COUNTY GOVERNMENT BACKGROUND
In 2003 I was honored and privileged to be appointed by the Delaware County Council to the position of Solicitor of the County of Delaware. As Solicitor, I serve as the chief legal officer for the County government and provide legal representation to the various departments and agencies. I work every day alongside County Council and the Executive Director to develop the ordinances, regulations and contracts that County government approves. In my role, I have also worked directly with the members of our County Courts, District Attorney, criminal justice agencies, police, local, state and federal elected officials and other County Commissioners.
I serve as the attorney for the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Delaware and the Delaware County Economic Development Oversight Board, Inc. In that role, I have had the opportunity to work on economic development and job creation projects in all parts of the County.
I am proud to have been the attorney that negotiated our County’s agreement to bring Chester Downs, now Harrah’s, to Delaware County. We successfully turned a blighted brownfield into the current racetrack and casino and struck the agreement that produced millions of dollars every year to the County and local government.
I am also particularly proud to have lead the negotiations that resulted in the Philadelphia Union professional soccer team coming to Delaware County and construct a Major League Soccer stadium. Not only has the team’s success been a source of pride for Delaware County but this project has created thousands of construction jobs and now hundreds of permanent jobs in our County.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT BACKGROUND
Aldan Borough Council, 1991 through 2009 – I served over 17 years on Aldan’s Borough Council, being successfully elected four times. From 1995 until 2009, when I stepped down, I served as Vice President of Council. In 2007, I served as acting President. During my time on Council, I voted successfully 14 of 18 times for no tax increase; once we even cut the real estate tax. At times, I served as Chairman of the Finance Committee; Law, Ordinance and Building Committee; and, Sewers and Public Works Committee. For a time, I served on the Executive Board of the Delaware County Boroughs Association.
I served on the Aldan Planning Commission for several years prior to my appointment to Borough Council, and I was reappointed to the Planning Commission in 2009 and continue to serve today. While serving there , I helped write Aldan’s Zoning Ordinance.
During my time on Borough Council, I served for a time as Council’s liaison to the William Penn School District. At the School District, I fought hard against the fiscal insanity that gripped our district. I worked with school board members and other local Borough Council members of all parties to form a coalition to restore fiscal accountability to our district.
EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND
I have worked as an attorney in Delaware County since 1992. Early in my career, I practiced a wide range of general practice law but concentrated on criminal and civil litigation. In 1996, I joined the firm of Swartz Campbell where I continued to practice civil litigation but also expanded my practice to municipal government, zoning and real estate development. I have remained in a part time role at this law firm during my time in the County government. Currently, I continue to represent local governments and zoning hearing boards, as well as our County’s economic development agency.
Before becoming County Solicitor, I also was appointed by the President Judge of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas to represent abused, neglected and dependent children in juvenile court cases, working with CYS on recommendations for placement, treatment and planning.
PARTY BACKGROUND
I have served as a Republican Committeeman in Aldan since 1990. I have been the Chairman of the Republicans For Aldan since 1994, where we have successfully won elections for our local Republican candidates at every election I have chaired. I serve as Treasurer of the Delaware County Republican Executive Committee and I have been elected twice as the State Committeeman for the 163rd Legislative District. I served as District Attorney Mike Green’s campaign treasurer for both of his successful elections. I served as the Chairman of the Delaware County Young Republicans in 1994-1995 and I served on the Executive Board and as General Counsel to the Young Republicans of Pennsylvania in the late 1990’s. I was proud to be part of the campaign planning team for our County Council candidates in 2007 and 2009. I am a member of State Rep. Nick Micozzie’s campaign planning team.
COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
I am happy to be very involved in our Delaware County community. Some of my activities are:
- Church lector; former member of parish capital campaign committee
- St. Eugene Elementary School Steering Committee, Clifton Heights
- Aldan Booster Civic Association Executive Board; past President
- Aldan Girls Club Softball Coach
- Delaware County Ancient Order of Hibernians; past Division President and County Board President
- Proud Dad and booster for swimmers Tara, Claire and Grace, at the Aldan Swim Club and Ridley YMCA
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
- Graduate of W idener University School of Law, 1992, Juris Doctor, cum laude
- Graduate of Villanova University, Bachelor of Arts; Political Science Major, Communications Minor
- Graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School
- Graduate of St. Joseph’s Elementary School, Collingdale
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
I was born and raised in Aldan Borough. I continue to make Aldan Borough my home. I am married to Barbara and we have three bright and beautiful daughters, Tara (11); Claire (8); and, Grace (6). I am the oldest of seven children, all of whom live spread out through Delaware County with their families. My parents have lived and have been active in Aldan for almost 50 years.
