Elgin Akarsoy

I am running for a second term on Upper Providence Council District 4, where I’ve lived for 17 years. I moved to Upper Providence with my family in 2005 and ran for office in 2019 because it was important for me to invest time and energy into my community. My goals for Council continue to be guided by these overarching principles: service, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

Working in my family’s business gave me a strong work ethic. It was in that environment that I learned customer service is key. I carried this forward working full-time as a student at the University of Pittsburgh, to the service jobs post-college, and presently as a technology client executive.

My goal is to serve all constituents, whether it be responding to concerns or interacting with people in the community with respect and compassion. Morale among township staff, public works, and police is high, and I am proud to say that we keep communication open with every staff member.

Transparency is critical for engagement and resource use. I believe that residents get the most for their tax dollars if the township government is run openly and with representation from all who live there. Through hard, yet rewarding work, Council members have achieved that. Accessibility to government increases transparency and technology was installed so meetings could be broadcast and recorded with transcription. Residents are encouraged to join our discussions in person, remotely, or on video playback. We increased communication channels with residents through monthly electronic newsletters and social media. As a result, participation on boards and committees has increased.

Investing wisely in resources and spaces because fiscal reasonability is critical for targeted growth. During my first term, we hired a professional township manager and a finance manager to help navigate daily township operations and to seek opportunities for growth.

UP Council has been awarded grants for the following projects:

·         $50,000 for AV technology upgrades

·         $240,000 in police grants for upgrades

·         $424,500 for accessibility and infrastructure upgrades to Ray Roche Park

·         $100,000 for Route 252 pedestrian safety

UPT Council is in the process of rebuilding long-term capital funds accounts while remaining fiscally stable. All residents are provided with excellent services at nominal charges.

As Council Chair for the past two years, I worked hard to create a pleasant environment, guiding colleagues and community through many important township activities with respect, allowing residents to speak freely while their elected officials listened intently. The best part of being on Council is to see my community grow and thrive. The first annual 2022 Community Day was a successful event that drew over 4,000 people to Upper Providence, highlighting our amazing community, donors, vendors, and volunteers. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we will continue this tradition on September 23, 2023.

My endorsements:

·         Delaware County Democratic Committee

·         Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #27

·         Mid-County Democratic Committee

·         State Representative Jennifer O’Mara

·         State Senator Tim Kearney

I am is excited to continue this journey and hope voters will support me as I work to move Upper Providence forward with a new vision.