Kirkland will deliver for us in Congress
To the Times: Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, a Democrat, is more than talk; he is someone who actually delivers to his constituency. For the past 27 years, Thaddeus Kirkland has fought for the people of Delaware County and the people of Pennsylvania. During that time, he has proven himself to be someone who actually gets the job done. For example, while others can only talk about rebuilding our infrastructures, Thaddeus Kirkland has actually done it. It was Thaddeus Kirkland who negotiated with the former governor, Tom Ridge, to bring $67 million back home to fully fund the construction and completion of the 291 highway. During that time period, hundreds of jobs were created for the residents of Delaware County and beyond. It was Thaddeus Kirkland who worked with former Congressman Tom Foglietta to find the $7.5 million to restore the historical Chester Transportation Center, which also created job opportunities for the local residents. It was Thaddeus Kirkland who fought vigorously and valiantly to encourage Delaware County to rebuild the Fifth Street Bridge in Chester that divided our community. Now that is progress!
Thaddeus Kirkland has also been a champion for education equality throughout our commonwealth. It was he who would dare to take on the Pennsylvania Department of Education and demand that more money and resources be poured into our schools that were in desperate need of some financial help. Through his efforts and leadership, Thaddeus Kirkland convinced former Gov. Ed Rendell to provide approximately $4 million to the Chester Upland School District to help them with their financial crisis. Today, Thaddeus Kirkland is still fighting for educational equality for all of our young people.
Thaddeus Kirkland has also been on the front line when it comes to economic development. Harrah’s Casino and Racetrack; the Philadelphia Union soccer team; and the Talen Energy Stadium were developed because Thaddeus Kirkland worked with governors, senators and representatives of both sides of the aisle to get the job done. Now, local residents have opportunities that were not there before, to become gainfully employed.
Thaddeus Kirkland has always looked out for the wellbeing of our veterans, as well as their families. He believes that no veteran should ever come home after serving this country and putting his or her life on the line only to find them homeless and without proper health care. This is why Thaddeus was there to support the opening of the Veterans Homes located on with west side of Chester. A place where some of our bravest persons can now call home, while seeking and receiving the necessary help they need to return to a normal way of life. As mayor, he recognized the need for our veterans to have convenient access with qualified personnel, which are former veterans, to staff the city of Chester’s first Veteran’s Affairs Department.
Thaddeus Kirkland has done that and more. This is why I am supporting him to become the congressman in the 5th Congressional District. He is more than a talker, he is a doer. He has the most political experience, the greatest focus on the issues, and his sincerity and passion for the people he represents is “second to none.” In short, his qualifications and works speak for themselves:
• Twenty-four years in the state House of Representatives.
• Former chairman of the state Tourism and Recreation Committee.
• Former chairman of the state Legislative Black Caucus.
• Former vice chairman of the National Caucus of Black Legislators.
• Former secretary of the state House Education Committee.
• Mayor of the city of Chester.
• Ten years as pastor of Community Baptist Church.
No other candidate for this office can truly say what Thaddeus Kirkland can say, and that is, “Let the work I’ve done, speak for me.”