200 protest Toomey in Upper Darby

UPPER DARBY >> The person they were protesting was a no-show, but that did not stop nearly 200 people from lining the sidewalk near the Drexelbrook Thursday night to voice their concerns about Sen. Pat Toomey.

The Republican senator was slated as the special guest and 2017 honoree at the Delaware County Republican finance committee’s annual chairman’s club dinner. Local GOPers attending the $1,500-a-person event were greeted by chants of “Senator Toomey, answer your phone,” “hold a town hall” and “this is what democracy looks like.”

Toomey, however, was detained in Washington, said county Republican Party chair Andy Reilly. He indicated he would unable to make an appearance if votes were scheduled Thursday afternoon.

“Sen. Toomey is a genuine, considerate man who talks to people and puts their interests first,” Reilly added. “I trust him to cast his votes in the best interest of all Pennsylvanians.”

Reilly’s opinion was not shared by the crowd, whose phrases and signs focused on two issues. Many opposed Toomey’s endorsement of Betsy DeVos, President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of education, whose testimony indicated she might seek to cut education funding or support privatizing public schools.

A Senate panel voted Tuesday in favor of De-

Vos, sending her nomination to the full Senate for final approval. A press release issued Thursday from Toomey’s office noted he is “pleased” to vote for her confirmation.

Melinda Tkacs, of Newtown Square, a seventh grade social studies teacher

at Penn Wood Middle School, disagreed with his sentiment.

“I am here for my students and my colleagues and our nation’s children,” she said. “Our students deserve someone who has their best interests at heart and Ms. DeVos does not.”

Jennifer Vail, of Springfield, whose two children attend district schools, agreed.

“They are public school

students,” she said. “I am opposed to his position on Betsy DeVos and what that could mean for Pennsylvania’s children.”

The balance of the protesters centered on Toomey’s stance regarding the Affordable Care Act. The senator has been quoted as saying repealing the act is “a legislative priority.”

ACA has benefitted small businesses like the fourperson architectural firm

operated by Swarthmore husband and wife Claudia Cueto and Tim Kearney.

“The Affordable Care Act allows us to give our employees the option for health care,” said Cueto. “In the past, we could not afford to offer it.”

Harry Cade, of Marple, was more succinct. “I’m worried about losing my health care,” he said. “I have pre-existing conditions.”

In a time of emails and

texts, many activists said they have resorted to faxing their messages. Toomey’s offices throughout the state have been inundated with calls, many of which have gone unanswered, and voicemail boxes have exceeded capacity. “Tuesdays with Toomey” have become a standing date for residents to raise their concerns outside offices from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.

For many in the crowd, the protest was not their first and no doubt not their last. Some sported their pussy hats from the Women’s March on Washington, while others were at Philadelphia International Airport last weekend to march against the President’s immigration ban.

“I have to be here,” said Terry Baraldi, of Lansdowne. “Everyone has to join in this effort.”