Art Haywood

I am running for the office of Commissioner for the Second Ward of Cheltenham Township and I am seeking your support to be elected in the General Election on November 3rd.  The second ward includes Laverock, Cedarbrook, Glenside, Wyncote, the Towers, Cheltenham Mall, Cheltenham Plaza, and Arcadia University.   The Township Commissioners are the elected representatives of the citizens and are responsible for taxation, police, parks and recreation, business district improvements, zoning and land use, other local government matters and local leadership. We need new leadership that listens to residents, institutions and business in these changing times.

Since 1997, I have been an active member of Cheltenham Township, contributing to the community in various ways.  I served as a member of the Local Tax Commission for the School Board of Cheltenham Township, a Co-Cubmaster in Cub Scouts, and as basketball coach for the Cheltenham Jayvees and Glenside Athletic League.  In 2003 I received the Equal Opportunity Award from the Montgomery County Advisory Committee of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.  In addition, I am a board member of the Cheltenham Achievement Network (CAN) and a leader of the Cheltenham African American Alliance (CAAA).  I was the canvassing coordinator for Cheltenham and surrounding communities for the Obama for President campaign.

My wife, Julie, and I are the proud parents of three children, including a 2008 graduate of Cheltenham High School and two current CHS students. These experiences have allowed me to see the potential of the township and the need to include new residents in its growth and development.

My law practice concentrates on nonprofit real estate and community development.  This work includes zoning, affordable housing, commercial real estate and housing discrimination for over 20 years.  This experience with land use, public financing and working with people will directly benefit Cheltenham as we manage change.

I am a graduate of Morehouse College, Phi Beta Kappa; the London School of Economics and Political Science as a Marshall Scholar and the University of Michigan Law School as an Earl Warren Scholar.  I believe it is essential for the township commissioners to work in collaboration with school directors to ensure that the Cheltenham schools attain the highest standards of academic excellence.

As commissioner I will offer new leadership and listen carefully to the concerns and ideas of all residents, old and new, as well as representatives of its institutions and businesses. Together, we can work to ensure that Cheltenham is a vibrant and attractive community for families and businesses.  I would appreciate any support you can offer to make my election possible and I look forward to working with you.