Local Group Looking for Residents to Run for Office

Norristown Patch received the following release from Citizens for a Better Norristown:

Citizens for a Better Norristown (CBN) is holding a reception to encourage local citizens to get involved in the local political process or consider running for local government office. The reception is being held on Monday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, 1001 Powell Street.

There are several local offices up for election this year. Norristown has two at-large council seats and certain district council seats up for election. The Norristown Area School Board has four seats up for election and other offices will be contested. East and West Norriton Townships have Supervisor/Commissioner and additional offices being contested in 2013.

"CBN is committed to any initiative which helps improve the quality of life for our community," said CBN member Ernie Hadrick. "Good government and a quality education system are pillars of any community," he added. "We simply would like to see the best qualified individuals running our local governments and school board. We understand that many of the best qualified people are busy with their jobs, family, church, and other activities. Many of them simply haven’t given much thought to getting involved in the political process." 

We are hopeful that by heightening awareness more good people will consider running for office or otherwise get involved in the political process. 

A number of former elected officials will be present to discuss the responsibilities of elected offices and the impact that the elected office can have on the community. The former/current elected officials who will present include:

• Tony Darden, former president of Norristown’s municipal council;
• Karen Shanoski, former member of the NASD school board;
• John Zurzola, East Norriton supervisor;
• Brian Kennedy, West Norriton commissioner; and
• Helen M.C. Jones, Norristown judge of elections.

Montgomery County Voter Services Department staff will provide a presentation regarding the local offices being contested and how resident can get involved in that process. Candidates may begin circulating petitions on Feb. 19 and the petitions are due on March 12. CBN is also committed to providing assistance to qualified individuals who would seriously consider running for office.

CBN is a non-partisan local organization whose members are committed to improving the standard of living for the Greater Norristown Area.

For more information please contact CBN at CBN_VOTE@ymail.com or 484-614-0983.