Jen Benson For Malvern Borough Council

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Jen Benson is seeking a seat on Malvern Borough Council. She said open dialogue is very important and development is the borough's most pressing issue.

She explained why she is running for election.

Jen Benson

Age: 46

Position Sought: Malvern Borough Council

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: My Spouse Joe Benson is a Product Strategist. We have three children; Joseph III, William, and Kate.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology from West Chester University; Masters in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University

Occupation: School Psychologist

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: I was a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee in Malvern for five years.

Why are you seeking elective office?: I want to continue my commitment to the community in a more involved position. I would like to help influence the direction of the borough while maintaining the existing continuity.

The single most pressing issue facing our borough is: Development. The expansion of both private and commercial spaces is an integral part of the growth of Malvern. We must allow for new development while keeping the charm of Malvern intact.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I have been a volunteer in the Borough for a number of years so I am close to the community in a unique way. I am raising a family in Malvern so I am close to the issues that impact how children can remain safe and protected in the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Open Dialogue. I consider myself to be a reasoned individual who is open to hearing all sides of an issue before deciding on the best path forward.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: As a psychologist, I am constantly tasked with difficult interpersonal issues. I am constantly engaged in discussions around the future of individuals and what is the best course of action to make people successful. I want to take those learnings and apply them to the future of our community.

The best advice ever shared with me was: It is OK to not have all the answers. Saying I do not know and then finding out an answer is better than trying to appease someone with what they want to hear.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I have lived in Malvern twice. When I was first married my husband and I moved to Malvern in 2001-07 and lived on Miner Street while raising our first child. We moved away when our second child arrived and wanted to return soon after. We returned in 2012 and we see ourselves as lifelong residents from now on.

Jen Benson's campaign webpage can be viewed here.

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