Trafford councilman honored by state group

A state association says the president of Trafford council is tops when it comes to leading his community.

The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs honored Kristopher “Kris” Cardiff with its Outstanding Council Member of the Year Award.

Cardiff, 44, who has served on council since January 2014, has been president since October 2015. He had the unusual responsibility of becoming mayor, council president and vice president that month when both the mayor and president resigned the same night. He served in all three roles until January 2016 when a new mayor was appointed.

“I feel this is great news for our community,” Cardiff said.

“Council President Cardiff has gone above and beyond in his service to the Trafford community. His dedication and selflessness has attributed to countless positive changes and improvements to our borough and his leadership has been long overdue in our community,” said Mayor Ed Llewellyn in his letter nominating Cardiff for the award.

Cardiff has led the effort to create a website for borough government, which has made Trafford more transparent by posting approved expenses for the general, sewage and liquid fuels funds, meeting minutes and budget.

Llewellyn credited Cardiff for creating a partnership with the recently formed Trafford Business Association to open better lines of communication to address and support the needs of existing and potential businesses. He also restructured and redefined council committees to focus more on community outreach while maintaining an efficient and effective means of oversight.

Cardiff also worked to “create a community environment that encourages volunteerism and involvement,” Llewellyn said.

It is a year of honors for Trafford because in October, the state association presented the borough with an award for the borough’s website.

“I was humbled and surprised to also personally receive the 2021 PSAB Distinguished Service Award,” Cardiff said.