Herrin is projected winner in 156th House District

WEST CHESTER » Following a spirited campaign in the 156th state Legislative District, Democratic Mayor Dianne Herrin was declared the winner by the Daily Local News over Republican Len Iacono.

With all the votes counted, Herrin had garnered 55 percent, or the nod from 21,914 voters, while Iacono attracted 44 percent of the tally, or 17,679 votes. The results are not official until certified by the Chester County Board of Elections.

Herrin said on Wednesday that it will be her privilege “to serve each and every one” of the residents who live in the district.

“Real change takes time, persistence, patience and commitment, but all progress is worth fighting for no matter how long it takes,” Herrin said. “I pledge to communicate clearly to my constituents and be sure they know the real deal, and I will do my very best to serve the people of the 156th District in every way possible so we can maximize our quality of life and move forward together, toward a better and fairer future.”

Herrin ran on an agenda which she referred to as the Four E’s: Economy, Education, Environment, and Equity.

“As a first order of business, it is critical to support our local economy through this pandemic, so we don’t lose our small businesses and the jobs our families rely on,” the mayor said. “Foremost, we must get the majority of Pennsylvania lawmakers to release the more than $1 billion of federal CARES Act funding that is now sitting in the Commonwealth’s coffers, so we can help our small businesses, restaurants, health care and frontline workers, childcare providers, and schools this winter.

“We need the majority of the legislature to agree to release the money. This should not even be an issue.”

Herrin stressed that it is critical to practice the state’s public safety mandates.

“We must protect the health of our neighbors, loved ones, and friends,” she said. “The only way we can save lives, prevent our hospitals from overflowing, and prevent further restrictions on the economy is to practice these simple measures like wearing masks and limiting gatherings with nonhousehold members.

“We have to consider everyone in this equation – and that includes our elderly residents, our loved ones, friends and neighbors at risk, health care workers, and first responders.”

The new representative wants to promote excellent constituent service.

“I am putting together a district office team that will provide strong and responsive service to the

people of the 156th so they can get their questions answered and problems addressed to the very best of our abilities,” she said. “They deserve nothing less.”

Herrin said she would like to bring a renewed focus to some of Harrisburg’s systemic problems.

“Real progress relies on our ability to address these issues,” she said. “Aside from the growing polarization that makes it harder for legislators to engage in the bipartisan cooperation necessary for effective policymaking, issues like entrenched big money interests, gerrymandered electoral districts that prevent us from counting every vote equally, and internal rulemaking that keeps a tight hold on selective circles of power in the legislature all contribute to an environment that stalls progress.” Honesty is key. “Unfortunately, Harrisburg ranks in the bottom 10 percent of states when it comes to corruption of public officials, and it has received an ‘F’ for government accountability and transparency from the Center for Public Integrity,” Herrin said. “But I, along with many other committed men and women, have risen up to answer the call of public service over politics and corruption.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone in Harrisburg who wishes to collaborate and build relationships in the interest of getting some good work done.”