John Linder (Pennsylvania politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Linder
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| Mayor of Chester, Pennsylvania | |
| In office January 3, 2012 – 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Wendell Butler Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Thaddeus Kirkland |
| Member of the Chester City Council from the at-large district |
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| In office January 4, 2010 – January 3, 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Willie Wells |
| Succeeded by | William Jacobs |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1947 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Chester, Pennsylvania |
| Alma mater | Widener University Kutztown University |
| Occupation | Politician, Professor |
| Website | Mayor John Linder |
John A. Linder is an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. John Linder served on the Chester City Council from 2010 to 2012. Later, he became the Mayor of Chester, Pennsylvania from 2012 to 2016.
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John Linder's Education and Career
John Linder studied at two universities. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Widener University. This degree was in Behavioral Sciences. He then received a Master of Education degree from Kutztown University.
After his studies, Linder worked as a teacher. From 1976 to 1980, he was an instructor and counselor at Kutztown University. He then worked at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia. There, he was an assistant director and assistant professor. He also taught political science at Delaware County Community College.
John Linder's Political Journey
John Linder has been involved in politics for many years. He ran for different offices in Pennsylvania.
Running for State Senate in 2008
In 2008, Linder ran for a seat in the Pennsylvania Senate. He challenged the person who already held the seat, Dominic Pileggi. Pileggi was a Republican and a powerful leader in the Senate. Linder did not win this election.
Joining the Chester City Council
On November 3, 2009, John Linder was elected to the Chester City Council. He won an "at-large" seat, which means he represented the whole city. He ran alongside another Democrat, Portia West. They won against two Republicans. This win helped the Democratic Party gain more power in Chester.
Becoming Mayor of Chester
In 2011, Linder ran for Mayor of Chester. He won against the long-time Republican Mayor, Wendell Butler Jr.. This was a big win for the Democratic Party. John Linder became only the second Democrat to be Mayor of Chester since 1905. His election showed a major change in the city's politics.
After becoming Mayor, Linder stopped teaching. This allowed him to focus completely on his duties as Mayor. He also became the Director of Public Affairs for Chester. This role meant he oversaw the city's police department. In 2012, he joined a national program called Strong Cities, Strong Communities. This program helps cities grow and improve.
John Linder served as Mayor until 2016. He did not run for re-election in 2015. Instead, Thaddeus Kirkland won the Democratic primary and became the next Mayor.
See also
- List of mayors of Chester, Pennsylvania
