Springfield Democratic Committee Fields Full Slate of Candidates for Township Offices.

The Springfield Democratic Committee has endorsed a full slate of candidates for all Township offices on the ballot this year.  Each of the candidates – Commissioner – Mike Bertolino (Ward 2), Mandy Santiago (Ward 4), and Michael Kellar (Ward 6), Tax Collector – Nancy Baulis (Ward 4), and Auditor – Nader Ayoub (Ward 1) – filed nomination petitions with the Delaware County Election Bureau by the filing deadline of Tuesday, March 12, 2013.  

Raymond Santarelli, Chairman of the Springfield Democratic Committee said, “The 2013 Democratic team is an outstanding group of candidates, showing the full diversity of our community, and is poised to perform the job of moving this Township forward.” 

Commissioner Candidate Mandy Santiago (4^th Ward) said, “there needs to be an emphasis on improving services and offerings, promoting diversity of thought and transparency in the operation of government.”  Fellow Commissioner Candidate Michael Kellar (6^th Ward) echoed those sentiments, stating, “there needs to be a renewed focus on tangible issues like elected official accessibility to all members of the community.”  Mike Bertolino (2^nd Ward) believes there is a “need for more and improved recreational facilities that all ages and groups can use, and we should be focused on smart community development.”  Auditor Candidate Nader Ayoub stated, “We need to be vigilant in community matters, and take initiative explore areas where efficiencies can be maximized to ensure that our community continues to be a growing community.”

Santarelli said “these five highly qualified and diverse candidates are committed to improving the Township; focusing on efficiency and the needs of all persons living and working in Springfield”.

More about the Candidates:

Nancy Baulis – Democratic Party Candidate for Tax Collector

Nancy is a lifetime resident of Delaware County, living in the family home that her father Tom Bruner built in the early 50's.  Nancy is a graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School and West Chester University, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education.  Nancy is retired after working as a schoolteacher in the Philadelphia Public School District and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Nancy was a member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and AFSCME.  Nancy is a member and has served as President of the Zonta Club of Philadelphia, an International organization that advances the status of women and children worldwide.  Nancy volunteers her time at the Thorncroft Equestrian Center, whose students are all ages, handicapped, and non-handicapped riders, and tutors with the Delaware County Literacy Council.

Nader Ayoub – Democratic Party Candidate for Auditor

Nader is a proud lifelong resident of Delaware County, the son of a small business owner in our Delaware County community, and resides in Springfield’s 1^st Ward with his wife and three sons.  He has extensive experience in small business, having run several profitable businesses at a high level for the last ten years, focused on increasing efficiency, maximizing profitability, business development, and growth.  Nader hopes to use his business sense and experience to better Springfield Township and promote the interests of our community’s families and children.

Mike Bertolino – Democratic Party Candidate for 2^nd Ward Commissioner

Mike is a graduate of Springfield High School and an Eagle Scout, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from West Chester University. While at West Chester, Mike was involved in the Friars' Society, an honorary service organization. Currently, Mike is working towards a Masters' Degree in Counseling at Immaculata University in Malvern and working as a personal care giver at ReMed, a rehabilitation facility focusing on those affected by traumatic brain injuries.

Mandy Santiago – Democratic Party Candidate for 4^th Ward Commissioner

Mandy and her husband have lived in Springfield for more than 10 years.  She is a former social worker with a background in fundraising for non-profit organizations, including Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Cheyney University and Drexel University College of Medicine.  Mandy also operates her own small business, a fundraising consulting company, and is currently serving as a grant writer for the Food Bank of South Jersey.  She received her social work degrees from Skidmore College (B.S.) and Bryn Mawr College (M.S.S.).

Michael Kellar – Democratic Party Candidate for 6^th Ward Commissioner

Michael is a mechanical engineer and project manager specializing in marine systems.  Long active in our community, Mike served as President of the Holy Cross Home & School Association, and has been a Democratic Committee Member for over 20 years.  A graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School and Drexel University, Mike lives in Springfield with his wife Joanne.  Mike and Joanne have three boys who are now working on their own careers, and Mike is seeking new challenges within Springfield.

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MORE ABOUT THE SPRINGFIELD DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE:

The Springfield Democratic Committee is the Democratic Party Organization in Springfield Township, Delaware County.  Our committee members are committed to promoting pragmatic, progressive ideas and initiatives to improve our local community, county, state, and country.  We want to be vigilant in community matters, and take initiative to make our community a growing community.  The Springfield Democratic Committee meets regularly the third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Springfield Township Building, 50 Powell Road, Springfield, PA.  You can learn more about the Springfield Democratic Committee by visiting the Committee’s website (www.springfielddems.org) or by “Liking” Springfield Democrats on Facebook (www.facebook.com/springfielddems).

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For more information contact:

Raymond J Santarelli, Chairman
Springfield Democratic Committee
Tel:  215-806-6286

E-Mail:  springfield.dems@gmail.com

Website:  www.springfielddems.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/springfielddems