Edwin Brian Abbott Running for West Chester Council

Name:  Edwin Brian Abbott

Address:  415 Clinton Alley, West Chester

Running For:  West Chester Borough Council Ward 3

Positions Held Previously:  West Chester Citizens Financial Advisory Committee (2011-2012)

What do you think can be done to improve traffic and car travel in the area: West Chester's thriving local businesses and historic character make it a destination in Chester County.  While these are some of the things that make our community so special, they are increasingly contributing to our traffic and parking issues.  The first step is making sure that we prevent these problems from getting worse by stopping over-development within the borough, which goes hand-in-hand with preserving what makes West Chester special.

The solution to the existing traffic issues is complex. Ultimately the answer to West Chester's traffic issues and the foundation of its economic future lie in restoration of train service combined with investment in responsible development through Smart Growth initiatives.

Explain which issues motivated you to run: As a homeowner and long time resident of West Chester, I know what a special place this is.  I was motivated to run because I see not just the challenges we face, but also the potential we have in the borough.  I want to make sure that West Chester addresses issues like economic growth and historic preservation responsibly, while embracing a future that is bright and prosperous for all residents.

I am very happy to have the opportunity to serve the community I love, but it has been odd running for elected office.  I'm not a politician.  I don't have future political ambitions, and I'm certainly no "insider."  I'm just a guy who wants to use his time and talents to make our community better.

Is there an area in which you think the current administration could have performed better, and how would you address that area: As we all know, technology is constantly advancing.  This provides greater and greater opportunities to enhance communication and transparency within local government.  I think the current borough council has done a good job using technology to connect with the community, but I would be excited to use my background as a technology consultant to expand those efforts.

Increasing the council's ability to communicate with the residents and taxpayers is a two way street.  By taking advantage of the available technology, I would like to engage the community in the council's decisions and bring more people to the table on the issues we face.  The residents of West Chester provide an amazing foundation of skills, talents and experiences.  Enhanced engagement and communication between those citizens and their government will only lead to a better West Chester.