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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.

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