Sean Kilkenny of Jenkintown is an influential member of the Democratic Party in the Philadelphia suburbs and is a well sought-after lawyer. He has also been linked to some controversy over the years.

Whether that will affect his campaign for a third term as Montgomery County Sheriff remains to be seen, writes Andrew Seidman for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Kilkenny and those close to him say that as a lawyer he has been an advocate of labor unions and many progressive causes.

And, as sheriff, he worked towards increasing diversity in the office and instituted the use of body cameras for deputies.

Some of his critics though say he uses his influence and campaign funds to grow his own business.

They say his reputation has been especially tarnished by his connections to the corruption scandal involving the Mayor of Allentown Ed Pawloski.

Kilkenny at first was a person of interest in the investigation and then he went on to testify against the mayor in court.

He said Pawloski expected favors from him if he wanted to win the contract for the city’s tax collection.

Despite the different challenges he has faced, Kilkenny remains a powerful figure in the Democratic Party in the suburbs.

Read more about Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Montgomery County Commissioners Board.