Deaf man wins mayoral election in Pennsylvania

A deaf man, Neil McDevitt, won a mayoral election in North Wales Borough, a small town near Philadelphia. The election results are not yet certified, but McDevitt is ahead by six votes and he is confident enough to announce his victory. He ran for mayor in 2017 but lost by a very close margin, and this time around, he’s the victor. Here is an interview.

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Alex (Daily Moth): You just announced that you won your campaign for Mayor of North Wales Borough, which is a small town near Philadelphia with about 3,500 people. Congratulations!

Mayor-Elect Neil McDevitt: Thank you.

Alex: Can you tell us about your campaign? How do you feel confident that you won the election? I know there is still some counting, so can you explain about that?

McDevitt: So, my campaign was really focused on the issue of North Wales Borough. We really tried to make sure that we addressed some of the key problems, challenges, and issues that we're facing. This campaign was also a weird one because of Covid-19 and how the pandemic restrictions really affected the campaign, canvassing, all that. So right now I am ahead by six votes. Montgomery County announced that they've stopped counting votes. I am ahead by six votes. And that gives me the confidence that when the election is certified and official, I will win that office.

Alex: You're now the first deaf person who is elected by a city to be the mayor. We know there was another deaf mayor in Angels Camp, California -- Amanda (Folendorf). She was appointed via the city council, which is still an achievement to be a mayor, but you were elected through a public campaign in the hearing world. And they chose you. So what does it mean to you to be the first deaf elected mayor? What does it mean to you?

McDevitt: I think it really shows that we can do it. We can be involved in the community, we can work hard to make a difference, and that being deaf is not a central part of that. I think some people forget that -- yes, being deaf is important to me personally, but it is not important to other people. So I have to figure out ways to communicate my being deaf, but as for the role of the office, how will I make a difference? How will I improve things? That's the key. That's the challenge that I think many candidates with disabilities, not just deaf, but candidates with disabilities sometimes struggle with. And you have to remember that the people who elect us aren't as immersed into the issues that we might look as important. They don't.

Alex: I understand that. I think it's a very interesting concept, that we are deaf people and we live in this world daily, but as for others, they might say, "Okay, you're deaf." And they've already moved on. They are asking, "What will you do for me as a leader?" We might get stuck on certain discussions so it's interesting. I think it may be a good food for thought for all of us watching this. Now -- when will you take office? Take that seat, you know, take the office? When is that and what are your first priorities, you know, your first 100 days? What is your vision?

McDevitt: I believe the swearing in is on January 3. I think it's the first Monday of January. So that will be the swearing-in day. I will get more details later. My first priority really is -- this is something that I learned in my professional career -- to go into a job and expect to change everything within the first 100 days is not possible and it will often "fail." So my focus will be on watching and seeing how things move and where are the key things that have to be done. I do believe that certain things need to be started and addressed. For example, I have to figure out the issues with the police department here in North Wales Borough. But it doesn't mean that I will come in and change things. I don't have that authority. The board -- Borough Council has that authority. I have to communicate with them to show the importance of paying attention to that.

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Alex: Do you have any final comments or advice or thoughts you want to share -- with some who might be thinking of running for public office, or other general positions? Any advice?

McDevitt: The biggest thing really is to become as involved in your most local level of politics as possible. Go to meetings. Become involved in key issues in your area. Become a volunteer for commissions. For example, for the past four years, I became a committee member of my local water authority. That gave me a new perspective of the community and its issues. I met people who would later become critical to this campaign. I didn't have that four years ago. So that's the key, take the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and get involved and meet people who will help you later.

Alex: Really, again, congratulations to you. I know it hasn't been officially certified, but still congratulations are in order for the campaign victory.

McDevitt: Thank you.

Alex: Good luck. Thank you so much for your time, Mayor-Elect Neil McDevitt!

McDevitt: I'm still getting used to hearing and seeing that!

Alex: Thank you.

McDevitt: Thank you.

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Alex: Thank you for your time, Mayor-Elect McDevitt! Congratulations to him and it’s an inspiration to deaf people all over that we can run and win in local elections.

Interview with Neil McDevitt in 2017: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=652544488280788

Interview with Amanda Folendorf from 2018: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=797506223784613