Osborne: Sea Change in South Whitehall

You thought it was coming. You certainly hoped it was coming. But you weren’t sure. You could smell the fresh air and feel the gentle breeze. You could sense a slight tremor beneath your feet. But you still weren’t sure. You were told that two candidates for township commissioner and their supporters were a “small, vocal minority.” They were counted at “a couple dozen.” But when dawn came on Tuesday, and with it sunshine in a way you haven’t seen in quite a while, you knew something was different. Could it be??!

What is this?! The “couple dozen” became another “couple dozen.” And then another “couple dozen.” And then dozens of dozens. By the time the polls closed and every vote was counted, the wind was gusting, the tremor became an earthquake, and the tide came rolling in! Wow!

You see, Tori Morgan’s count of “a couple dozen” was actually a miscount. It discounted the legitimacy and professionalism of two of her board members. It didn’t account for the swelling concerns of the residents of South Whitehall. And it didn’t acknowledge the fact that the interest of the residents is paramount.

The real count:

1. David Kennedy: 1,467 votes, 43.1%

2. Monica Hodges: 1,329 votes, 39.1%

3. Tori Morgan: 606 votes, 17.8%

Newcomers David Kennedy and Monica Hodges doubled up on Tori Morgan, and many dozens more. Their literature on Election Day emphasized they will prioritize the concerns of the residents they heard going door-to-door for several months:

• Sensible Growth

• Transparency

• Fiscal Accountability

• Protective Services

Often these are generic buzzwords provided by paid consultants. But in South Whitehall today, these are very meaningful and real topics. And I learned that neither David Kennedy nor Monica Hodges has paid consultants. So you know this is their true mission and commitment.

I reached out for comment on the election from the two candidates, and this is what they submitted as a joint statement:

“We are humbled and grateful for the support of the citizens of South Whitehall. Thank you for placing your trust in us. We are looking forward to the general election and ultimately working hard to serve the citizens of South Whitehall with integrity, transparency, and honesty.”

Humble, gracious winners.

The tide did indeed come rolling in, and with it the possibility of a Sea Change in South Whitehall. Look for David Kennedy and Monica Hodges, as well as Tom Johns and Joe Setton on the November ballot.