By The Keystone Newspaper Pursuing a master’s in public administration
By Astra Zerbe
KU graduate student Alexander Darlington has announced his candidacy for mayor of Lyons, Pa., a town located three miles south of Kutztown. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at KU.
Darlington plans serve the community while honoring the legacy of former mayor Randy Schlegel, who recently passed away.
“I hope to honor his legacy and serve as a community-centered public servant,” Darlington said.
Darlington is also running as an Independent, expressing that the polarization and division in the country has troubled him.
Photo Credit: Alexander Darlington
“Too often, those at the top perpetuate this divide, leaving everyday Americans fighting one another instead of working together to strengthen our communities,” Darlington said. “At the local level, politics should be about citizens’ issues, not party issues”.
When planning his campaign, Darlington polled local residents on their concerns, resulting in traffic safety and online sewer payments. Darlington created a plan to help resolve them.
When asked how his time at KU prepared him for his candidacy, Darlington credited Dr. Holoviak from the Department of Philosophy and Government and Dr. Vogel, director of the Honors Program. He said both professors, along with their departments, have instilled in him a sense of civic and academic vigor that has prepared him for future accomplishments.
He also gave credit to the KU Graduate Program, emphasizing that the program provides the necessary tools and training towards effective and ethical leadership.
To learn more about both the campaign and Darlington, visit www.lyonsontrack.org