Kovaleski, Longo seek higher office in Chester County
PHOENIXVILLE >> Two local politicians have announced bids for higher office.
Phoenixville School Board member Lisa Longo says she will seek the Democratic nomination for Chester County Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans Court.
Longo, who has served one four-year term on the school board, including one year as president, said she will not run for another term on the school board.
Borough Council President James Kovaleski has announced his candidacy for Magisterial District Judge, District Court 15-2-01, which serves the borough of Phoenixville, Schuylkill Township and Charlestown Township.
Kovaleski has represented Phoenixville’s West Ward for two terms on council. Kovaleski has been selected as council president by the other council members for three consecutive two-year terms, and has also indicated he will not seek another term on council.
“My background as an attorney and as an actively involved member of the community gives me the experience to fulfill the obligations of magisterial district judge with integrity and fairness, upholding an impartiality for individuals before the court,” Kovaleski said in a press release announcing his candidacy.
Kovaleski is a member of several non-profit boards of directors.
He has played an active role in the decision making and service component of organizations like The Clinic, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, Schuylkill River Heritage Center, and The Kimberton Lions Club.
“I believe it is important to give back to the community
that I live, work, and raise my family in,” he said. “There is so much good work being done in our area; it is a privilege to be a part of it.”
Longo said her decision to run for countywide office stems from a desire to do even more for the community.
“There are three reasons: first, I believe my background and experience will allow me to develop a plan to modernize and streamline the office,” Longo said. “We need to make the probate system more efficient and easier to use.”
Second, said Longo, “I have seen firsthand the difficulties caused by the current guardianship process. We need to work with legislators, judges and attorneys to ensure guardianship is done more quickly and protections are in place to ensure we can provide the services needed for children and adults who require legal
guardianship. And finally, I believe I can be a part of an amazing team at our county government.”
Longo entered the race this week after Pocopson resident Mike McGann announced he would withdraw — specifically citing Longo as being a superior candidate and one offering Chester County Democrats the best opportunity to win in November.
“I ask all of my friends to support Lisa Longo for Register of Wills,” McGann said in a press release announcing Longo’s candidacy.
“Lisa is a force of nature — a leader with proven record of fighting for our kids as President of the Phoenixville Board of Education. She has worked tirelessly — and very effectively — to help elect Democrats across Chester County for a number of years,” said McGann. “She has the fire, the passion and determination to help lead a winning ticket for Democrats in 2019 — having someone like Lisa on the ballot gives me great comfort and confidence to step aside knowing we will have a very strong candidate to run.”
The 2019 primary election in Pennsylvania is May 21, and the general election is Nov. 5.