Meet Andy Gavrin, Lower Merion's Democratic Ward 6 Candidate

VILLANOVA, PA — Many people who identify with the Democratic party and left-leaning counterparts felt compelled to become involved in political activism following the election of President Donald Trump in November. While some may simply take to posting on social media to express their concern with the current political climate, others — such as Lower Merion's Andy Gavrin — decided to be the change they want to see.

Gavrin appeared on the primary ballot as the sole Democrat vying for Lower Merion's Ward 6 commissioner seat, currently occupied by Republican Philip S. Rosenzweig.

So who is Andy Gavrin? Well, he's been a Lower Merion resident for about four years but spent about 11 years in Philadelphia after attending law school at The University of Pennsylvania. Before Penn, he earned a degree from Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Then after law school he went back to Penn for an MBA from the Wharton School.

>>RELATED: 2017 Primary Election: Lower Merion Township Results

Gavrin, 43, and a Long Island native, said he wants to bring back availability and accountability to the political stage while doing away with the winner-take-all attitude that has invaded politics in recent years.

"The past election really was the breaking point for me after years," Gavrin said of the Nov. 8 election in an interview with Patch. "I've been frustrated with politicians who are in it for themselves and backers. It's public service, and it's pretty simple to understand what public service means."

Gavrin said he was appalled by Trump's personal and political stances and actions, so he got involved with Hillary Clinton's campaign, and from there he became more and more invested in political goings-on.

"I started campaigning for Clinton and got to know local democrats," he said. "It turned out one of the Ward 6 committee people moved, and I was asked to join."

Lower Merion's Ward 6 includes Rosemont and Villanova. Unsure what ward you live in? Use this online tool to determine which ward is yours.

He said the timing was perfect, as the call for candidates for local offices went out shortly thereafter.

"I talked with my wife about it and decided this is an opportunity where I can hopefully give back and bring to life what I've been saying about officials doing real public service and what's best for community," he said. "So I threw my name in the hat."

But what does Gavrin want to address at the local level?

Well, Gavrin said Ward 6 needs to have better outreach to the folks living in the ward.

He said while being a politician is writing and enacting policies, its about taking actions that make life easier for constituents.

For example, recycling collection occurs every two weeks in the township, while trash is collected weekly, he said.

"We should be doing weekly recycling collection. It's such a little thing but it affects people's lives," he said. "If we are working at solving problems of the people, I think that's all we can do."

Additionally, Gavrin addressed development in the township as a key issue.

"We constantly need to be developing and growing," he said. "What I’ve seen is we’ve only been looking at one side of issue: revitalizing Ardmore and Bala Cynwyd."

He said the township needs to be creative in helping retailers and developers figure out what they need to thrive in the area while considering cost-benefits to the people of Lower Merion.

Gavrin's career has revolved around problem solving, so he feel he can help come up with those creative solutions.

He practiced law in Center City, working with businesses for several years, then found a passion for business and headed to Wharton for the MBA. That took him to Boston where he worked with a strategy company whose clients include Fortune 500 companies. For about eight years, he honed his problem-solving skills there.

At that firm, he worked across the street from Boston Beer Company, which is home to Samuel Adams beer. He ended up working in marketing with Sam Adams and was inspired by founder Jim Koch's passion for community involvement.

When his wife, whom he met playing ice hockey at Penn, got a job back in Philly, he left Sam Adams, which he says was a dream job, to support her career as a scientist with Glaxosmithkline.

Since then, Gavrin has been involved in a bit of everything in the Lower Merion area: He has volunteered at Gladywne Elementary School; coached youth ice hockey; joined the board of his temple, Temple Beth Hillel Beth El; and of course got involved in local politics.

He said being a stay-at-home dad who is actively involved in the community who supports a wife in a historically male-dominated field sends an empowering message to his three daughters, one who is 6 years old a pair of 8-year-old twins.

Following the May primary, Gavrin said he felt energized.

"We had a great turnout," he said. "Around 24 percent of Democratic voters came out, which for a post-presidential primary is incredible; about triple what turnout has been."

He attributes part of the the large turnout to Democrats and liberals who have become more politically involved following the presidential election.

As for the general election coming in November where he will face off against the incumbent Rosenzweig, Gavrin feels good.

"I think it will be a great race," he said. "I go out and say, 'Here's who I am and why I think I'd do well.' Hopefully people appreciate that approach."

More information about Gavrin can be found online at his campaign website here.

Contributed photo