Cozzone announces bid for Pa. lieutenant governor
WEST CHESTER » Saying she has the ability to serve in a bipartisan manner, Democratic Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone officially launched her campaign for lieutenant governor during rally at the Historic Chester County Courthouse.
About five dozen supporters heard the 10-year veteran county commissioner and 20-year businesswoman say she wants to take incumbent Lt. Gov. Mike Stack’s spot in 2018 to run with Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf as he seeks a second term.
Cozzone quoted former Vice President Joe Biden speaking about the need for unity: “The other team is not the enemy.”
“We have to work together for the benefit of our citizens,” Cozzone said. “Pennsylvania must set a different example than the president (Donald Trump) has.”
Cozzone said she hasn’t always agreed with Republicans, but she works well with the other major party.
“Too often, Harrisburg suffers — and by extension all Pennsylvanians suffer — from a lack of bipartisanship in Harrisburg. I bring a unique record of working with my Republican colleagues in Chester County to serve the common good, regardless of political ideology or partisan concerns.”
Cozzone said she has the skills and experience to govern on a statewide level.
She pointed to her work with the criminal justice system, social programs, nonprofit boards, state government task forces and as a member of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.
Brian McGinnis, chairman of the Chester County Democratic Committee, said that Cozzone is not just a “grandstander.”
“She is someone who can reach across the aisle and get things done for the community,” McGinnis said.
State Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-156th Dist., also stressed the importance of bipartisan collaboration.
“Kathi works very closely with all of us at the local level,”Comitta said. Party affiliation is not important to Cozzone, she added.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a Democratic or a Republican idea,” Comitta said. “She’s all over the place helping the people of West Chester and the commonwealth.”
Kevin Barnhardt, a county commissioner from neighboring Berks County, visited West Chester on Aug. 22 to support Cozzone.
“She’ll work hand-inglove, nonpartisan,” Barnhardt said. “She’s engaged. She’ll take her hard-charging efforts to Harrisburg.”
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia was also on hand to endorse Cozzone who she said is a “role model.”
“Everybody who serves in state government should have to serve in the minority,” she said. “It requires twice the amount of work.”
Cozzone is the minority member of the three-person county Board of Commissioners.
Cozzone’s “two Victors,” her husband and son, addressed the rallygoers.
“My mom has always been involved in everything I do,” the Downingtown East High School sophomore said. “She does everything she can to see others succeed.”
Cozzone’s husband Victor said the candidate is a “tremendous and wonderful wife” and “diligent, fair and honest.”
The controversial Stack has said he plans to seek re-election, and at least one other Democrat has announced a bid for lieutenant governor: Aryanna Berringer, an Iraq War veteran and former Chester County resident who currently lives in the Pittsburgh area.
Unlike the offices of president and vice president of the United States, Pennsylvania’s governor and lieutenant governor run separately in primary elections, and together in general elections.
However, state Sen. David Argall, R-Berks, introduced a bill in June that would allow gubernatorial nominees to pick their running mates.