In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor about her path from academia and school board service to county leadership. They talk about her decision to run for school board first, what led her to public service, and how Delaware County flipped its government after decades of one-party GOP rule. They also discuss the county's work to create a health department, deprivatize its prison, expand workforce development, and make social services easier for residents to access. Dr. Taylor shares how her academic work informs her approach to public service, why "health in all policies" matters at the county level, and how lessons from basketball have influenced her leadership style. Tune in to hear how Dr. Taylor's work in Delaware County shows what local government can do when public service is grounded in access and accountability.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• [02:12] Hear how Dr. Taylor moved from higher education into county government.
• [05:55] Learn about Delaware County and how the Democrats flipped it.
• [07:23] Understand what changed on the ground to build a stronger local majority.
• [08:46] Explore which issues helped connect Democrats with Delaware County voters.
• [10:45] Examine how public office has shaped Dr. Taylor's academic work.
• [12:30] Unpack what "health in all policies" means at the county level.
• [14:47] Discover Delaware County's biggest wins and Dr. Taylor's next priorities.
• [16:41] Find out what it takes to deprivatize a county prison.
• [18:47] Insights into how basketball shaped Dr. Taylor's leadership style.
• [21:24] Uncover what Pennsylvania voters are focused on now.
• [23:59] Dr. Taylor shares how she balances service, family, and career.
