Democratic challenger Scudder Stevens ousted incumbent Allan Falcoff, 1,226 to 795 after heated supervisor race
By P.J. D’Annunzio, Staff Writer, KennettTimes.com
Democrat Scudder Stevens is in a celebratory mood Tuesday night after defeating incumbent supervisor Allan Falcoff in Kennett.
KENNETT — In a time when the nation’s citizens are occupying cities left and right in the name of justice, fiscal responsibility, and governmental transparency, the 2011 Kennett Township Board of Supervisor’s race has developed into a microcosm, representing the larger national climate.
Scudder Stevens, who will succeed Falcoff in January, expressed his elation and related his election to the supervisor position to the desire for governmental variation that has spread like wildfire throughout Kennett Township:
“I’m numb; it is so exciting to be the first Democrat elected to the township board of supervisors,” he said. “I think that what this says is that there is a common feeling throughout the township that change is necessary, and change is now.”
Kennett Township Supervisor Election Results:[table id=1 /]
Stevens, whose campaign revolved around the push for transparency in Kennett Township’s operations (most recently the township audit) has illustrated his popularity with concerned citizenry across the political board with this victory.
“It was a combination of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who came together to say ‘we need to change’ and that’s what the numbers reflect,” he said. “It is a strong statement to me that I have to embrace and respect and actually be in awe of because it is a tremendous gift, it’s overwhelming actually.”
This supervisor’s race has been one of the most contentious the area has seen in recent years, and the candidates words, as well as campaign literature, illustrated the heightening political tension between both Stevens and Falcoff.
“It’s been a very difficult campaign.” Stevens said. “I’ve tried to address the issues; I’ve tried to find the facts and present them objectively and as straightforwardly as I could so that the electorate could understand what is actually going on. Those issues were not addressed [by the township] and there were various side issues thrown up, designed to distract the electorate. I’m not surprised by that. It was disappointing but it’s clear that the electorate saw it for what it was: insignificant and meaningless and strictly an effort to distract.”
Despite the heated nature of the of the now concluded campaigns, Stevens has pledged his willingness to let the conflicts of the past go in order to help the township move forward by working with the remaining supervisors.
“We need to develop a way to go forward. I’m hopeful that we can get beyond all the contention that has surrounded us over these last eight months,” he said.
In that spirit, Stevens detailed his first order of business as township supervisor:
“The first thing that I want to do is meet with both Elling and Hammaker and try to reach some kind of accord so that we can, as a group, go forward with meaningful governance for the township,” he said. “I think it’s time that we set aside all that has happened over the last eight months and think about how we can repair the sense of community fabric that makes Kennett Township such a special place.”
Yes you are right…..I am sorry there is no need to beat a dead horse…..it is out of our hands now. We will leave it to the authorities. Thank You for giving us a forum to express our opinions during this campaign.
Unfortunately for Allen Falcoff and friends their problems have just begun. Many campaign laws were broken and he is going to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There are a few people like Brian Gore (boyfriend of Lisa Moore) that he is going to wish he never met. Many questions still to be answered.
Great Job Scudder!! Shows how far a campaign based on honesty and integrity can take you!! We are so proud of you. The energy in town is amazing for the first time in many years. You have brought both Republicans and Democrats together and have started the process of giving the township back to the people.
EDITORS NOTE: Let’s watch the personal and ungrounded accusations, please. Attack the idea, not the person.
Congratulations to Mr. Stevens on his election victory. It’s obvious that a solid majority of residents were ready for some kind of of change within our township government. Let’s hope he and the other two supervisors can make a sincere effort to put the election contention behind them and get on with the business of running what is probably one of the most beautiful and fiscally sound townships in the county. The groundwork has been laid by many past supervisors and volunteers to get us to this point, always in a spirit of community service. The volunteers on the many township committees are ready to continue with this service. A contentious board of supervisors will have a chilling effect on the whole community and especially our volunteers who cross all political spectrums. It’s encouraging to read that Mr. Stevens wants to leave that contention behind. Mr. Elling and Mr. Hammaker should do the same because there will be some serious issues that need to be addressed and resolved.
Transparency as laid out in the PA Sunshine Law must be the new BOS mantra….ie, all deliberations must be held in open public meetings convenient for citizens to attend.
Truthsayer,
You are so ignorant. The only thing Tom Nale, Mike Elling and Allan Falcoff will be remembered for is the disfunction and dishonestly they brought to the township. They will all live out their remaining days in disgrace. Lisa Moore is following closely in their footsteps. Let this be a lesson to the remaining members of their gang. The election is over but their legacy remains.
CONGRATULATIONS SCUDDER!!
Tom Nale is an honored disabled veteran who literally gave his right arm in service to his country. Since then he has contributed immensely to this community. To suggest otherwise is simply a disgrace. He was recently honored by the Delaware National Guard. Lisa Moore is widely respected by all who have worked with her. Starting as a receptionist she has worked for many years and got to where she is the old fashioned way. She earned it. I went to school with her father and know for a fact that Lisa started with very little and has worked hard to get where she is today. To take cheap shots at these fine people is a disgrace.
Folks — I understand the passions, but let’s move on from the personal attacks.
Earl,
You are basing your opinion of Tom on his past. I am basing my opinion of Tom on his present. He funded a campaign that could not stand on its merits so he resorted to making libelous statements about my wife and family. He is a coward in every sense of the word. This is how he will be remembered.