FRONTLINE: Dossier

Former Radnor Township Commissioner Dave Cannan

Dave Cannan, 54, Devon
Former Radnor Township Commissioner

Book on his night stand: The Political Brain: The Role of Emotion in Deciding the Fate of the Nation by Drew Weston. It’s a neurologist’s view of how the political brain works and how to appeal to it. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to get elected to political office.

iPod tunes on repeat: I’m a newlywed, so I have a soft spot for the song used for our first dance—“Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” by Van Morrison.

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Restaurant of the hour: Joe’s Place in Wayne. You get good food with great political conversation.

Personal hero: My dad. He always maintained a sense of humor, even after raising 13 kids. He was a tireless advocate for the “little guy” and instilled in me the importance of being tough and smart.

One thing he knows for sure: All you need is love.

Very own vici: Beating a 16-year incumbent to win my first race for elected office.

Zen destination: Attending the Inaugural Ball in 2008 when the Democrats take back the White House.

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If he had an extra hour each day, he would: Play with my kids.

Pet peeve: The “it can’t be done” mindset that permeates government bureaucracy.

Life view: chance or fate? Fate—it’s God’s guiding hand.

Quality he admires most in others: Loyalty. You learn early on in politics how fleeting that can be.

Most marked characteristic: Honesty.

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Mantra: Persistence trumps inertia every time. One has to believe that in order to be successful and productive as an elected official—and at life in general.

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!