By AMY STRAUSS

astrauss@phoenixvillenews.com

The Phoenixville Democratic Committee has fearlessly been led by Mayor Leo Scoda for the past 12 years, and will continue if he is reelected this term. A teacher of Phoenixville Area School District for over 35 years, Scoda's dedication to the area can be seen through his successes, which include the reestablishment of the Tree Commission, the development with working relationships with Valley Forge Christian College, the increase in officers for the borough supplied with the top equipment and training and the rebuilding of the East Gay Street Bridge.

The following listed individuals are those of the Democratic committee running for office. The candidates will be present, in addition to Monday night, at their Beef and Beer Fundraiser held Sat., Oct. 24, 7 - 11 p.m. at The Phoenixville VPW.

North Ward - Richard M. Kirkner

As a resident to the North Ward since 1992, Kirkner wishes to resume repairing the unfinished business that the borough continuously tackles. Experienced with knowledge of both planning and zoning in the borough, the candidate has already successfully accomplished helping restore the Gay Street Bridge and the reconstruction of Andre Thorton Park. As the former chair of the finance committee, he also supported practices that increased the borough's funds in over $750,000 for one year.

Middle Ward - Henry A. Wagner

"We are a town with over 50 percent rental properties," said Wagner, a 21 year resident of First Avenue. "I led the change that now prevents conversion of family homes into rental apartments." With plans to continue with this legislation that educates renters to their rights, the Middle Ward representative wishes to improve the town's infrastructure. Actively involved with the Jaycees, holding chairs for projects, which include the Children's Christmas Shopping Tour and the Dogwood Festival, Ward's approach to the borough has been to "use common sense with an eye honoring the past year moving Phoenixville forward."

East Ward - Erin McDevitt

Erin McDevitt believes it is important that "Phoenixville move for

ward while continuing to embrace and promote its unique neighborhoods and sense of community." Currently a chair of the Phoenixville Civil Service Commission, which she received appointment following her term as a board member of the Good Samaritan Shelter, the East Ward representative settled in Phoenixville in 2002 and quickly decided to devote time to the community that she had come to cherish.

West Ward - Dana Dugan

"I have seen, first hand, the good this community has to offer, as well as experienced the same issues that bring us all to the polls," said Dugan, a West Ward representative. "I will bring to Council the perspective of a homeowner and townhouse/condominium association member with a significant stake in the success of this town." Active in the community for over 10 years, Dugan is "well informed about the significant issues that confront the Council" and wishes to offer a fresh perspective to the council.

Additional Democratic candidates include Nina Haslip for Tax Collector, as well as committee-endorsed Phoenixville Area School Board members Josh Gould and Wendy Kelly.

The Phoenixville Republican Committee backs Lou Amici as the mayoral candidate for this year's election. As resident of the borough since 1971, Amici began his public service as a member of the Phoenixville Civil Service Commission, which has responsibilities for the hiring and promotion of our police officers. A member of borough council since 1992, he served two stints as president, which under his leadership from 1998 to 2000, the borough had a $1,000,000 budget surplus. "Truly dedicated to the well-being of our community," Amici is "eager to talk to residents about their concerns and insights."

The following listed individuals are those of the Republican committee running for office. The candidates will also be present at the Franklin Commons for questioning on Monday evening.

North Ward - Bob Tigro

As a 19-year resident of the borough, Tigro has been regularly involved in his community where he has been a North Ward Borough Council member, a past Vice President of the Phoenixville Jaycees, a leader with Cub Scout Pack 119 and currently, a leader with Scout Troop 58 where his son is an Eagle Scout.

Middle Ward - Marc Reber

Reber, a native to the area, attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Since returning to Phoenixville, he has served as a board member and treasurer of the Friends of the Library. Currently, Reber serves as the Treasurer for First United Methodist Church of Phoenixville, a congregation that has been active locally with the Good Works home repair ministry since that program began in the Phoenixville area in 2006.

East Ward - Dave Gautreau

A former member of the Phoenixville Area School Board from 1990-1995 and also a former member of the East Pikeland Township Board of Auditors, Gautreau has ample experience in public service. In addition, he is continually active in the community, residing on the board of Phoenixville Area Community Services, as well as being a past chair for the Dogwood Parade and the finance council of St. Anne's Church.

West Ward - Joe Schwartz

A lifelong resident of Phoenixville and graduate of Phoenixville Area High School, Schwartz is knowledgeable of the town changing landscapes. A newcomer to the area's political scene, he finds "interest in running for office is to bring the 'average Joe's' viewpoint to Phoenixville decision-making."

Additional Republican candidates include Jennifer Killeen as Tax Collector, as well as David Dunacusky as West Ward Constable.