2025 Primary Election Candidates

Magisterial District Judge (DC 15-2-03)
Tony diFrancesca
Tony diFrancesca is seeking election as Magisterial District Judge for District 15-2-03, serving West Goshen, Thornbury, and Westtown (Voting Districts 1, 3, 4, and 5). An attorney admitted to the bar in three states, Tony’s career has included work as a judicial law clerk, adjunct professor of law, practicing attorney, and business owner. He currently works in the Legal department at The Walt Disney Company, protecting consumers on the Advertising Standards team. A dedicated family man living in West Chester with his wife and two children, Tony believes in upholding the law with fairness and humanity to keep our communities safe.

School Director - WCASD Region 1
Jewell Parkinson
Jewell Parkinson is running for School Director in WCASD Region 1 to help advance the district’s mission of educating and inspiring students to achieve their personal best. She is committed to championing successful schools, skilled students, engaged educators, and connected communities, while serving with integrity, trust, and fiscal accountability. Jewell embraces inclusion, innovation, and transparency in her leadership approach. A resident of West Chester for 29 years, Jewell lives in West Goshen with her spouse and is a proud parent of two WCASD graduates. She brings a passion for learning, collaboration, and delivering results to her candidacy.

School Director - WCASD Region 3
Laura Detre
Laura Detre is running for re-election as School Director, bringing her deep commitment to the West Chester Area School District community. She has served on the WCASD board since December 2021, chairing the Policy Committee and serving on the Teaching, Learning, and Equity Committee. Laura is also the Membership Director for PFLAG West Chester/Chester County and a historian teaching at West Chester University. She volunteers with Art Goes to School and Free Mom Hugs and is a proud parent of two teenagers, Felix and Walter, with her husband Joseph.

School Director - WCASD Region 3
Beth Campbell
Beth Campbell is excited to be running for School Director in WCASD Region 3. A resident of East Bradford for nearly a decade, Beth is a mother of two and a dedicated pediatric physical therapist. She earned her Doctorate from Drexel University and has worked across a variety of pediatric settings. In 2022, Beth briefly pursued a small business dream by opening Rose’s Little Donuts in West Chester but has since returned to pediatric therapy at Nemours Children's Hospital. Her experiences working with children, families, and running a business have prepared her to serve effectively on the school board.

Township Supervisor
Ashley Gagné
Ashley Gagné is seeking a second term as Township Supervisor to continue delivering responsible leadership that keeps taxes low while addressing important needs like stormwater infrastructure. During her tenure as Chair and Vice Chair, West Goshen Township maintained an AAA bond rating and a strong financial position. A champion for sustainability, Ashley helped guide award-winning environmental initiatives and serves as liaison to several township committees. She also serves on the Executive Board of the Chester County Association of Township Officials (CCATO). Ashley is a married mother of three and is currently attending law school.

Township Auditor
Carter Membrino
Carter Membrino is running for a second term as Township Auditor, bringing a longtime connection to West Goshen and a commitment to efficient, transparent governance. A WCASD and Drexel University graduate with a degree in Architectural Engineering, Carter spent much of his career consulting for electric utilities across the U.S. and now works with a local startup bringing energy monitoring to large commercial and industrial customers. A licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Carter lives in the township with his wife Kristen and their two children, who attend WCASD schools.

Tax Collector
David Kahl
David Kahl is running for Tax Collector after living in West Goshen Township for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Information Sciences from Penn State University. David recently retired from a 37-year career as a life insurance executive and has been married to his college sweetheart, a teacher at the Elwyn School, for 33 years. Together they raised three children, all graduates of WCASD. David is an active volunteer, raising service dogs with Susquehanna Service Dogs, supporting veterans through Team Foster, and participating in mission trips with Mosaic of South Africa to build homes and support at risk children. A proud Philly sports fan, David is committed to serving his community.