Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Candidates speak with voters at Victory
Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts candidates at luncheon
Five candidates attended the Downingtown Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce October Networking luncheon Thursday at Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown to explain why they are seeking office.
The Chamber’s “Meet the Candidates” luncheon included those running for congressional and state office in districts that are in the Chamber’s service area.
Greg McCauley, a tax lawyer, is running for his first time ever, seeking Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House. He said he wants to offer new ideas and “compassionate solutions” to handle issues, such as the balancing the state budget, the opioid crisis, immigration and debt from student loans.
“I’m really disgusted, just like you, with what’s going in Congress,” McCauley said. “It’s one crisis after another. These are simple issues for business people. You have an issue with your business, you deal with it and you move on.”
His opponent, Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat, who is also a first-time candidate for public office, was unable to attend
the luncheon. She is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a businesswoman, and an educator. Congressman Ryan Costello, R-6, of West Chester, is not seeking reelection. The seat now encompasses all of Chester County, and a portion of southern Berks County.
Dan Williams, pastor of New Life in Christ Fellowship in Coatesville said he is running for the Pennsylvania state representative seat in the 74th District because of his appreciation in serving people and because he sees firsthand how residents are struggling financially to afford their home and pay taxes. He wants to be a voice in Harrisburg for people.
“I want to continue to be there for you,” Williams said.
Williams, a Democrat, will face off against Amber Little-Turner, a Republican, in the Nov. 6 General Election.
Little-Turner said she faced economic and emotional challenges that taught her about having a hard work ethic, self-discipline and self-responsibility. She has worked alongside incumbent state Rep. Harry Lewis Jr., R-74, of Caln, who announced his retirement and that he would not be seeking re-election after his two terms.
“I joke around and say that I’m allowing his retirement,” Little-Turner said.
She notes that she has an advantage over her opponent because she sat in on meetings with Lewis and she understands issues in the Commonwealth. She said she also gained an understanding about the importance of public service, when she worked alongside Magisterial District Judge Gwenn Knapp in West Chester.
As a mother, she believes that education is a top priority. If elected, she hopes to work on fair funding for schools so that they are properly funded. She hears from constituents that they cannot afford property taxes, which is another topic she hopes to address.
State Rep. Becky Corbin, R-155, of East Brandywine, said she has been endorsed by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce and the Chester County Chamber of Commerce and other businesses because of her progrowth policies and voting record. She has also been involved in her community, such as her prior experience serving on the East Brandywine Township planning commission.
Her opponent, Danielle Friel Otten, a Democrat, was unable to attend. On her website, she says she is a businesswoman and community leader who has spent the majority of her professional career in marketing and hospitality.
State Rep. Eric Roe, R-158, of West Bradford, said he began his campaign because he wanted Pennsylvania to be the most businessfriendly and family-friendly state. He also wants to continue focusing on education.
“Last year, we invested more in education than we ever have in the history of Pennsylvania and we did it without raising taxes,” Roe said. “I’m very proud of that.”
His opponent, Democrat Christina Sappey, of West Bradford, was unable to attend. According to her website, if elected, she plans to “ensure that education and environmental protection are properly funded and implemented.” She described herself as having experience with business management and experience in government, serving alongside several state representatives.
State Sen. John Rafferty, R-44 of Collegeville, and his opponent, Democrat Katie Muth, were unable to attend.