Mayor's Message 3/1/23

Good evening. 

I would like to start by thanking everyone for their support and well wishes this past month. I have truly appreciated it. Concerning the events of January 26th, I want to say again that I take full responsibility for getting into my car that evening, and I am grateful every day that no one was injured due to my actions. 

Like many people, I have struggled with addiction to alcohol and through this past month I have taken steps to address and treat it. I have had a drinking problem since I was 18. I hope that my experience might encourage others to seek the same help and remind them that they are not alone in their fight against addiction. Rehab has reinforced the importance of empathy and compassion for those in our community who are struggling, and reminded me that we should always treat each other with understanding and respect.  The last four weeks have been very helpful in ways I could not have previously imagined.  I feel more focused and determined than before and I am better prepared to continue the important work of leading this administration and serving our community.

I have said since running for Mayor of our community that this isn’t about me, it’s about we. I want to thank the strong administrative leadership team for their hard work over the last three years and especially this past month. As usual, they did and continue to do a great job of ensuring the smooth day to day operation of the Township. 

With the support of my administrative team, it remains my goal to reform, revitalize and reinvest in Upper Darby. With my new perspectives and experiences I am committed to seeing that goal through. While I have made the difficult decision not to run for re-election, I am looking forward to finishing this year strong. 

The ARPA Non-Profit Funding Application is open until March 24.  The next virtual seminar on the application process is Tuesday, March 7, at 6 pm.  Please register for the webinar through a link on the township website, www.upperdarby.org.

Thank you.