Candidate Questionnaire: Olivia Brady

Your Name: Olivia Brady

Running For (and which year will the term end?): Norristown Council At-Large 2 Year Term (ending in 2016). This is for the seat vacated by Dwayne Royster which triggered a special election.

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Positions Held Previously (both in and out of politics): I was on Norristown Municipal Council before from 2000 to 2005.  I was Council President in 2003.  I ran for State Rep for the 150th Legislative District in 2006 and lost by 4% of the vote.  I have been a member, and involved with, several community organizations.

Non-politically, I worked for the Vanguard Group for 30 years in several departments for the company and then retired.  I am currently employed as the Assistant Director for the Montgomery County Democratic Committee.

Why are you running for office: There is a lot of work that needs to be done in Norristown.  There are vacant homes that need to be brought back to use, quality of life issues that need to be addressed, and we have much to do to make sure the residents are aware of things going on in the community.  In addition, we need to attract investment and work to remove roadblocks for setting up new businesses.

What do you think are the biggest issues you would face in office: The biggest hurdle is improving Norristown’s reputation so that people want to come here and invest. 

If elected, what would you aim to accomplish: My main focus is to carry on the work that has been done developing the Arts district; bringing in new restaurants and cultural activities so that we continue to improve our tax base. I would also like to work on the vacant house issue and work to bring jobs to town.

What else would you like residents to know about you?  I was attracted to Norristown through its historic architecture and attractive home values.  My husband and I have made Norristown our home.  We have lived here for nearly 30 years, raised our son here, and become active in the community.   

I bring an experienced voice to Council and I am dedicated to making Norristown the best it can be.