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.
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.
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.
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.
