“A familiar face ready to serve West Chester”
Joan Powell is one of three candidates the DWCSO is supporting for West Chester Trustee (3 seats are open). We’d like to thank Joan for taking the time to answer our questions and give us more information about her views and vision for West Chester Township.
Why are you running for West Chester Township Trustee?
I am running for Trustee because I believe I can make a difference. I was approached about running after the initial meetings of 2017 when Right to Work was discussed. I was appalled by the way the public was treated during these meetings. There was no concern about those who would be affected by that decision. I have continued to observe incivility and arrogance in the dealings of the current Trustees. These all contributed to my decision to run.
What in your background most qualifies you for this position?
My experience of 16 years on the Lakota Board of Education most qualifies me for this position. During that time I managed a budget four times the size of West Chester’s. I helped develop a community engagement program and participated in numerous union negotiations. During my tenure on the Board, I served as President 8 years and learned much about communicating with the public and managing difficult meetings. These skills would serve the Board of Trustees well.
What is your vision for the township, or what do you consider the most pressing issues we face in West Chester?
My vision for the township is for it to continue to be a great place to live and raise a family. I believe the most pressing issues are for the Township to create continuing meaningful dialogue with the residents and to try to implement some of the things the community desires to improve quality of life. We must define what we want for West Chester as it becomes a mature community. How do we accommodate our aging population to allow them to age in place? How do we make getting around our community safer for our children, cyclists and others?
In the past, what has our township done well, what could have been done better?
The township has done a good job of encouraging business growth and developing quality safety services. The township has not done a good job of connecting with the citizens and involving them in determining the direction of the township actions. West Chester Trustees have treated citizens as subordinates and not as equal.
If you could leave your mark on West Chester Township, what would it be?
The mark that I would most like to leave on West Chester is to increase the sense of community of residents. I would like those who live here to feel as though their local government cares about them, their desires and their quality of life… and not just businesses and the bottom line.
What are you most proud of in your life?
I am most proud of my two grown children, Andy and Kate. They are caring, involved citizens who give back to their families, churches and communities.
Is there anything you wish you could do over?
There are many small items that are not worth mentioning but no major things in my life.
What do you do for fun and relaxation?
I love doing projects with my husband. We are both very hand-on people and between us, we can do almost anything. I love to garden, quilt and knit. And most of all I love spending time with my grandchildren who are 6,5,4,3,2 and 1,
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You can learn more about Joan:
at her website
and at her Facebook Page.
Links to information about the other two candidates DWCSO is supporting.
Democratic Women's Club of Southwest Ohio 