Candidate Questionnaire: John Nagle

Name: John Nagle

Party affiliation: Democrat

Previous political experience (elective and appointed positions): Ward 5 Commissioner 

Education: BSME, Drexel ; MBA, Widener 

Career: I have been an Engineer for over 40 years in various aspects of the Power field and a supervisor for 32 years. The bulk of my work has been in the field of Nuclear Power in various capacities including security, emergency planning, and system engineering and regulatory affairs. I have been responsible for developing budgets (and performing to that budget) and personnel matters such as hiring, training, discipline and terminations.

What are the most critical issues in your ward and how would you address them?

The biggest complaint I hear from residents is about traffic and speeding. Many of our streets are used as short cuts around the busy intersections on Bryn Mawr Ave, Sproul Road, Darby Paoli Road and Roberts Road. Enforcement of our speed limits is essential but we need to evaluate traffic calming on the cut through streets. We have installed a speed bump on Malin and staff traffic has recommended a speed bump for Roberts between Darby Paoli and Sproul. 

What are the most critical issues township-wide and how would you address them? The biggest problem Township wide is probably storm water management although strategic planning regarding infrastructure is running a close second. The Township has studied the storm water problem ad nauseum for years but has failed to implement any comprehensive changes. We must address these issues but that will mean identifying funding mechanisms. Politically this may be difficult but it is necessary.  I would be in favor of some type of storm water utility such as was recently implemented in Philadelphia rather than a general tax increase.

What skills do you have that you think would be an asset to the board?

My long term involvement in our community provides me with knowledge of our history, how we failed in the past and how we were successful. My engineering skills and MBA provide a balance of problem solving and business sense.

When the sale of Ardrossan moves forward, what type of development would you advocate for? Would you support the township’s purchase of any part of the estate? If so, how would you propose the township pay for it?

I am in favor of the plan that was put forth several years ago which combines sensitive development that includes dedicated open space and Township purchase of some of the land. For me the question is not “If” we should purchase the land but rather how do we assure we get the best deal and then structure the debt so that the impact on the taxpayers is minimized.  Often overlooked in these discussions is the significant amount of funds that will result from the transfer taxes and ultimately any development.

What do you think the township is doing right and what does it need to improve? How would you improve it?

We have made dramatic changes over the last two years and put in place a professional management staff including new manager, finance director, police superintendent and public works director. The staff has proposed, and the BoC has approved, a reorganization which will improve the efficiency of service delivery. Finance practices have been improved including properly allocating expenses and fees to the users and debt utilization in line with the lifetime of our assets. Outstanding debt has been refinanced to reduce costs and we should continue this practice. We need to closely monitor our progress and be willing to make adjustments as necessary to continue the progress. We have a great staff of dedicated employees who care about our community and we need to maintain their dedication and treat them fairly without burdening the taxpayers unfavorably. Another tool we need to utilize is public-private partnerships such as that utilized for the Library, Senior Center, Willows Cottage, and the recently approved Agnes Irwin Memorial Field agreement.

A number of Radnor police officers have left the force over the past few years. Would you support hiring more officers? Why or why not? 

Our police superintendent has been tasked with the performance of an evaluation of the staffing and organization of the department. Based on this evaluation he will make recommendations to the Manager who, in turn, will make recommendation to the BoC. If the arguments are well presented I will vote to add officers. My constituents have placed a high value of security therefore I have the responsibility to assure that the Township provides that service as efficiently as possible.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

In high school and college I was very active in the drama club and performed in several plays. Also, my wife and I are ballroom dancers.