Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Deminski announces candidacy in 156th District
Republican seeks seat held by Democratic state Rep. Carolyn Comitta
WEST CHESTER » Nick Deminski, a West Chester native and a lifelong Republican, announced his candidacy Wednesday to represent Pennsylvania’s 156th Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Democrat Rep. Carolyn Comitta, who was previously the mayor of West Chester.
“I think it is my calling to serve the community,” Deminski said. “We are probably the most divided we have ever been. I want to
bring a refreshing change of government, as well as foster unity.”
Deminski, 24, said his priorities, if elected, are to bring fiscal responsibility to Pennsylvania, fix the state’s pension crisis, and give the needed resources to battle the state’s growing opioid crisis.
“The opioid crisis is scary,” Deminski said. “One person can’t fix it. It will take township officials, to police officers to state representatives. I really think we are seeing a tipping point with the opioid epidemic.”
Deminski is a graduate of Henderson High School. He attended community college, then transferred his remaining three years to the School of Business at Villanova University.
A marketing consultant for a local business in West Chester who works with a small tri-county real estate investment group, Deminski has work experience with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He worked for Rep. Harry Lewis Jr., R-74, since Lewis was first elected in 2014. He credited Lewis with helping him to learn the values of public service and understand the reality of how state government operates.
“It is time to heal political division and focus on doing what is best for our community,” Deminski said. “Our state recently faced a $2 billion dollar budget defect, along with a growing pension crisis. Our leaders are neglecting these issues and we the people are paying the price. The West Chester schools deserve higher state funding and so do our first responders. I’m ready to implement fiscal responsibility and make progress for our district by speaking up for our neighbors, working with both sides, and leading from the front.”
Deminski was elected auditor of West Goshen Township in November. He has worked on former state Rep. Dan Truitt’s campaign during Truitt’s first three terms – Truitt, a Republican, represented the 156th District before losing to Comitta in a close election in 2016 that was determined after a ballot recount – and played an active role in West Chester Borough Judge Marian Vito’s election victory in 2015.
Said Robyn Cahill, Republican committeewoman: “Nick’s wealth of knowledge on how state government operates and the needs of our area are impressive. I have no doubt that he will be a great representative of our community.”
The military service of his father and brother inspired Deminski to fundraise thousands of dollars for David’s Drive, a local nonprofit focused on assisting local veterans in memory of David Turner Jr. He’s also active with Fiorenza’s Food for Friends, a group focused on organizing food drives and collections to provide for local shelters such as Safe Harbor.
“I know the value of hard work and sacrifice,” Deminski said. “My grandmother emigrated from Asia and settled in Pennsylvania for a better future. My parents were the first in their families to graduate from college and have instilled in me the value of integrity and commitment. Following their example, I will work tirelessly for the betterment of our community and fight for all, regardless of politics, social class, religion, race, gender or sexual orientation. It’s time to celebrate our differences and unite for a stronger tomorrow. Unity is my campaign theme because we must end the division and work for what is right for the West Chester area.”
The 156th Legislative District includes the borough of West Chester and the townships of East Goshen, Westtown, Thornbury, Birmingham and West Goshen (District North).
“I will be a moderate Republican,” Deminski said. “I am energized, and my team is energized, and I will run a clean campaign.”