Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
2 Republicans face off to challenge Howard in 167th
Two Republicans seek the nod from primary voters to face off against incumbent Democrat Kristine Howard and serve as a state representative in the 167th District.
Gail Newman and Melissa Dicranian are both listed on the Republican ballot for the May 17 primary.
Dicranian lives on a family farm in a 1780s farmhouse on a conserved property in Charlestown Township.
She is a member of the Charlestown Historical & Architectural Review Board, liaison to Charlestown Township Planning and
Zoning, a consultant to the Thomas Bond House, Philadelphia, a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and a small business owner.
She earned a degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston. Her professional background is with architectural firms, primarily in corporate office design. She most enjoys being a liaison for companies growing into a new market and establishing their branded identity.
“My decision to enter the state representative race is centered on wanting to be a part of the community through leadership that is based in the community,” she said. “My desire stems from an understanding that people should be prioritized even in the political realm where often they are only by appearance.
“I can only hope to be entrusted with this journey for which my will has already set forth.”
Dicranian has studied for the job.
“Since being a part of this race, I have dedicated
my schedule to researching, interviewing and listening to potential constituents about what is important to them and why,” she said. “This includes small business owners, economic development groups, parents of school children, and township officials.
“The economic landscape is being newly mapped, the families, companies and communities are moving forward and the task is not without difficulties — the times are trying and difficult.
“We have much to offer in our district, the people are wanting to be involved and interested in knowing more about what is shaping the district. We have many people expending vast amounts of their time working to get our district back to where it belongs — for the betterment of the people.
“This is fundamentally essential. People First. I will be honored to represent the communities, the voice of the people, our District 167. I completely understand and believe and am in agreement in the meaning of … deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed …”
Candidate Dicranian is
pro-business and favors legislation that supports small businesses. She also favors pushing for corporate taxes to make Pennsylvania businesses more competitive with other states.
“I support legislation that supports businesses staying open even partially during emergencies,” she said. “I want to put the decisions into the hands of (county) commissioners rather than being made by one person — the governor.”
The candidate supports first responders and safe
communities. She would examine and study barriers that have created a shortage of nurses.
Dicranian also supports quality education.
“Educating a child is a moral, not an ethical responsibility,” she said. “The decisions should be void of any political or one-sided views.”
She supports affordable housing.
“It’s something we are all trying to work around,” the candidate said,
“A balance needs to be
created between affordable housing and preservation of open space.
“With our growth, we’re going to have to look at a balance.”
Newman is a health care worker.
“I feel that being a small business person, middleclass worker, working in health care all of my adult life is a great foundation for serving ‘we the people,’” she said, “I want to be supportive of all people, and to advocate for the small business person, and workers whose needs have often not been met.”
Newman supports the
schools.
“I favor lower taxes, great schools with choice (while protecting public schools), vocational training programs, protecting special needs programs, balanced development, clean environment with all-of-the-above energy, health care choice, ending excessive and preferential small business lockdowns which have bankrupted so many businesses (small business employs the vast majority of people), law and order with criminal justice reform.”
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 17.