Jim Zdancewicz Running For Tredyffrin Twp. Supervisor

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Jim Zdancewicz is running for Tredyffrin Township Supervisor-at-Large. He brings to his candidacy executive-level business operating experience and a belief in government as public servants finding common ground as they act in the best interest of the community.

He explained why he is running for election.

Jim Zdancewicz

Age: 51

Position Sought: Tredyffrin Township Supervisor-at-Large

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Dana Zdancewicz, married 21 years; Linc Zdancewicz, 17, junior at Conestoga High School; Rex Zdancewicz, 15, sophomore at Conestoga High School; Duke Zdancewicz, 13, in seventh grade at T/E Middle

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

Education: Susquehanna University, Bachelor of Arts, 1991

Occupation: Current COO and Head of Operations at RIPEN, an eCommerce strategy and marketing firm serving national clients; Entrepreneur and small business owner who has invented and sold products across the nation.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

Why are you seeking elective office?: This is my home and I am deeply committed to Tredyffrin Township as a resident, a parent, and a community volunteer. Over the past several years, I have watched as our Township's strategic planning, decision-making and fiscal oversight have fallen far short of what residents deserve. The result has been higher taxes, deficit spending, aging infrastructure, stormwater management issues, and more.
I am also saddened to watch too many of our small businesses struggle and fail in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are a community first! Party politics should never get in the way of ensuring our residents' well-being and managing how their tax dollars are responsibly spent. I am running for Supervisor to bring transparent leadership to our local government.

The single most pressing issue facing our township is: Improving fiscal management and oversight. The current Board of Supervisors has chosen to dip into reserves (deficit spending) while at the same time raise taxes on residents consistently over their leadership term. This is not a sustainable path for any homeowner, business, or government and it must be reversed. We must implement a budgeting system that focuses on priorities (public safety, rebuilding infrastructure, and recreation) and uses every penny more efficiently — especially at a time when so many of our residents have been impacted by the COVID pandemic and are struggling financially.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I will bring a unique mix of professional experience and personal understanding of the challenges our residents face to the position of Supervisor to help forge common ground solutions and move our township forward. I believe in being transparent in communication and decision-making. Our community should be well aware of our priorities and see their tax dollars working for them.

I am not going to criticize any specific board member. That's not productive. I believe government should be a diverse mix of "public servants" that seek common ground on the priorities for our community and then act in their best interest. We cannot continue to rubber-stamp projects and unlimited spending from a board that lacks a fiscally responsible approach to running our township. Taxes and spending can't continue to rise endlessly. We need to prioritize our critical infrastructure and strategic planning while seeking to eliminate deficit spending.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Listening to my fellow residents, finding common ground and increasing transparency and visibility to how tax dollars are being spent.
Strategic planning to address issues before they become problems and have a roadmap for the future. How can we help Tredyffrin thrive in a post-pandemic world?
Delivering quality services to our residents, from police protection to parks and recreation to road repair. Lastly, by addressing stormwater management issues through a more comprehensive approach to community development.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I've run large complex organizations that demand fiscal discipline, results, and finding common ground between internal stakeholders and customers. "Transparency" isn't just a word to me, it defines my ethos. I've developed an informal way of cutting through the clutter to surface the main issue, analyze the options and make decisions. I believe in action rather than reaction.

The best advice ever shared with me was: When you are asked to lead, then lead.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: Along with my professional career accomplishments I believe my volunteer work for Greener Partners and the Tredyffrin Township Foundation for Parks and Recreation have proven extremely satisfying in having an impact on others. From improving youth education programs on healthy eating and food choices through Greener Partners or working to improve our beloved parks. It gives me great joy in helping and serving others along with setting a good example for my three teenage boys.
Common sense, fiscal responsibility, transparent non-partisan communication, and a deep commitment to our community and my fellow residents will enable me to succeed in serving on the Tredyffrin Board of Supervisors.

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