Amid accusations of unethical conduct, cronyism, uninspired leadership and unfulfilled potential, the race for Montgomery County commissioner has been arduous, even emotional. But not unusual.
Similar themes have echoed throughout the Philadelphia suburbs as Democrats have aggressively sought to oust Republicans from longtime majority-party status. The question remains whether changing voter-registration patterns will translate into success.
In Montgomery County, voters will choose two commissioners in the Nov. 6 election. The Inquirer endorses incumbents JIM MATTHEWS, a Republican, and RUTH DAMSKER, a Democrat.
Matthews, 58, of Ambler, has worked to maintain the county's financial stability, attract industry, reinvigorate its boroughs and expand social programs. His running mate is District Attorney Bruce Castor.
Damsker, 62, of Cheltenham, admittedly has risked her reelection bid by running with Joe Hoeffel, a former congressman, county commissioner and Rendell appointee. Hoeffel's strong name recognition could force some voters to choose between the two Democrats.
In Bucks County, the best Democratic slate in years is challenging the status quo. But the county's low debt, high bond rating, and stable county taxes have earned incumbents CHARLES MARTIN, 65, and JAMES CAWLEY, 38, the Inquirer's endorsement.
Martin and Cawley helped oversee the acquisition of parks and farmland under a $59-million, 1997 open-space referendum, and they support a ballot authorizing $87 million more. They've planned the county courthouse expansion, worked to stop flooding along the Neshaminy Creek, promoted underused sites for redevelopment and industry and explored green-energy savings.
Democrats Diane Marseglia, a Middletown supervisor, and Steve Santasiero, a Lower Makefield supervisor, have been thoughtful in offering fresh ideas and alternatives for Bucks County. This has allowed voters to focus on the issues, rather than be distracted by partisan stridency.
In Chester County, The Inquirer recommends incumbent Republican CAROL AICHELE, 57, of Tredyffrin, and Democrat KATHI COZZONE, 44, an accountant and financial analyst from Uwchlan Township.
Aichele, a former county controller, oversees a land preservation and urban revitalization program that is a model for other counties. She has worked to maintain Chester County's excellent bond rating, low county tax rate and fiscal conservatism. Running with her is Terence Farrell, a two-term county recorder of deeds.
Cozzone, an unsuccessful candidate for county controller in 2005, has 20 years of private-sector financial experience. Those skills can easily translate to administering budgets, carrying out big-ticket projects or approving contracts. She is running with Bill Scott of West Chester.
Delaware County voters must choose three candidates for County Council. We recommend Republicans ANDY LEWIS, CHRISTINE FIZZANO CANNON, and TOM MCGARRIGLE.
Lewis, 51, is a Haverford commissioner; Fizzano Cannon, 38, a member of the Middletown Township Council; and McGarrigle, 48, is a Springfield Township commissioner. They plan to take on some of the county's most pressing issues, including airplane traffic and noise, open space and aging inner-ring communities.
David Landau of Wallingford leads the Democrats running for County Council. His running mates are Ann O'Keefe of Haverford and John Innelli of Rose Valley.