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Democrat Josh Maxwell is on the Planning Commission and attends Widener University Law School.

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Candidates, both 26, vie to be mayor in Chesco

By Art Carey

Inquirer Staff Writer

Josh Maxwell wants to be mayor of Downingtown. He has the relevant experience and a record of civic interest and involvement, he says. He is full of energy and ambition. He is 26.

Nick Winkler wants to be mayor of Downingtown. He has the relevant experience and a record of civic interest and involvement, he says. He is full of energy and ambition. He is 26.

At a time when many boroughs and townships are struggling to find volunteers for municipal posts, Downingtown has a mayor's race between two youthful candidates who are not only eager to shape the town's future but who also embody it.

No matter who wins on Nov. 3, the 2.2-square-mile Chester County borough of 8,500 will have the youngest mayor in its history.

"They're both very intelligent guys who are very interested in our town," said Borough Council President Tony Madiro, 51, who was the previous youngest mayor when he assumed the job in 1990 at age 32.

"A lot of young people have moved into town recently, and there's a new energy here. These guys are reflective of that. Whoever gets elected, I'm sure either one will do a good job."

Mayor Heather Bruno, 48, is retiring after one term and three previous terms on council.

"They're both fine young men, and I'm excited to see them step up," she said.

The power in Downingtown rests not with the mayor but with the six-member Borough Council, which really runs the town, setting policy and passing ordinances. The mayor oversees the Police Department and can cast a tie-breaking vote. But mainly the mayor is the face of the borough, its cheerleader and ambassador.

It's a role both Maxwell and Winkler believe they're suited for.

"Downingtown is at a defining moment," Winkler said. "Being mayor is about being a leader. I intend to be the borough's biggest promoter and advocate."

"Downingtown is a great town, but now we have the opportunity to become even better," Maxwell said. "I will market the town as a destination, a wonderful place to live, work, and play."

Both have been campaigning zealously for a part-time job that pays about $2,700 a year. Nevertheless, both pledge to devote themselves to it with passion.

Winkler, a Republican, and Maxwell, a Democrat, have Downingtown in their blood. Both went to Downingtown High School, where Winkler was elected class president three times, resurrected the Young Republicans Club, and was named "most likely to succeed." Maxwell was a deacon at Central Presbyterian Church and immersed himself in volunteer and charitable activities, mowing grass and shoveling snow for senior citizens, visiting shut-ins, and delivering flowers and food.

At James Madison University, Winkler majored in political science and minored in Russian studies. During the summer of his senior year, he was an intern in the office of Rick Santorum, then a Republican senator from Pennsylvania. In high school and college, he worked at the Coffee Cup restaurant, a popular Downingtown gathering place. It was there, he says, while overhearing conversations, that he developed an appreciation for local issues.

Maxwell attended West Chester University, where he studied public policy and wrote his senior paper on municipal government and how to improve a town like Downingtown. He continued his charitable work, helping repair homes and build ramps for the handicapped and raise money for orphanages. He also began working as general manager of the Microtel Inn & Suites in West Chester, a job he still holds, and he joined the borough Planning Commission, where he wrote a resolution encouraging energy-efficient construction, later adopted by the council.

Winkler returned to the borough after college and runs an Internet marketing company with his wife, Melinda. Maxwell, who is single, is pursuing a law degree at Widener University.

Both candidates say they favor "smart growth." Downingtown, a faded mill town that was once a prosperous papermaking center, is poised to transform itself. Several projects, including the pedestrian-friendly mixed-use River Station and the controversial development of a substantial portion of Kardon Park, are proceeding through the approval process or the courts.

"These projects will impact the town forever," Winkler said. "We want to attract new business while preserving the small-town charm and heritage that make Downingtown special." To that end, Winkler is calling for the creation of a citizens advisory board to guide and manage development.

"We must do the right kind of revitalization," echoed Maxwell. "We want to avoid sprawl and leverage the revitalization of the business district to renew surrounding neighborhoods."

On one thing both candidates fervently agree: Age is not an issue.

That sentiment was repeated the other day on Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown's main street.

"More power to them," said Jeff Stevens, 47, a volunteer firefighter. "It's good to get more new people involved in things around here."

"If they have the knowledge and ambition, go for it," said Kaitlin Ricci, 22, a stylist at 30 East Salon.

Borough manager Steve Sullins is delighted.

"I think it's great that younger folks are getting involved," Sullins said. "I have spoken to both candidates, and both are very energetic and both have the best interests of Downingtown at heart. It's unfortunate that one has to lose."

Contact staff writer Art Carey at 610-313-8106 or acarey@phillynews.com.

Comments

Posted 08:11 AM, 10/24/2009

fafafooey

I'm sure the Inquirer endorses the Democrat.

Posted 08:12 AM, 10/24/2009

InTheNews108

Wow, 26 is very young to start getting involved in politics. Both of these young men are commendable for pursuing the position of Mayor in their town. Hopefully, they set the standard for other young men and women their age to get involved as well. I wish the best to both of them!

Posted 08:15 AM, 10/24/2009

Ilovehungarianwomen

I am so happy that two young guys are running for Downingtown. We need youth, energy and passion.

Posted 10:57 AM, 10/24/2009

Kanye

Nick Winkler is an ideal candidate for public office. He decieved my parents into giving him my cell number so he could harass me about joining his pyramid scheme. He's cheesy, sneaky and is perfect for politics. If Downingtown is lucky enough to elect him, he may swindle public funds into his pyramid scheme.

Posted 11:08 AM, 10/24/2009

jay johnstone

You got to be kidding me. These two dopes haven't been around long enough to know anything. if they want to serve, let them join the Marines in Afghanistan!

Posted 11:37 AM, 10/24/2009

pal

It is great to see a younger generation getting involved. Hopefully Winkler with "he was an intern in the office of Rick Santorum" (and wingnut Joe Pitts) on his resume - that that is enough info for voters in Downingtown to Vote for Maxwell. 70% of PA residents told Rick Santorum to get lost - please don't let a Santorum Jr get elected anywhere. Enough with that kind of Republican divisive politics.

Posted 02:05 PM, 10/24/2009

KensingKING

Heck naw, no 26 year old is going to be running the city. No way!

Posted 02:19 PM, 10/24/2009

prophecy2008

What is wrong with all of you and your ageist posts? You have the right to vote at 18 in this country and such a privelage comes with the (should be) responsibility of making informed and intelligent decisions. Even though too many "adults" in this country sit on there a** and vote for who their media network of choice tells them to vote for. So with said responsiblity, (and civic duty) placed upon you, why should you not have the opportunity to run for the office in which you are potentially capable of succeeding in? Furthermore, they are running for mayor of a small town not president of the United States. Should they be doing so, or even fr a house/senate position, I would agree with you, but they aren't. Everybody has to start somewhere, why not Mayor of the town they grew up in and are familiar with?

Posted 02:37 PM, 10/24/2009

BeeAllisonBee

Is this the same Josh Maxwell who I see pounding beers and shots all summer long in Sea Isle? I guess he's glad I can't vote in his town.

Posted 02:50 PM, 10/24/2009

Yatzee!

Nick Winkler is not fit to be Mayor. He runs a pyramid scheme and is an overall bad person. If he wins I am sure he will use this platform for his own personal gain. He is shady like that.

Posted 05:55 PM, 10/24/2009

Monique26

Oh Yatzee, so he's probably one of those rich kids who think they can get away with murder amongst other things. DON'T VOTE!

Posted 02:12 AM, 10/25/2009

Nutburgers

If it was so important for "adults" in Downingtown to not have a 26-year-old mayor, don't you think they would have gotten somebody older to run? Read the story, the job has very little power.

Posted 11:42 AM, 10/25/2009

rbpeeple

Casinos in Downington!!

Posted 09:33 AM, 10/26/2009

InternetToughGuy

If you like pyramid schemes, winkler is your guy!

Posted 02:55 PM, 10/26/2009

SPU1330

BeeAllisonBee ... Allison, arent you the person he was caught time after time on beach in Sea Isle with men, while there pants were around their ankles .... I am sure Josh wouldnt want someone like you voting for him anyway, OR would he?????

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