Narberth Borough Council Candidates: Andrea Deutsch

Andrea Deutsch was two years old when her father, Myron or "Mike" as he was nicknamed, sought an open spot on Lower Merion Township's Board of Commissioners as a Democratic candidate in a then-fiercely Republican political climate.

"I remember he had these campaign sponges that read 'Vote for Mike,' which I sadly don't have anymore," Deutsch, now 44, recalled.

Deutsch does, however, have her father's passion for community, demonstrated in her bid for the Narberth Borough Council seat left vacant after Councilman Surge Ghosh announced his resignation at the reorganization meeting in January.

Deutsch, who grew up in Wynnewood and has lived in Narberth for since 1997, is followed in her father's footsteps before, graduating from Temple University's Beasley School of Law in 1992 and working for her father's law firm, Deutsch, Larrimore, Farnish and Andersson for 10 years before going to another firm.

Feeling that life as an attorney wasn't for her, Deutsch departed the field in 2002 and opened up Spot's: The Place for Paws, a shop specializing in health foods, treats and accessories for dogs and cats, in 2003.

The career change came several years after several deaths in her family – her father, in 1994, then her older brother, Tony, who passed away in 1997, followed by her mother, Judy in 2010.

"I realized life is too short to not enjoy what you're doing, so I sat there and thought, 'What do I love?'" Deutsch said. "I grew up with dogs, so I thought I'd open up a pet shop."

Place for Paws did more than give Deutsch a new-found career, and extra time to spend ime with her German shepherd, Maddie; the shop made Deutsch aware of the business community's needs.

"I want to do what I can to improve the business community, to help it grow and thrive in what has been a difficult economy," Deutsch said of her decision to run.

"This is just one I can help the borough maintain a wonderful sense of community," she added.

Deutsch is the only woman in this four-candidate push for the open council seat.

Council President Mary Jo Daley and Councilwoman Nancy Lotz decided not seek reelection last spring, leaving Councilwoman Heidi Boise the lone female voice on council.

Although she had no doubt the men on council had wonderful ideas, Deutsch, president of Narberth Democratic Club and treasurer of Narberth Havurah, said it would be nice if the council added to its female perspective.

"A slightly different view point is healthy," Deutsch added.

Regardless, Deutsch just wants to see Narberth continue to flourish.

"It's a unique and kind small town," she said. "I would like to do well by it for my friends and my neighbors."