Dem Committee chooses Booth for Mayor, names Borough Council and WSSD candidates

Members of the Swarthmore Democratic Committee met Tuesday, Feb. 11, to vote on endorsements for four Borough Council seats, a school board candidate, and the mayoral race.

Verbal votes were cast for Borough Council, nominating and endorsing Cindy MacLeod to complete the remaining two years of Steve Carp’s term, and Janna Garland, Angie Tseng, Jared Therrien, and Virginia Thompson for four-year terms. Following the Borough Council vote, the Committee voted to endorse Fire Chief Conlen Booth for mayor by paper ballot in a 15-4 margin. Melissa Crawford was nominated and endorsed for Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board.

There were approximately 45 meeting attendees gathered in Swarthmore Borough Hall, including 21 Committee members and 33 registered Democrats.

During public comment, three residents expressed opposition to the Committee making an endorsement of a mayoral candidate, while one speaker called endorsement a “helpful tool for community members.”

Swarthmore resident Emily Bonfiglio, who spoke in opposition to endorsement, submitted the following statement to the Committee prior to the meeting:

“This mayoral election is a chance to reinvigorate our community and get folks engaged again. After all, local politics is something that we can affect, no matter who is in the White House. Don't take that away from us. I urge the committee to not endorse a candidate. Instead, educate us on the candidates and the issues and then let the

Swarthmore community decide who would best serve the town.”

Along with Bonfiglio’s letter, Guiney indicated that she had received a number of letters both for and against endorsement for a mayoral candidate, and those had been shared with the committee. Copies of those letters indicated 21 signers in opposition to the endorsement, with two in support.

Guiney characterized the objections as a “lobbying campaign” on behalf of a particular candidate and did not feel they represented the interests of all residents in town.

“I believe we do the best we can to recruit and vet ethical and competent candidates to serve our community,” Guiney said, adding that she planned to utilize her privilege as a committee member to cast her vote, which she has not done in the 20 years as chair.

Guiney also read a letter written by Borough Council President Jill Gaieski aloud before the vote.

“At its most basic level, the Committee’s endorsement process, at both the local and county level, is simply a means of providing informed advice to Democratic voters,” Gaieski wrote. “It is fundamentally no different than voters consulting the League of Women Voters or other organizations whose perspective they value. Endorsement is particularly important at the local level because, unlike federal or state level races, such organizations do not typically assess candidates at the local level.”

Gaieski questioned why

some candidates and their supporters characterized the process as “less than transparent, problematic, or undemocratic,” and indicated that the Committee has fulfilled their commitment to vet and endorse candidates.

“We are deeply committed to a thorough, open, fair, and democratic process,” Gaieski wrote. “Endorsement is the Democratic Committee’s most solemn obligation.”

According to Guiney, the Committee has always made an endorsement, even though it’s not required.

“If we had multiple qualified candidates who were willing to serve the community in good faith, there’s absolutely room for a primary (non-endorsement),” Guiney said.

The 15-4 margin was a clear decision on behalf of the Committee indicating overwhelming support for endorsement and candidate, but some residents remain disappointed in the Committee’s decision to make an endorsement despite objections.

“I’m hearing from my constituents that [the process] feels very insulated,” Borough Council and Committee member Janna Garland said. “I urge those that feel that way to continue to engage in the process and with the Committee, and I hope the Committee can understand this is often hard because, to paraphrase my colleague Scarlett McCahill, ‘local government is often run by the rich, retired, or otherwise resourced.’”

Guiney encourages residents to contact her about the process.

“I don’t mind genuine and honest criticism of the Party,” Guiney said. “Bring me ideas.”

Seymore expressed her gratitude for everyone who supported her running for mayor, despite the challenges of the process.

“The heart of this debate is a difference in vision for what Swarthmore can become,” Seymore said. “If we want to create a thriving, growing, and welcoming place for everyone, it’s essential that we make sure all voices are heard. Though there has been resistance along the way, we must ask ourselves whether that resistance truly represents the will of the people. I believe in the strength of this community, and I’m committed to advocating for its future.”

Booth said he was honored to be nominated.

“I truly appreciate each and every Committee member for their time and for their dedication to upholding the democratic process,” he said. “Swarthmore is extremely fortunate to have so many passionate and engaged community members, something that none of us should ever take for granted.”

All candidates will need to complete nomination petitions, including signatures from registered party members in Swarthmore to appear on the ballot. The Swarthmore Democratic Party will meet Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m., to collect signatures and meet candidates.

Guiney is shifting her focus to other important County and statewide races, for which the Delaware County Democratic Party is preparing to nominate and endorse candidates at the convention on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. In addition to Delaware County Council and judicial seats, of particular importance are three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices up for retention, with high stakes and future implications for human rights, voting rights, and other protections, according to Guiney.

“The votes of Swarthmoreans will impact future generations,” Guiney said.