What the 2 Political Candidates for Willistown Supervisor think about Walkable Willistown (in alphabetical order) . Rick Gordon and Matt McCarry
Candidate RICK GORDON
1. Are you familiar with the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, particularly the Circulation Plan within it?
Yes, I’ve reviewed the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, including the Circulation Plan. I believe it represents a solid foundation for thoughtful infrastructure development, and I appreciate that it reflects resident feedback and long-term township goals.
2. Are you aware of the 2020 Community Survey results, and do you have any views on what they indicate about residents’ priorities?
I am familiar with the 2020 Community Survey results. Residents voiced support for preserving open space, expanding trails, improving access to parks, and enhancing walkability. People want to feel safe walking, and they want to maintain Willistown’s character while improving access and connectivity.
3. If elected, how would you support walkability initiatives in the township?
If elected, I would support a phased approach focused on practical, community-informed and community-approved improvements, especially on the streets directly impacted. This includes improving and connecting existing paths and sidewalks where practical, enhancing safety, and seeking out funding partnerships to reduce the financial burden on the township. I believe in starting where we can have early wins while planning longer-term investments through the capital improvement plan.
4. Given that the township is initiating a Circulation Plan, what do you think is a reasonable time frame to implement walkability plans?
Projects of this kind take planning, time, resources, and communication. I would expect a phased approach. Maybe the first phase would be 3-5 years not knowing what is currently being planned or under consideration, securing funding, approvals, bids etc. Some projects—like signage or pathway repairs—could be a focus to implement more quickly, while larger connectivity goals would require lengthier planning, communication, approvals and coordination. 1
5. What resources (financial, planning, or staff) should be dedicated to advancing walkability?
To support walkability, I believe we need to align capital budget allocations with community priorities, proactively pursue grants, and engage professional planning resources as needed. Staff-wise, the township’s Public Works, Township Manager, and Planning departments would need support and clear guidance from the Board.
6. As a supervisor, you will be responsible for appointing members to key township commissions such as the Planning Commission, Open Space Review Board, Zoning Hearing Board, and Parks and Recreation Board. In addition to appointments, you will also provide oversight. How will you ensure that both your appointees and the work of these commissions are aligned with walkability goals and actively support related improvements? Will you support the formation of a walkability committee to focus on these initiatives?
I take the responsibility of appointments and oversight seriously. Appointments will need to be sensitive to and capable of conversing with those who live on the routes who may be opposed to sidewalks or trails on or next to their property for various reasons. I support increased transparency and accountability through regular reporting and updates on the township website, in the township newsletter and at the Supervisors' meetings. I also support the formation of a Committee to bring together residents, planners, and stakeholders, particularly those directly impacted, to keep community input at the forefront and achieve tangible progress.
7. Do you support updating zoning ordinances to advance walkability (setbacks, trail connectivity, road safety, access to parks, schools, etc.)?
I support exploring zoning changes that promote walkability, such as requiring pedestrian connectivity in new developments and improving road safety and access to parks and schools, when and where appropriate. These tools can help align private development with public priorities and ensure our land use policies are supporting the kind of township we want to live in.
8. What would you like to see happen in the first year of your tenure?
In my first year, I would like to establish a framework for accountability and transparency, making sure residents have a clear way to bring forward ideas, support, and objections. Conservation is a core part of Willistown’s identity, and any progress on walkability or infrastructure should reflect that. I see value in exploring pilot opportunities in areas where there is clear community interest and support, ideally with funding and initiative driven by residents or partnerships. At the same time, I am open to additional approaches that help us balance walkability, fiscal responsibility, and respect for property owners.
Candidate MATT McCARRY
1. Are you familiar with the 2023 Comprehensive Plan, particularly the Circulation Plan within it?
Matt stated that he had reviewed and understood the Willistown 2023 Comprehensive Plan, including the Circulation Plan. He emphasized the critical role it plays in guiding township planning, ensuring safe, connected routes, and aligning with community mobility and safety goals. He also stressed that the current Circulation Plan should be structured to support future grant applications.
2. Are you aware of the 2020 Community Survey results, and do you have any views on what they indicate about residents’ priorities?
Matt confirmed he was familiar with the Community Survey results. He shared that, as a resident of the northern part of the township, he has seen firsthand how important walkability is to the community. His neighbors frequently express support for safe, walkable routes, especially near the Paoli downtown area. He believed the survey results validate this community priority and noted that having two Supervisors from the northern part of the township could help elevate walkability on the township agenda.
3. If elected, how would you support walkability initiatives in the township? Matt emphasized that supporting walkability is a core part of his platform, reinforced by ongoing conversations with residents, particularly in the more densely populated areas near Paoli and Malvern Borough.
If elected, he plans to prioritize walkability through appointments, policy guidance, and enhanced planning processes. He specifically highlighted the need to actively pursue state grants and budget funds for required planning and matching commitments. He also expressed interest in understanding which of the ten areas on the Walkable Willistown Village Sidewalk Map represent the highest priorities or could offer quick wins, and whether cost estimates for those areas are available.
4. Given that the township is initiating a Circulation Plan, what do you think is a reasonable time frame to implement walkability plans?
Matt explained that while exact timelines are difficult to predict, he believed progress can be made within the first year by improving planning processes, setting clear priorities, and establishing structured community engagement. He added that pursuing grants could take at least a year to initiate. He felt that a Sidewalk Commission would help accelerate the timeline by coordinating project pacing with grant cycles and budget planning.
5. What resources (financial, planning, or staff) should be dedicated to advancing walkability? Matt pointed to his state government experience, noting that many grants exist to support walkability that Willistown has not yet fully utilized.
He expressed the need to proactively pursue those grants while enhancing planning processes to reflect community needs. He supported appointing individuals who are proactive about walkability. He believes forming a Sidewalk Commission would provide needed consistency, leadership, and focus to advance walkability, while leveraging both community expertise and clear staff direction.
6. As a supervisor, you will be responsible for appointing members to key township commissions such as the Planning Commission, Open Space Review Board, Zoning Hearing Board, and Parks and Recreation Board. In addition to appointments, you will also provide oversight. How will you ensure that both your appointees and the work of these commissions are aligned with walkability goals and actively support related improvements? Will you support the formation of a walkability committee to focus on these initiatives?
Matt expressed support for forming a Sidewalk Commission to provide accountability and follow-through on walkability goals. He suggested the commission could function independently or potentially as a subcommittee to the Planning Commission but emphasized that Supervisors can set expectations for alignment and coordination across all township committees. He noted that walkability intersects with many existing groups and sees the commission serving as both an advocate for walkability and a way to engage the community and dispel misconceptions. He also discussed connecting residents to open space resources and suggested exploring models from other municipalities to expedite commission formation and effectiveness.
7. Do you support updating zoning ordinances to advance walkability (setbacks, trail connectivity, road safety, access to parks, schools, etc.)?
Matt confirmed that updating zoning ordinances is a necessary tool to improve walkability. He supports sensible modifications that enhance connectivity, safety, and access to parks and schools, while preserving the township’s character and open spaces. He acknowledged that implementing such changes would require alignment from a governing majority and noted that while he is not a zoning expert, he believes these updates are reasonable.
8. Matt asked, “What would you like to see happen in the first year of his tenure?”
We shared that we agree that the township should establish a Sidewalk Commission to ensure walkability remains front and center, preferably as an independent body rather than a subcommittee to Planning. We emphasized that public input on the Circulation Plan should happen before the plan is finalized, with an honest discussion about the findings and their implications. Finally, we conveyed the importance of setting clear priorities for walkability projects to align with the 2026 budget, with the Sidewalk Commission providing accountability and momentum to make tangible progress.