2021 Candidate Profile: David Appelbaum, Yardley Mayor

YARDLEY, PA — David Appelbaum, an IT professional and president of Experience Yardley, is running for mayor of Yardley.

Appelbaum, a Democrat, hopes to challenge incumbent Mayor Chris Harding, a Republican.

2021 Candidate Profile: Chris Harding, Yardley Mayor

In Pennsylvania, municipal primaries are set for May 18, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 2.

Here is Appelbaum's Patch's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

56

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

My family and I have been proud to call Yardley home since 2008. My wife, Larisa Toulokhonova Ph.D., 59, is a biochemist with Merck. Larisa is originally from Ulan Ude, Russia in Siberia. Our daughter, Emily Appelbaum, attends Temple University. She sells vintage clothing and is a passionate foster parent for animals looking for their "furever" home. Our son Isaac Appelbaum, a national award-winning Congressional debater, graduated from Pennsbury High School in 2020. He has taken a gap year from college and will begin his freshman year at George Washington University in D.C. this fall. Stepdaughter Vera Tola, MD is an ER doctor in Atlantic City. Our cats Pepper, Isabel, Nema, and Saint Baby Carrot are well-loved.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Temple University, M.Ed., Education, 1999
Temple University, B.A., Communications, 1987
W. B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, 1982

Occupation

I have twenty-five years of IT industry experience ranging from a variety of technical and managerial roles. I am currently the Director of Strategic Partnerships at IT Service ArchiTechs, where I have led efforts to create partnerships with researchers, vendors, auditors, lawyers, and other industry experts. I’ve also spearheaded marketing campaigns to share ITSA’s expertise and build its brand recognition on social media. I am proud to say I was voted the 2021 Alignable Businessperson of the Year by my peers. Also, this year ITSA again received the Philadelphia 100 bestowed by The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Entrepreneurial Forum naming us one of the fastest-growing companies in the Delaware Valley.

Before joining ITSA, I founded Tech Support 365, a small business in Yardley dedicated to helping other businesses with IT needs such as managed support and advanced cybersecurity. I was also director of technology and a teacher at two Philadelphia area schools for a total of six years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.davidappelbaum.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe that a great life is a life with purpose. The single most important purpose is to serve others. My candidacy is an act of service based on my love of Yardley Borough and its impact on the quality of life of my neighbors, friends, and family. If we can only achieve one thing in life, then service is preeminent.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

A thriving economy is essential to a thriving community. My mission is to continue to improve the quality of life for the residents by attracting visitors to our unique river town and in turn, boosting economic impact. Under my leadership, Experience Yardley, a nonprofit tourism and special events organization, has hosted numerous community events that have helped support our businesses. In this pandemic year, we’ve partnered with businesses to help Yardley residents and visitors shop safely, providing masks to one and all, including our law enforcement and emergency personnel. By continuing to host and promote Music-On-Main, Canal-O-Ween, Yardley Restaurant Week, Small Business Saturday, and 2nd Fridays, Yardley will attract thousands of people from the Delaware Valley and beyond. Public safety and continued economic growth will ensure that our community, Yardley, remains vibrant and successful for all to enjoy.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I will be visible, welcoming, and available to all members of our borough community. I’m a tireless advocate for Yardley, and I’ll use the office of the mayor to support and elevate the events put on by our local businesses and community organizations.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

For most of my life, I have volunteered my time for causes I believe in. In many of these volunteer roles, I have been relied upon as a leader. These opportunities have given me an added level of knowledge and experience that has contributed to my personal growth and business acumen. They also give me personal fulfillment as somebody whose values are rooted in service.

Most recently, I volunteered much of my time with the nonprofit group Experience Yardley. As President, I have been entrusted to manage teams, handle money, negotiate contracts, and coordinate many of the wonderful events our town offers. I am proud of the team that I have led and the efforts we have accomplished together. I believe that my success working with fellow Yardley residents, businesses, and community groups makes me a more than qualified candidate.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“You can do anything that you put your mind to,” my former neighbor and close friend, the late Wes Schneyer, always encouraged me. “Reach for the impossible because you never know when you might just do so, but do nothing and you’ll guarantee you’ll achieve little.” Like an athletic shoe commercial, I encourage my children and my former students “to do and to do well.” Believe in yourself and work hard at it and you’ll make a difference in not only your life but in the lives of others.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Though this is a political position, I don’t want my campaign to be about the things that drive us apart. I want to unite us around a shared love for our community. When I say that I am a tireless advocate for Yardley, I’m not just talking about our illustrious history and beautiful scenery, I am talking about the families and small businesses that call this town home. I am proud to call Yardley my neighborhood and I want all of my neighbors to feel that same way.