Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Local lawmakers confident of a safe inauguration day
WASHINGTON » Several elected Pennsylvania officials have fingers crossed that in Washington, Chester County and the rest of the country Americans will stay safe during today’s inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States.
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th, of Easttown, responded on Tuesday.
“Tomorrow, I will be attending the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” she said. “I am grateful to the many members of our National Guard who are here in the Capitol ensuring that we are safe, and that our great democratic experiment can continue.
“The inauguration and the peaceful transfer of power represent the centuries-long hallmark of our Democratic Republic. Despite everything that has happened, our American values will prevail. I can imagine no greater privilege than to witness that tomorrow on behalf of my community.”
State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-155th, of Uwchlan, said she hopes for a safe day in Washington.
“What we saw on January 6th was a terrifying glimpse at the dangers of irresponsible rhetoric by people who are insulated from the consequences,” Friel Otten said. “These so called leaders delivered mayhem to our Capitol steps and then hid from their safe
locations and watched it all unfold.
“People died. Over 200 years of peaceful transfer of power has been undermined.
“I pray it was enough of a wake-up call to all of us. I pray for those who are charged with protecting our nation’s democracy.”
State Sen. John Kane, D9th, of Birmingham, predicts a safe inauguration.
“Yes, I think (Wednesday’s) inauguration will be safe,” Kane said. “Our Secret Service and the entire Presidential security team are dedicated, above all, to protecting the leaders of this country.
“President Trump and the perpetrators of the attacks on the Capitol play on fear and division. They are trying to make us feel unsafe and afraid in our own halls of government. By holding the inauguration as planned, President-elect Biden is sending a clear message that we are stronger than the forces trying to divide us.”
West Chester Mayor and state Rep. Dianne Herrin, D-156th, of West Chester, is taking proactive steps.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are closing our district office Wednesday and all staff will work from home,” Herrin said. “However, we stand strong in our commitment to the values of equity, inclusion, and service to our local families, schools and businesses.
“These are the values that make our community strong, and they continue to guide our work in the 156th District every single day.”