Delco AFL-CIO makes its picks in countywide elections
The Delaware County AFL-CIO has dished out its endorsements for countylevel offices this election cycle and the bulk of them went to Democrats, with one Republican receiving a nod.
Seven Democrats were endorsed by the labor organization in a move that represents the first time Democratic judicial and District Attorney candidates were chosen by the AFL-CIO. Two years ago, Kevin Madden and then Republican county Councilman Dave White who was seeking re-election were backed by the chapter.
This time, the AFLCIO endorsed Republican Thornbury Supervisors Chairman and business owner Jim Raith and Democrats, Elaine Paul Schaefer, an environmental advocate and former Rad nor commissioners president and Dr. Monica Taylor, an Upper Darby School Board member and University of Sciences professor and program director.
George Piasecki, president of the Delaware County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, spoke about the significance of his organization’s decision.
“We represent nearly 18,000 union members and we know that the individuals that received our endorsement will prioritize working families in their policies and judgement,” he said. “It’s these municipal races that often have a significant impact on our members’ dayto-day lives and we believe that candidates that we have endorsed will affect the change we need to benefit working people.”
Some of the Democratic candidates who received endorsements expressed their gratitude.
“It’s an honor to receive the AFL-CIO’s endorsement for our campaign,” Schaefer said. “We are thrilled to have the support of workers in our quest to grow the middle class and increase opportunity here in Delaware County.”
Democrat Jack Stollsteimer, a former Delaware County prosecutor and U.S. assistant attorney, received the AFLCIO’s support for his race to be the county’s D.A., competing with Republican incumbent District Attorney Katayoun Copeland. He also is a founding member of the Delco Coalition for Prison Reform.
“As a proud son of a union family, I’m humbled to receive the endorsement of the AFLCIO,” he said. “I’m running for the District Attorney to ensure that working families — and every Delaware County resident — have a criminal justice system that prioritizes public safety, fairness and the humane treatment of our citizens.”
Chester defense attorney Nusrat Rashid spoke for herself and fellow Democrat Court of Common Pleas candidates, Duane Morris partners Kelly Eckel and Rick Lowe and attorney and former Magisterial District Judge Stephanie Klein.
“We are very excited to be the first Democratic judicial candidates to be endorsed by the AFL-CIO in recent memory,” Rashid said. “Out of 20 judges on the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, not one is a Democrat. We’re running to make the court more balanced, diverse and accessible for all of Delaware County residents.”
Republican judicial candidates include Steven K. Gerber of Radnor, George Dawson of Ridley, Wendy B. Roberts of Bethel and Elizabeth Naughton Beck of Nether Providence.
Cody Bright, spokesman for the county Republican candidates, highlighted the support Raith received from the labor organization, and said more was to come for all of the candidates as the campaign continued.
“We are pleased to announce county council candidate Jim Raith earned the AFL-CIO endorsement,” Bright said. “Our District Attorney, county council, and Common Plea candidates are all currently in the process of seeking endorsements from a wide array of groups and we look forward to announcing our list in the fall.”
Other Republican county council candidates include disabilities advocate Kelly Colvin of Upper Darby and non-profit board member Mike Morgan of Newtown Square.
“We represent nearly 18,000 union members and we know that the individuals that received our endorsement will prioritize working families in their policies and judgement. It’s these municipal races that often have a significant impact on our members’ day-to-day lives and we believe that candidates that we have endorsed will affect the change we need to benefit working people.”
— George Piasecki, president of the Delaware County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO