Appointed in March, 2010, Pocopson resident opts to run for her own term
By Mike McGann, Editor, UnionvilleTimes.com
Eillen Bushelow
POCOPSON — Despite reports to the contrary, Eilleen Bushelow has decided to seek election to continue on the Unionville-Chadds Ford Board of Education.
Bushelow, a township resident, was appointed nearly a year ago to replace Curt Baker, said a couple of issues made her pause and think through the decision to run.
“I’m not a very political person,” she said. “And I’m honestly not looking forward to the whole political campaign.”
That issue and the fact that her son is graduating from Unionville High School this June made the long-time Parent Teacher Organization official and district volunteer wonder whether it was time to move on. But prompting from a number of people in the community and her passion for education led her to decide she wants to continue serving on the board.
Since joining the board last March, Bushelow has immersed herself in learning as much about the district and its operation as possible, and attends every committee meeting — something not every board member is able to do.
“I feel that’s how I stay informed about the district,” she said.
It’s unclear whether she will be facing competition — school board candidates crossfile — file as candidates for both party nominations for the single Region B seat up for election this year. Each party can nominate a candidate during the May primary, which then face off in November. If a candidate wins both party’s nomination — often the case in school board elections — then the November election is little more than a formality. The deadline for nominating petitions is March 8 — and Chester County Voter Services isn’t expected to make public the candidates for local office until March 9.
The other two regions are even less clear. While all three Region C Directors Frank Murphy, Timotha Trigg and Paul Price are running for reelection, and Sharon Jones of Pennsbury is running. Trigg, Murphy and Jones won the endorsement of the local GOP. there may be at least one other candidate running — although formal information is sketchy at this time. In Region A, with Corrine Sweeney retiring, there will be a new board member, but again, there’s been no confirmation of who is gathering signatures, let alone filing to run.
As more information comes in — The Unionville Times will publish it. Candidates wishing to announce their candidacy for either either township supervisor or board of education should contact us directly at mike@unionvilletimes.com
