Sarah DelRicci
Both candidates are cautiously optimistic looking ahead to next Tuesday’s special election in the 170th Legislative District.
“I think I’m going to win it,” said Republican Martina White. “I’m looking forward to March 24. The people will choose, and I can’t wait to see who they pick.”
“The response I’ve been getting is good, but it’s going to be close,” said Democrat Sarah DelRicci.
The seat became vacant in January when Democrat Brendan Boyle resigned to join Congress.
The 170th district includes Somerton, Parkwood, Bustleton and other neighborhoods in the Far Northeast.
Democrats hold about a 2-to-1 advantage in voter registration, but Republicans are making a big play for victory. There’s a lot at stake.
If White loses despite a big Republican push, it’ll demoralize the local GOP, which has few chances to win in Philadelphia.
If DelRicci loses, it’ll be a big blow to her top supporter, new Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, a former state senator who is also Democratic leader of the 58th Ward.
In terms of Pennsylvania House control, this race won’t matter. Republicans hold a commanding 119–83 advantage.
White believes she’ll be more effective than DelRicci in the majority.
“It’s a 119 House majority vs. 83 Democrats. That’s a large gap,” she argued. “I think I’ll have a stronger voice vs. a faint whisper.”
White has the backing of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5; International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22; International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21; AFSCME District Council 33; Teamsters Local 500; Gas Workers Local 686; Drywall Fitters Local 1955; International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8; Glaziers Local 252; Sprinkler Fitters Local 692; Steamfitters Local 420; Painters 2011; and Plasterers Local 8.
Dan Tinney, a member of Steamfitters 420 and a Republican candidate for an at-large City Council seat, said, “Martina is exactly what Northeast Philadelphia needs. She is young, smart and committed to fighting for our neighborhoods in Harrisburg.”
DelRicci has been endorsed by the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Sheet Metal Workers Local 19; Teamsters Locals 107, 830 and 77; Teamsters Joint Council 53; Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters; Roofers Local 30; Operating Engineers Local 542; AFSCME District Council 13; Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1; PA Association of Nurses & Allied Professionals; Insulators Local 14; United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776; and United Auto Workers.
DelRicci linked White to Harrisburg Republicans, who she said have not been helpful to Philadelphia public schools.
“Why would we cut school funding?” DelRicci asked.
White recently picked up the backing of City Councilman and former House Speaker Denny O’Brien, who said, “I served in Harrisburg and represented the Northeast. I understand what is needed to be a strong voice for the people you represent. Martina White has the experience, professional skills and commitment to be a successful leader for the Northeast. Martina believes that doing what’s right for the people of the Northeast means focusing on issues and saying no to partisanship and political games.”
Ron Castille, a former district attorney and recently retired chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, is also with White. A Rhawnhurst resident, he said, “Martina White has the integrity, professional skills, and understanding of the Northeast that we need in the state legislature today.”
White, 26, is a financial adviser, and thinks that will help her on budget issues.
“I know numbers,” she said.
White is a graduate of Nazareth Academy Grade School and Villa Joseph Marie High School. She is a former captain of the field hockey team at Elizabethtown College, where she earned a degree in business administration, with a double concentration in finance and marketing. She used to live in Somerton and now lives in Parkwood.
“I was born and raised here in the Northeast,” she said. “I know how hard working everyone is in the Northeast.”
DelRicci, 34, has been executive director of the Parkwood Therapeutic Riding Center, a facility that is known for its work with autistic children, since 2012. She is married with three children and lives on Vinton Road in Parkwood.
A native of Hamilton, New Jersey, she worked eight years as a hospital veterinary assistant. New to Philadelphia in 2000, she became active as an assistant teacher at Grace Neighborhood Development Corporation, an organization based at 5200 Oxford Ave. that aids low-income and underserved children. In 2007, she began working on the occupational advisory committee at W.B. Saul Agricultural High School in Roxborough. In 2010, she was hired as the large animal safety consultant for the school of veterinary technology at Manor College. She’s also been a member of the Parkwood Civic Association for eight years.
“My record shows I care about my community,” she said. “It’s a way of life for me. I love solving problems. I love helping people.”
DelRicci said she expects about 3,500 people to vote. White anticipates 4,000 to 6,000, but wouldn’t be surprised at a lighter turnout.
Both candidates have sent mailings and knocked on doors. The Somerton Civic Association tried to arrange a debate, but only White agreed to take part.
White has enjoyed going to civic meetings in Bustleton, Parkwood and Somerton.
“I love going to those meetings to hear about the issues directly from people,” she said.
White wants more police patrol cars in the 7th and 8th police districts to prevent small crimes from creeping into those neighborhoods. She’ll work with business groups to create good jobs. And she believes people are already paying enough taxes. Both candidates want better public schools.
“I’m not looking to cut funding,” White said.
“I’m an advocate for early intervention,” said DelRicci, citing children with dyslexia and vision and hearing problems.
DelRicci, who sends her two oldest children to Philadelphia Academy Charter School, said it is “really disheartening” when people move out of the city when their kids become school age. ••
Martina White (left)
