By Richard L. Gaw
Staff Writer

Democrat Michael J. Bailey, who defeated Republican Boyd Presnell this past November in the race to fill the third seat on the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors, was officially sworn in to his six-year post during the township’s annual organizational meeting on Jan. 5.

Bailey, accompanied by his wife, Diane, took his oath of office before Chester County Magisterial Judge Albert M. Iacocca. He will replace former supervisor Richard Leff, who left the board in late December after a 12-year term.

Bailey thanked the residents of the township for their support.

“I am truly honored to represent and serve the residents of the township,” he said during his remarks. “I am excited and ready to get to work for the people. I look forward to working with my fellow supervisors as well as the township manager Alison [Dobbins] and her team. A special thank you to Dr. Richard Leff for his support and for all his help and support and for all of the contributions he has made throughout the years.”

Bailey, who spent a 44-year career in financial services in the banking and finance sector, entered into his campaign in 2025 with a commitment “to maintaining Kennett Township as exceptional place to live and creating neighborhoods that we can all be proud of.” He brings a generous list of professional skills to his new role that include sales, credit, operations, technology, problem-solving, planning collaboration and leadership, and among the key goals for his tenure on the board will be to use technology to ease the township’s tax burden; improve the township’s wireless communications as an integral component of public safety communication during emergencies; boost economic development by attracting new businesses and supporting existing ones; and work with township stakeholders and staff in continuing to provide transparency and accountability. 

“My diverse life experiences and achievements have helped develop the competencies and leadership qualities necessary to serve effectively as a supervisor,” Bailey said during an interview with the Chester County Press during his campaign. “[I am seeking to become a supervisor] to make sure that government works effectively and efficiently, and that we spend our tax dollars wisely. There are certain priorities like open space that are a priority of mine, but when you look at the budget, most if it is around police, fire service and public works, and those three are the priorities that must be managed effectively.” 

Muller appointed as board chair

In other township realignment, board member Patricia Muller was appointed as the first woman to serve as board chairperson in Kennett Township history.

“It is with pleasure that I nominate Mary Patricia Muller for chairwoman of the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors,” said supervisor Geffrey Gamble, who nominated Muller for the post. “Pat richly deserves this office. During her tenure on this board and on various township committees now and in the past, she has worked indefatigably for the well-being and advancement of our community and its residents. She combines high energy and exceptional devotion to the township, with responsible fiscal conservatism and a social conscientiousness aimed at benefiting all of our residents.

“Although I believe identity politics are un-American, milestones in history deserve to be recognized. Pat will be the first female to chair the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors in our 322-year history.”

In other township news, Gamble will fill the role of vice-chair of the board; Dobbins will again serve as the township’s secretary; Amy Heinrich will continue her role as the township’s treasurer; and Leff was appointed as vacancy board chairman. 

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].