance, clean air, clear water, clean energy, and a sustainable future.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I am focused on achievable, workable solutions to the issues facing West Chester families. With three new Borough Council members and a new borough manager coming up in the new year, being able to support, mentor, and collaborate with them through my experience will be essential. We have gone through a lot of changes in the last year, and what our community needs most at this time is continuity of leadership — and thus the continuation of important initiatives.
On the financial security end, this includes ensuring that the $1.9 million of Pandemic Relief funds West Chester is receiving is efficiently dispersed to help best in mitigation of the pandemic-related financial issues faced by the borough and its residents. On sustainability, this includes keeping true to our timeline to achieve 100 percent renewable electric energy by 2035 and collaborating with our strong environmental community members who are driving initiatives at a local level for clean air, clear water, and sustainable food.
On the policing side, this includes working with our community and police to build trust, fairness, and legitimacy, and to hire a more diverse force while addressing any systemic racial bias.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I cite my experience in public service. As Chair of the Public Service Committee, I initiated the paid neighborhood watch program, which was funded completely by West Chester University, and they worked to keep our town peaceful. As Borough Council President, I spearheaded the Committee to Re-Establish Rail Service to West Chester. On Borough Council, I actively worked to NOT raise taxes on residents, and instead focused on managing Borough expenses. I negotiated police contracts, and I have held landlords accountable

The best advice ever shared with me was: A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit. -Greek Proverb

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I love West Chester. It has been my home for decades now. It is where I am raising my family, and where I started my business. For the last decade, I have spearheaded real action on key issues that matter to the families of West Chester. Running for mayor is my way to give back to our community. I want to continue hearing what you, the residents of West Chester, have to say.

Jordan Norley's campaign website can be viewed here.

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