Two incumbents won't be on ballot Nov. 4
Elections (Credit: MediaNews Group)Two new members are guaranteed to join Towamencin’s board of supervisors starting in 2026, and voters will choose them on Nov. 4.
Democrats Vanessa Gaynor and Courtney Morgan are squaring off against Republicans Christina Eppolito and Angela Illingworth, for six-year terms in the seats now held by current supervisors Chuck Wilson, who fell short in this May’s primary, and Amer Barghouth, appointed in May to fill the seat that had been held by Laura Smith until her resignation in February.
All candidates were asked the same questions, and below are their answers:
Gaynor
Vanessa Gaynor (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
A Montco native, I’ve lived in Towamencin with my husband and our two school-aged children since 2017. In that time, I’ve taken an active role serving our community.
As an organizer with Towamencin Neighbors Opposing Privatization Efforts, I helped lead the successful effort to stop the sale of our sewer system. I currently serve on the township Environmental Advisory Council, where I led the initiative to have Towamencin certified as a Bird Town.
I’ve also successfully advocated for live streaming and recording our budget sessions and for safety fencing at the new Grist Mill Park playground. Beyond township service, I’ve also volunteered as cookie manager for both of my daughters’ Girl Scout troops.
I hold a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Information Systems and Statistical Analysis from Penn State and work as an ethics and compliance professional within the Office of General Counsel at a life sciences company. In my role, I identify potential noncompliance with company, federal, and international regulations and use data to inform mitigation measures and controls.
I believe this blend of community advocacy, professional experience, and aptitude for data-driven problem solving make me uniquely qualified to serve our township as supervisor.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
Many residents’ concerns stem from the lack of long-term, strategic planning for our township. Most notably, there has been growing frustration surrounding new development without adequate preparation–both in terms of our infrastructure in areas known to be slated for eventual development and with the failure to proactively protect open space.
Residents also raise issues around lack of connectivity and safe thoroughfares within our township, outdated strategic and comprehensive plans, and the failed attempt by some supervisors to sell our sewer system to backfill township finances.
To move Towamencin forward, we need future-focused, collaborative decision-making. That means actively listening to resident voices, engaging with professional staff and experts from multiple disciplines, and using data-driven solutions to guide policy. By approaching decisions holistically, we can strengthen our infrastructure, preserve open spaces, and create a stronger and more vibrant Towamencin for current and future generations.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
Courtney Morgan and I share a website at www.gaynorandmorgan.com. I can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @gaynorfortowamencin.
Morgan
Courtney Morgan (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
I learned early in life the power of collective action, strong leadership, and standing up for the greater good. As the daughter of a union organizer, I was raised with strong union values – joining my parents at community picnics and get-out-the-vote events long before I could cast a ballot.
That passion guided me to earn a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University, where I immersed myself in leadership and service: joining Alpha Gamma Delta, interning at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and coaching middle school lacrosse.
I began my career as a legal assistant, gaining hands-on experience in business, family, and intellectual property law. For nearly a decade, I have worked at a global healthcare company, where I now serve as the Senior Manager of Operations – helping oversee a $13 million operating budget and leading teams focused on efficiency, data analytics, and reporting. I have also chaired my company’s Philanthropy and Culture Curation Committees, promoting community involvement and an inclusive, purpose-driven workplace.
My experience leading complex operations, managing budgets, and fostering community-focused initiatives has prepared me to make strategic, well-informed decisions that strengthen trust in township leadership and ensure residents feel heard.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
A common theme I hear from Towamencin residents is a lack of trust in local leadership to make transparent, well-informed decisions that reflect the priorities of the community. Too often, residents feel decisions are made without meaningful public input or long-term planning.
This disconnect was most visible in the attempted sale of our sewer system – an effort pursued against the will of the residents. More recently, debates about the future of development in Towamencin have further exposed the lack of trust in local leadership, as well as frustration with the township’s failure to proactively protect open space, properly prepare infrastructure, and improve connectivity throughout the community.
Rebuilding trust starts with open communication, collaborative planning, and a commitment to the public’s best interests. We must listen to residents’ voices and consult with experts in order to create a strategic, data-driven plan for Towamencin’s future that truly reflects and upholds the priorities of our community. I am committed to being a leader who ensures Towamencin residents feel genuinely heard and represented in every decision and gives them confidence in the reasoning and data behind those decisions.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
Website: gaynorandmorgan.comFacebook: facebook.com/votecourtneymorganInstagram: instagram.com/votecourtneymorganTikTok: tiktok.com/@votecourtneymorgan
Eppolito
Christina Eppolito (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
I’ve been a proud resident of Towamencin Township for the past 13 years, and this community means so much to me and my family. As a mother of four, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand what makes our township such a wonderful place to live.
Professionally, I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, and my background has given me a deep understanding of people, problem-solving, and how to listen thoughtfully before making decisions. Those are skills I believe are essential for effective leadership and for representing the diverse voices within our township.
My goal in running for Township Supervisor is simple: to be a voice for the residents of Towamencin. I want to ensure that our local government remains transparent, responsive, and focused on the needs and concerns of our residents, regardless of political affiliation.
I believe that by working together, we can continue to strengthen our community and make Towamencin Township an even better place to call home.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
The biggest concerns I have been hearing from Towamencin residents while door knocking and at our weekly meet and greets have to do with development, traffic, open space, and transparency in local decision-making.
Many people are worried about overdevelopment and how new projects may affect traffic congestion, stormwater runoff, school capacity, and the overall character of our community.
I share those concerns and believe that growth must be managed responsibly, with careful attention to infrastructure, the environment, and long-term sustainability.
Residents also tell me they want safer roads, less truck and cut-through traffic, and revitalized commercial areas that serve the needs of our families without adding unnecessary congestion. I support working closely with PennDOT, developers, and residents to create practical, community-informed traffic and land use solutions.
Above all, people want their local government to be open and responsive. I believe in transparency, early communication about major decisions, and genuine opportunities for public input. By listening carefully and engaging with residents, I will work to ensure that Towamencin remains a safe, vibrant, and well-balanced community for current and future generations.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
Facebook: Eppolito For Supervisor
Illingworth
Angela Illingworth (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
I bring decades of community engagement, event leadership, and public communication experience. My husband and I hosted “The House Mechanic” on WFIL radio for 10 years, connecting with thousands of listeners weekly.
We led mission trips to Haiti and Uganda, mobilizing support through our audience. We produced large-scale faith-based events—Walk Thru Bethlehem (twice) and Journey Through Jerusalem—each involving 400 volunteers and reaching over 5,000 attendees.
We’ve taught at couples conventions on the Song of Solomon, emphasizing relational integrity and biblical wisdom. My experience blends logistics, outreach, and service—skills essential for this role.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
Residents want transparency, fiscal discipline, and leaders who document what they do. I respond with enforceable clarity: every decision backed by public records, every dollar traceable. I believe in reputation-proof procedures—no shortcuts, no ambiguity.
Whether it’s budget oversight, event planning, or civic engagement, I bring a track record of mobilizing volunteers, managing logistics, and producing results that stand up to scrutiny. I listen, I document, and I deliver.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
Facebook: Angela Illingworth for Township Supervisor
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