2025 Primary Election Slate

Borough Council Candidates

Taylor Dunn

Taylor Dunn has called Media home for 13 years, where he lives with his wife, Maggie, and their daughter, Alice. A Delaware County native with deep local roots, Taylor’s father grew up on 4th Street in Media, and his mother was a public school teacher at Garnet Valley. As a lawyer, he serves as Chief of the Pretrial Division at the Delaware County Office of the Public Defender, where he mentors and trains new attorneys. Taylor currently serves on Media’s Zoning Hearing Board and as President of the Delaware County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and advocating for defense attorneys across the county. Taylor is passionate about preserving Media’s charm, ensuring responsible growth, and keeping the borough a welcoming place for all. In his free time, he enjoys hiking with his family, playing board games, and strolling through Media while listening to audiobooks.

Elizabeth Romaine

Elizabeth Romaine has proudly served as Vice-President on Media Borough Council since 2022. Liz has over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications and currently serves as Vice President at Vault Communications and as an adjunct professor at Arcadia University. Additionally, Liz serves on the boards of Family Support Line and Tyler Arboretum, and has been a longtime volunteer with Providence Animal Center. On Council, she has prioritized financial stability, environmental initiatives, and community events, including preserving the historic Halloween Parade and planning the Eagles Pep Rally Parades. She has also led efforts to keep property taxes flat, stabilize parking fees, and foster stronger partnerships with the Media Business Authority. Liz is committed to continuing this work to keep Media a vibrant and thriving community.

Mark Paikoff

Mark Paikoff was elected to Media Borough Council in 2021 and currently serves as Council President. In this role, he has worked to keep Media fiscally responsible, ensuring a balanced budget each year and holding the line on taxes for the last two years. Mark has championed community-focused initiatives, serving as Liaison to the Environmental Advisory Council, Chair of the Community Development Committee, and a member of the Public Safety Committee. A proud resident of Media since 1997, Mark lives with his wife, Miriam, their three children, rescue puppy Vivi, and Solomon the Gecko. He teaches digital literacy and computer science in Philadelphia, where he also serves as Teacher Technology Leader, helping faculty and staff integrate technology into the classroom. Mark is committed to keeping Media a thriving, connected, and forward-thinking community.

Jen Malkoun

Jen Malkoun is a lifelong Media Borough resident with deep roots in the community. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jen has dedicated her career to advancing equity, justice, and sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet. She is a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program, a graduate of Goucher College, and an active community volunteer. Appointed to Media Borough Council in February 2024, Jen serves on the Community Development and Properties and Public Works Committees. She is also the Council liaison to the Shade Tree Commission and Zoning Hearing Board. Passionate about inclusive spaces, affordable housing, and open space preservation, Jen is committed to making Media a welcoming and sustainable place for all.

Emilia del Grosso

Emilia del Grosso is running for Borough Council to build a community where residents feel empowered and supported by their local government. As a nonprofit professional working for a national grant-making organization, she has developed expertise in nonprofit management, strategy, policy analysis, and fiscal stewardship. Emilia serves on the Media Recreation Board, where she helped organize the inaugural Porch Fest, outdoor movie nights, and the Winter Solstice Celebration. She values Media’s green spaces, historic charm, and vibrant community life. Holding a Bachelor of Music and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration, Emilia brings both creativity and strategic thinking to leadership. She lives with her husband, Dan, and their two cats, Bub and Juniper, and is ready to serve Media with dedication and vision.

Mayor

Joi Washington

Joi Washington is a passionate leader and dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly to make Media a safer, more connected, and vibrant place to live. As a Councilwoman since 2022, she has championed key infrastructure projects, including new sidewalks and traffic calming measures on Jefferson Street to improve pedestrian and driver safety. She also spearheaded the revitalization of Philip Green Park, ensuring that Media’s green spaces remain inviting for families and residents.

Joi is a strong advocate for local businesses and is committed to preserving the borough’s unique charm. She actively promotes State Street events, supporting Media’s local and fair-trade businesses to maintain a thriving downtown. Joi is a strong advocate for public transportation, recognizing its vital role in helping Media residents and workers commute to jobs, return home, and attend the many State Street events that make our community special. In October, she participated in the America Walks ‘Week Without Driving’ Challenge, demonstrating how local leaders can support accessible, reliable public transportation for all. Her leadership has helped pass a balanced budget for 2024 and 2025, demonstrating her commitment to responsible financial planning.

Public safety is also a priority for Joi. She values her positive relationship with the Media Police and is dedicated to maintaining that partnership while addressing the needs of the community. Her vision includes fostering an environment where residents feel safe and supported. Beyond governance, Joi is a champion for community engagement. She loves organizing and promoting local events that bring people together, further enhancing Media’s reputation as a welcoming and lively borough. She also hopes to spotlight Media’s charm by attracting another QVC+ or Hallmark movie to be filmed in town. With a proven track record of leadership, a deep love for the community, and a vision for continued progress, Joi Washington is ready to serve as Media’s next Mayor. She is committed to preserving what makes Media special while embracing new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Tax Collector

Katey McVerry

Katey McVerry has proudly served as Media Borough’s Tax Collector since her appointment in 2017 and has since been re-elected twice, in 2018 and 2022. She is seeking re-election this November to continue her work in streamlining tax collection and increasing efficiency. Under her leadership, the cost of collection has decreased while the overall amount collected has risen, thanks to the implementation of online solutions.

Katey also serves as Vice President of the DelCo Tax Collector Association and goes above and beyond in her role, earning eight continuing education credits annually—far exceeding the required two per term. She actively partners with county and state officials to enhance the tax collection process.

Katey and her partner, Jim, have called Media home since 2015. They are raising their three children—James and Oliver, who attend RTMSD, and their youngest, Autumn—alongside their beloved dog, Harper. When she’s not working, Katey enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking through Glen Providence Park with Harper or golfing with her sons.

With a proven track record of effective leadership, financial expertise, and a deep commitment to the community, Katey McVerry is the right choice to continue serving as Media Borough’s Tax Collector.