Mike Hays Throws Hat In Race For Lower Merion's Fourth Ward Commissioner Seat

A newcomer has thrown his hat in the race for Lower Merion's Ward 4 Commissioner seat in the upcoming 2017 election.

Mike Hays, a Democrat who serves on the township’s Environmental Advisory Council, announced he filed petitions with Montgomery County to run for the Board of Commissioners’ seat.

In a statement, Hays said he will focus on "affordable housing, police-community relations, environmental stewardship and local economic growth."

"Many lifelong residents are feeling the squeeze of gentrification,” Hays said in a statement. "While development can’t be stopped, our elected commissioners must ensure that a meaningful number of affordable units remain in the mix for decades to come. And we must grow in a way that respects future generations, with major investments in alternative energy."

Hays, 35, works for JPM Catering & Events on Lancaster Avenue and is also employed as a substitute teacher aide in Montgomery County’s public schools, according to a release.

“I plan on going door-to-door, talking to voters in Haverford and Ardmore to earn their support,” Hays said in a statement. “Ardmore is a great place to live and start a business. I hope to bring a spirit of bipartisanship and radical pragmatism to the Board of Commissioners, and represent the people of Ward 4 with integrity.”

The primary election is set for May 19 with the general election Nov. 7.

Hays will be vying for a seat held by Democrat Steven K. Lindner, whose term expires in 2018.

Patch has reached out to Lindner for comment and will update the story when possible.

Image via Mike D. Hays - author and political observer Facebook