Westbrook challenges Roe in GOP primary

Christina Sappey running unopposed in Democratic primary

KENNETT SQUARE » Incumbent state Rep. Eric Roe, the recent successor to longtime Rep. Chris Ross in the 158th Legislative District, is facing a challenge from Don Westbrook of West Bradford in the Republican Primary.

The 158th District covers the municipalities of Avondale, East Bradford, East Marlborough, sections of Kennett, London Britain, New Garden, Newlin, Wesst Bradford, West Goshen and West Marlborough.

Incumbent Roe, 30, lives in Marshallton with his wife, Alice, and infant twin sons.

He was asked what he is proudest of achieving in his first term:

“I’m proud to have passed a state budget that did not raise taxes, yet made record high investments in education. I’m also proud to have saved the annual state funding of $30 million for the Penn Vet New Bolton Center from the chopping block when the governor and many legislators tried to cut it from the budget. Lastly, I’m proud to have led the charge against partisan gerrymandering in the PA House of Representatives by introducing a bill that would create a citizen-led independent redistricting commission. The bill I introduced jointly with Representative Steve Samuelson (DNorthampton) gained more co-sponsors than any other bill introduced this session, and I even managed to get the Republican House Majority Leader onboard with our idea of creating an independent redistricting commission. This effort is ongoing.”

He said in the next two years he wants to ensure that the personal income tax and sales tax do not increase.

“During the last budget negotiation, Pennsylvania came dangerously close to having the PIT (personal income tax) and sales tax go up. Thankfully, we stopped that from happening, but I am sure the idea will come up again over the next two years. Another related goal is to see Pennsylvania become a more business friendly state. I want Pennsylvania’s economy to be more robust so that my generation will stop leaving the state to work and raise a family elsewhere. If we elect the wrong people, our taxes could go up and our economy could flounder. I’m very proud to have the endorsement of the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) and the Humane Society of Pennsylvania going into the primary election on Tuesday, May 15th,” he said.

How does he described himself?

“I describe myself as a ‘Chester County Republican.’ In Chester County, the Republican brand is distinctly different from the national party’s brand. I’m a firm believer in small, accountable government, as well as low taxes and the free market. At the same time, I cherish the environment and preserving open space. We only get one environment, and I want to preserve it for my children and theirs. Ideologically, I am open minded to common sense solutions. For example, the issue of gerrymandering is not about right versus left; it’s about right versus wrong. That’s why I’ve led the charge in Harrisburg to create a citizen-led independent redistricting commission to draw future political boundary lines. We need a permanent solution to the problem, which no court decision can provide,” he said

“As I take the pulse of the 158th District, the voters seem very pleased with my work over the past year and a half. They want free and fair elections, low taxes, economic growth, and great schools. That’s exactly what I’ve fought for, and that’s what I intend to deliver so long as I am our independent voice in Harrisburg.”

Attempts to reach challenger Westbrook were unsuccessful.

Christina Sappey of West Bradford is running unopposed in the Democratic Primary.

Pennsylvania’s primary elections will be held Tuesday. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.