Cheryl Grosso For Newtown Township Supervisor

Cheryl (Foreman) Grosso - Township Supervisor, Newtown Township

Age (as of Election Day)

48

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

I am married to Mike Grosso. We have two daughters, age 22 and 20. I grew up in Broomall, attended St. Anastasia elementary school, Cardinal O’Hara high school and Villanova University.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Masters of Nursing in Clinical Informatics

Occupation

Incident and Problem Manager, Registered Nurse and Veteran of US Army with 20+ years of experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Committeeperson for Newtown 6

Campaign website

www.votegrossandscott.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to share a story that solidifies why I am running for township supervisor. During the public comment at one of the township supervisor meetings, a woman stood up and walked to the podium. You could sense she was nervous. She explained the issue with flooding in her backyard that started after her neighbor added a garage, patio and removed large trees.

The supervisor who spoke told her the only recourse was taking her neighbor to court. She said that the problem wasn’t her relationship with the neighbor or the upgrades they made to their house, the problem was with the stormwater and what could the township help with.

I left that meeting frustrated. Frustrated at the lack of empathy for her situation and the failure of imagination to solve complex problem that affect our municipality. I wanted to learn more so I went to visit the person who bravely stood up at the meeting. I saw pictures of the flooding that occurred during the last rain storm. It was shocking. A massive amount of water was pouring into her backyard, jeopardizing her trees, driveway and property. I connected her to a member of our environmental advisory committee who had lots of experience in stormwater management and she offered solutions but there is more to do. We can make positive change in our community by listening to one another, learning about the issues and committing to solve them, together.

And that is why I am running for township supervisor. I will be accessible. I will listen and I will care about the issues that affect our community. Together, we can solve problems, we can protect our environment, we can preserve open space, and we can proactively maintaining key services and infrastructure that keep our community healthy and safe.

I am grateful to be running with Beth Scott. Newtown Township is governed by a five-member elected Board of Supervisors. In 2021, there are 2 open positions on the board for township supervisor. Me and Beth are working hard to earn every vote.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Based on listening to our community members, the concern I hear over and over is to preserve our open space, parks, and trails. Overdevelopment leads to traffic congestion and air pollution. Well-managed open space programs protect a community's natural green infrastructure, enhance parks and gathering places for recreation and promote environmental sustainability.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Public meetings should be a welcoming and accessible atmosphere where all feel comfortable interacting with our board. These meetings, virtual or in-person, should be a place where business gets done with respect and civility. Civic engagement should be encourage and supported. Our community deserves open dialogue and respectful consideration.

I believe government works best when both parties are represented. Newtown township has not had Democratic representation on the township board.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Voting is the core of our democracy. Drop boxes in convenient locations, like the township building, supports our community members right to make their voice heard at the ballot. Mike Russo voted against having drop box location at the township.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Let’s work together to protect our open spaces and enhance our parks for the benefits of our community now and into the future.

Let’s work together to protect our tax dollars and our infrastructure by investing is a smart storm water program and supporting a sustainable infrastructure maintenance plan.

Let's work together to focus on what matters most - responsible governance and community focused township services.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am a veteran of the US Army beginning my career in the Army Nurse Corp and have spent most of my professional life working as a nurse in critical care and then in clinical informatics. I currently work as an incident and problem manager and help my organizations solve long standing problems by understanding root cause and implement solutions that lead to direct cost savings and increased revenue for the organization while enhancing customer experience.

I have an in-depth knowledge of processes and systems to lead and manage teams to achieve desired outcomes and promote a healthy work environment by aligning organizations on best practices while promoting open dialogue and trusting relationships.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen, pay attention, stay curious, course correct and be grateful

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I ran for township supervisor in 2019, worked hard, learned a lot and came really close and I am ready to try again. I know what it means to serve. In April of 2020 I heard about the Delaware County Citizens Corp. I got involved with this wonderful organization and have volunteered at food pantries in West Chester and Prospect Park. Because of my nursing background, I have been a medical volunteer at the covid vaccine clinics in Aston, Chester and Yeadon.

Working over the past 20 years has taught me how to listen to people, how to connect and be open minded, how to be resourceful and solve problems. It taught me the essence of public service. And that is what I will bring to the township board. I will be accessible. I will listen and I will care about the issues that affect you and our community. Together, we can get things done and solve problems that will help our community thrive.

Serving is what I have known, from my upbringing, and throughout my life, as a veteran, a nurse, as spouse and mother and now I ask for your vote so I can serve you as your township supervisor.