In the recent elections, it seems our community of Kennett Square and the country is looking for fresh faces and youthful energy to become our upcoming leaders. Kennett Square clearly made that point unequivocally voting Juan L.Tafolla, the youngest elected official in Kennett history as a Kennett Borough Council member.
Juan is a native of Kennett Square and lives with his parents, two brothers and a sister, who currently attend Kennett schools. Juan made his mark as a Kennett high school student initiating the idea of becoming a Junior Borough Council member. Under the tutorage of previous Mayor Leon Spencer, he took on the challenge.
Even though Juan was not a voting member at that time, he participated in all the Council meetings for about two years. He expressed his creative ideas at that time and strongly supported affordable housing and ideas to promote inclusivity of all residents in decisions that were made.
In Juan’s campaign messages, he said he would bring special attention to the First Responders, who put their lives at risk for the community. He will rejoin the Kennett Fire and EMS Commission. He would assure that the NVP property is safe for building and be an advocate for affordable housing. He will support local businesses and help connect the local community to their local government. He said, “I believe in having community conversations and collaborations.”
In an endorsement message, Senator John Kane said, “Strong communities are built when new leaders step forward with energy, vision and a genuine commitment to their neighbors. That’s why I am proud to endorse Juan L. Tafolla for Kennett Square Borough Council. He will be an advocate for fairness, opportunity and progress.”
Juan is a current political science major at West Chester University of PA. He also is a part-time digital navigator in a new outreach program in the Kennett area under the management of RSVP Volunteers. His energy and commitment to thinking creatively, seeking solutions to issues and speaking up are qualities that continue to show up in all his endeavors.
Another “first” for the town of Kennett Square borough was having two Hispanics elected at the same time. Juan Tafolla and Hilda Matos were on the same slate and came in first and fourth respectively. Together, they spent many hours canvasing the town and presenting their policy positions and hearing about concerns. With the town’s population being over 40 percent Hispanic, Juan and Hilda will help be a voice as part of the community mix of viewpoints.
Juan’s message on Facebook the morning after the election: “Thank you to the amazing people and voters that I met on the campaign trail around the borough; this would not have been possible without your support!” On my phone call to congratulate Juan, he said, “I look forward to getting things done in 2026; this is just the beginning.”
The Story of Kennett – Shaping the future one child at a time” Joan Holliday and Bob George’s book on Kennett may be purchased on Amazon and at the Mushroom Cap. You may contact Joan at: dochollisv@aol.com
Source: Berkshire mont
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