Chesco Dems get new headquarters

WEST CHESTER » After years of renting, Chester County Democrats are finally homeowners. And the timing could not be more ideal as Chester County is home to one of the most active and rapidly growing Democratic organizations in Pennsylvania.

Philanthropist and 37 S. High Street owner Vivian Lasko turned over the keys to the historical building, built in 1893, at settlement on July 27. For the last 16 years, the Chester County Democratic Committee (CCDC) ran its headquarters out of the building with approximately 800 square feet of first-floor office space. Lasko, widow to longtime West Chester businessman Oscar Lasko who died at age 96 earlier this year, recently put the building on the market, allowing the CCDC a right of first offer.

“While the party has always maintained a year-round office in West Chester,” explained CCDC Chairman Brian McGinnis, “we have never owned our headquarters. After searching the county for new space, we were pleased to be able to remain in the midst of West Chester’s vibrant downtown and county seat.” The CCDC, riding high on changing demographics and an increase in voter turn-

out, decided to put down roots this year, in anticipation of the November 2017 local elections and next year’s national and statewide races. “This purchase is the result of the hard work and dedication of the members of the Chester County Democratic Committee,” added McGinnis. “I am very humbled to be their chairman during these exciting times in county politics. We are moving forward with a ton of momentum.”

Under McGinnis and the

Executive Board of CCDC’s leadership, ballots in county and local elections are brimming with Democratic candidates, many for the very first time. “Don’t underestimate the importance of local elections such as school board directors: ensuring that our school districts are solvent and promoting public education; and township supervisors: keeping our townships and boroughs safe places to live and raise a family,” wrote McGinnis earlier this month to his membership. “Local elections matter. Our county-wide candidates will restore integrity, trust, and transparency to

government, and our judicial candidates will represent the interests of people over the powerful.”

Election Day 2017 is Tuesday, Nov. 7. There is good reason for optimism among Democrats in the suburbs. As the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote after May’s primary, “In Chester County, where Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton outperformed Republican (Donald) Trump in November by more than 25,000 votes despite a GOP registration advantage, 18 percent of Democrats came out to vote on Tuesday, compared with just 10 percent four years ago.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Chester County Democratic Committee Secretary David Rhoads, Executive Committee Member Jim Salvas, Vice Chair Lani Frank, Chair Brian J. McGinnis and Treasurer Lisa Longo pose for a photo at their new headquarters.