Candidate for Pottstown Borough Council’s 5th Ward

Politics feels impersonal.
Local decisions feel distant.
But what if our borough led with empathy—and heart?

Joshua Kagi walks up Charlotte Street with his son, Asher; daughter, Ellie; and wife, the Rev. Sarah Strosahl-Kagi.

It’s time for a new kind of local leadership—one that listens first, leads with compassion, and invites everyone to help shape what comes next.

I’m a father raising my family in Pottstown, a documentarian and journalist trained to listen deeply, and a former legislative aide and senior political staffer who’s done the work of governing. I’m also a small business owner who walks alongside nonprofits and community organizations to help them tell their stories and get the resources they need.

Through all of it, I’ve learned this: real change starts with a civic heart — a commitment to empathy, trust, and human connection at the center of every decision.

Governing with a Civic Heart

  1. Listening as Leadership
    Policy should reflect people. I’ll show up to listen—not just at council meetings, but in community spaces, coffee shops, and front porches.

  2. Partnering with People Already Doing the Work
    Nonprofits, educators, volunteers, and small businesses are the backbone of our borough. I’ll work to uplift and support them—not duplicate or disrupt their efforts.

  3. Budgeting with Care
    Every dollar should connect to a human outcome. My experience with large budgets means I understand the numbers—and my heart means I connect them to people.

  4. Making Borough Government More Human
    Less bureaucracy. More transparency. More people invited into the process. Because democracy works best when it's relational, not transactional.

When empathy drives policy, we get better decisions—and a stronger, more connected borough. We create a Pottstown where neighbors feel safe, supported, and seen.

I bring together the lens of a journalist, the experience of a policy aide, and the insight of a small business owner. My work has taken me into living rooms and capitol buildings, studios and boardrooms. I’ve interviewed public health leaders like Vivek Murthy, discussed family policy with Richard Reeves, and collaborated with organizations from POWER Interfaith to the Pottstown Film Festival.

Everything I do is grounded in the belief that when people feel heard, respected, and connected—they thrive. My goal isn’t just to serve in borough council. It’s to build trust in the process again.

Let’s Talk Have a question, concern, or idea? I want to hear it. Reach out directly:

Joshua Kagi’s biography

Not sure which ward you live in? View the Pottstown Ward Map

Pottstown Possibilities

A Thriving Community & Strong Local Economy. Pottstown should be a place where families and small businesses can thrive. I’ll support smart growth that serves our community and expands opportunity.

Addressing Homelessness & Housing Stability. I’ll push for affordable housing by securing developer commitments, expanding rapid-response solutions, and supporting clear pathways to housing stability.

Responsive, Transparent Government. I’ll improve transparency and public involvement with better digital tools and active community engagement to keep residents informed and heard.

Join the Campaign 

Paid for by Joshua Kagi