Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Coatesville area man announces candidacy for Houlahan seat
WEST CALN >> Naturalized citizen, Republican and retired airline pilot Tom Siedenbuehl has launched a campaign for the 6th Congressional District seat held by Democrat Chrissy Houlahan.
Siedenbuehl is starting early to unseat the incumbent, with the election to be held in November 2020. A spokesperson for Houlahan, said Friday, that the representative will seek reelection but is currently focusing on serving
her constituents.
Siedenbuehl is an immigrant from West Germany and said he is a U.S. citizen by choice.
“Since my naturalization, I have worked with many constituencies at the local level: as Township Manager for West Caln Township; School Director of the Coatesville Area School District; and Committeeman for the Republican Committee of Chester County, Precinct 60,” Siedenbuehl said.
He is married with two sons, enjoys reading and gardening and is a world traveler. He likes history, seeks culture and enjoys meeting people.
“I flew around the world and saw a lot of things,” he said. “Over the years I also served on many civic and international boards, as the Chairman of the German-American Coalition, Director of the GermanAmerican Heritage Foundation of the United States, as a leading member of the Global Cargo Pilots Alliance Steering Committee, as spokesman for the German Airline Pilots Association and as Chairman of the Lufthansa Cargo Council.”
Siedenbuehl, 62, worked with former 6th District Rep. Jim Gerlach.
“I am running for Congress because in the next two years our country will have three main issues: immigration policy; healthcare costs; and a lack of education innovation,” he said. “I know that due to my past experiences, I’m fully equipped to properly handle these challenges.
“As an immigrant, negotiator and local elected official, I will bring muchneeded perspective and valuable experience to Washington.”
The candidate also was a featured speaker at University of Pennsylvania and spoke about worker participation in the German economy. He was recognized by the House of Representatives for his work helping members of Congress establish the House German American Caucus.
“It is important to be engaged and to do something,” he said.