Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Dan Williams receives endorsements
State representative candidate Dan Williams was recently endorsed by state Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19.
COATESVILLE » State representative candidate Dan Williams, who is running as a Democrat in the 74th Legislative District, was recently endorsed by state Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 98, Steamfitters Local No. 420, Boilermakers Local No. 13 and the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters. These are in addition to the many endorsements he has received from local elected officials, area Democratic organizations and many prominent leaders in the community. Some of the endorsements he’s received are from: Linda Lavender Norris, Coatesville Council President; Carmen Green, Coatesville City Council Vice President; Debbie Bookman, Coatesville City Council; C. Arvilla Hunt, Coatesville City Council; Rhett Lipscomb, Parkesburg Borough Council; Patrice Proctor, Valley Township Supervisors, Chair; the Coatesville Area Democrats; the Parkesburg Area Democrats; and Barry Cassidy, Planning & Development Consultant, Downingtown.
“Dan is a proven, longstanding community leader who I know will serve the constituents of the 74th District very well,” said Dinniman, who has been a state senator for much of Chester County since 2006. “He understands the importance of doing all he can for working families and helping with the challenges they face in their everyday lives”.
Williams, known to many as “Pastor Dan,” has been senior pastor at New Life Christ Fellowship in Coatesville for 28 years. As a lifelong Democrat, he embraces core Democratic values like women’s reproductive rights and equality for all – including the LBGTQ community. Williams supports Gov. Tom Wolf’s agenda of creating jobs that pay sustainable salaries, schools that pro-
vide an equitable education and government that works. His legislative priorities also include holding the line on increasing property taxes, responsible and reasonable gun laws and rebuilding failing infrastructure.
“I certainly appreciate the endorsements of so many,” Williams said. “Doing what is right for all raises the tide for each of us – and leads to prosperity for everyone.”
“I’m a strong advocate for working families and senior citizens because I fully understand the devastating consequences of skyrocketing property taxes, job loss, wage disparity and living on a fixed income,” explained Williams, who describes himself as a professor, pastor, father and also a taxpayer
and a citizen.
Williams holds a master of divinity and a doctor of ministry from Biblical Theological Seminary. He is currently the director of urban programs and assistant professor of practical theology at Biblical Theological Seminary and is the first African-American to serve on their Board of Trustees. Williams also serves on the Board of the National Men’s Ministry’s Mighty Men of Valor. He has ministered nationally and internationally and is (by his own admission) simply a beneficiary of the grace of God. His ministry has been characterized as a comprehensive word and deed ministry that is Christo-centric and culturally sensitive.
As senior pastor and an active community member, he relocated his church from South Coatesville to the inner city of Coatesville, renaming it New Life in Christ Fellowship.
He resides in Parkesburg with his wife, Baleria. They have three children and one grandchild.
More information about Williams, his endorsements and views on issues may be found at www.citizensforDanWilliams.com.
Williams is in a threeway Democratic primary race with Frank Pryor and Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell.
Amber Little-Turner is running unopposed in the Republican primary for the 74th District seat currently held by her former boss, Republican state Rep. Harry Lewis Jr., who has chosen not to seek re-election.
The 74th District includes Caln, Coatesville, Downingtown, East Caln, East Fallowfield, Modena, Parkesburg, South Coatesville, Sadsbury and Valley.
Pennsylvania’s primary elections will be held Tuesday, May 15. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.