Candidate for
Commissioner; Township of Abington; Ward 2

Dear Neighbor,

Hello. I am Joan Goldstein, candidate for Abington Township Commissioner in our ward. I appreciate this opportunity tell you about my background and why I am interested in the commissioner position.

I grew up in Philadelphia and received a BA in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1980 my husband, Bill, and I moved to Wyndmoor Lane in Abington Township's second ward. Our three children received an excellent education in the Abington public school system.

I retired last year after twenty-three years at IMS HEALTH. IMS is a leading provider of market data and analysis to the pharmaceutical industry. As Vice President of Information Management, I spearheaded an initiative to provide customized technology offerings to pharmaceutical clients. I was responsible for financial planning, profit and loss management, product sales and delivery, and customer satisfaction. I directly managed a $15 million annual budget and more than 100 employees and contractors.

Since my retirement, I have focused my energy and business skills on "giving back" to the community. I have been elected to the Board of Overseers of Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, and I have accepted an appointment to the board of Pennypack Farm and Education Center. I am also active in fund-raising for Philadelphia cultural institutions.

We are all aware of how the recession has adversely impacted the budgets of local governments throughout the United States. The challenge for our commissioners is to maintain township services without increasing taxes in the face of declining revenues. We need both fiscal experience and innovative solutions. As an executive in the private sector, I was constantly required to cut costs while producing the same or greater revenue. Abington's current challenges are similar to the business challenges I successfully faced year after year in the private sector.

I am eager to apply the business skills I have acquired for the benefit of our ward and our township. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your Abington Township Commissioner for Ward 2. I believe I can make a difference.

I am the Democratic candidate for Ward 2 Commissioner. However, the fiscal difficulties facing us are neither partisan nor political. I intend to face these difficulties with non-partisan and non-political programs that will benefit all of our citizens. I look forward to meeting you during the campaign, hearing your particular concerns, and earning your vote. Please come out to vote on November 3, 2009.

Sincerely,

Joan Lee Goldstein