Josh Shapiro, chairman of the Montgomery County commissioners, has endorsed Democrat Marjorie Margolies in the 13th Congressional District race.
“We need more people in government with the courage of their convictions who can rise above the small politics of the moment and stand up and fight for what they believe in. Marjorie has demonstrated that she is that type of leader, and it is why I am proud to stand with her as she tries to stand up for us in Washington,” he said.
Margolies served one term in the House of Representatives in 1993–94.
“Our district needs a fighter like Marjorie in Washington and someone who will go to Congress and be effective on Day 1 on the things that matter most to us like job creation, economic development, affordable education and investment in our infrastructure. Marjorie not only shares our values, she knows how to execute and get the job done for us. Her relationships and know-how will be an invaluable asset for the people of Montgomery County and Northeast Philadelphia.”
Earlier, Margolies was endorsed by Montgomery County Commissioner Leslie Richards.
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Dr. Val Arkoosh, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination in the 13th Congressional District, was endorsed by Ann Thornburg Weiss, the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts.
“Val has a strong set of credentials and recent experience bringing people together in Washington and across the country to pass substantial legislation,” Weiss said. “Val is the policy expert and national leader we need right now in Congress, and it’s why I’m throwing my support behind her run in the Pennsylvania 13th.”
Olivia Brady, a councilwoman in Norristown, also is backing Arkoosh.
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The NAACP’s Willow Grove chapter will sponsor a 13th Congressional District candidates forum on Monday, March 17, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Crestmont, at 1678 Fairview Ave. in Willow Grove.
Among those planning to attend are Democrats Val Arkoosh and Brendan Boyle and Republican Dee Adcock.
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U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, a Democratic candidate for governor, last week released a plan she believes will safeguard Pennsylvania’s air, water and natural resources and create jobs.
Schwartz is one of seven Democrats running in the May 20 primary. The winner will face Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
Schwartz said, “Investing in clean and renewable energy sources will create new wealth and job opportunities for Pennsylvanians, and responsible stewardship will ensure that Pennsylvania’s environment is preserved for generations to come. Leading the way on clean energy doesn’t just make economic sense — it is our moral obligation. But Gov. Corbett is failing us with a lack of vision and a refusal to harness Pennsylvania’s potential to create jobs while safeguarding the environment.”
Schwartz would require that Pennsylvania obtain 30 percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources by 2030. She calls it an “ambitious but achievable” goal that would expand job opportunities, reduce carbon emissions and make Pennsylvania a national leader in renewable energy.
In addition, she would create the “Gifford Pinchot Land Conservation Fund,” a public-private partnership that will use conservation techniques to address climate change. She’d create more open space, reduce carbon emissions by improving natural carbon sinks, and fund land reclamation projects across the commonwealth. She’d fund the idea by using the profits from her proposed 5-percent severance tax on shale gas production.
Also, she would require Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to conserve electricity. She would promote green building standards and will use revenue from the aforementioned severance tax on natural gas drilling to fund energy efficiency upgrades.
Other initiatives would include investments in clean energy; the development of alternative transportation options; support for green workforce training; and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
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The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council has endorsed state Rep. Mark Cohen for re-election. The council is made up of employees from 15 different international unions.
Cohen (D-202nd dist.) faces civic leader Jared Solomon in the May 20 Democratic primary.
Pat Gillespie, longtime president of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, said, “State Rep. Mark Cohen is an outstanding champion for people who work for wages. The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council strongly endorses his re-election. Throughout his career, Mark Cohen has been with working people and supporting unions even when many others were not. We could not ask for a better friend to labor than state Rep. Mark Cohen.” ••
