New Candidate for Springfield Township's Commissioner - 4th Ward!

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mandy Santiago and I am running as the Democratic candidate for Springfield Township's Commissioner - 4th Ward. Why am I running? There are a few reasons, actually. I'm tired of having women's issues fading from the limelight after a Presidential election. I'm tired of reading the same old statistics that there are only a handful of women in senior leadership roles or that women only make 77 cents on the dollar compared to men. And I'm certainly tired of seeing a lack of diversity - and diverse thoughts - represented on the Board of Commissioners. Women represent 51.8 percent of the Township's population, yet there's currently only one woman on the Board. Women need more seats at the table. What is my campaign all about? Three things: transparency, fairness, and diversity of opinions. I want the Board of Commissioners' transactions to be more transparent. There is no reason why a formal job description, budget and voting record should not appear on the Township's website for the public's view. I want the Board of Commissioners to be fair. Voting to allow the Courtyard Marriott hotel to make a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) short changes our students in the long run. I am I favor of on creation, but where is the PILOT for the average homeowner and business owner whose taxes keep increasing every year? I want diversity and diverse opinions to be heard and represented on the Board of Commissioners. The Township needs to recognize and engage younger voters and utilize social media to communicate. I also support imposing term limits, so the Township remains innovative in its thoughts and actions. If I win this election, I believe it will be the first time a female Latina under the age of 40 holds the seat. A sad commentary given the Township's diversity and changing demographics. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting all of my neighbors in the 4th Ward and providing a new choice and a new voice in local government. Sincerely, Mandy Santiago Candidate for Commissioner -4th Ward Springfield Township