Bridesburg resident Maggie Borski will focus her campaign on frequent budget impasses, public education, health care and drug policy.
Maggie Borski, a law student and daughter of former congressman Bob Borski, announced that she is seeking the Democratic nomination in the 177th Legislative District.
“I’m running to represent the 177th district because I’ve seen how Harrisburg has failed to meet its obligations to Philadelphia. We need a representative with fresh perspectives, who can approach the issues with a mind for reform and who will work tirelessly for their constituents,” Borski said.
Borski was raised in Torresdale and lives in Bridesburg. Borski graduated from Nazareth Academy and Bloomsburg University and is on pace to graduate next year from Temple School of Law.
Borski has worked for U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, state Rep. Donna Bullock, Judge Marjorie Rendell and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
Borski’s campaign will focus on state issues such as frequent budget impasses, public education, health care and drug policy.
“That starts with prioritizing funding for public education at every level so that Pennsylvania can continue to have a strong, productive workforce. I owe much of my success to public universities, and we need to make sure younger generations have even better, more affordable opportunities. With the threat of disastrous tax and healthcare policy from Washington, we need to make sure everyone, especially Pennsylvania’s children and seniors, has access to affordable healthcare. And as we witness failed drug policies result in addiction and crime, we need new, reform-minded ideas to protect our communities, hold pharmaceutical companies accountable and prioritize diversion programs and rehabilitation instead of incarceration for nonviolent offenders.”
The seat is up for grabs because Republican Rep. John Taylor is not seeking another term.
Joining Borski in the Democratic primary are immigration lawyer Joe Hohenstein, who took about 45 percent of the vote last year against Taylor; Sean Patrick Wayland, who served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve and spent time in Iraq in 2008; Sean Kilkenny, a plasterer who has already been endorsed by four building trades union; and Justin Salmasi, who is raising money on CrowdPac.
A likely candidate is Tom Forkin, an aide to state Rep. Mike Driscoll and chairman of the 55th Ward Democratic Committee.
Others who’ve said they are considering runs are community activist Dan Martino; Harry Enggasser, a ward leader, aide to U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, two-time challenger to Taylor and president of the Bridesburg Civic Association; and Patty-Pat Kozlowski, director of park stewardship at the city Department of Parks and Recreation and a former top aide to late Councilwoman Joan Krajewski.
Other Democrats mentioned include Sean K. McMonagle, an aide to Councilman Mark Squilla, and former Councilman Dan Savage.
Possible Republican candidates include Kozlowski; Chris Vogler, Republican leader of the 55th Ward; Pete Smith, a community activist from Tacony and Wharton School graduate who said he is focusing his attention on supporting a holiday food drive in memory of murder victim Kevin Cullen and building a coalition of block captains to strengthen the Northeast; and Brian Caputo, a former aide to Councilman Brian O’Neill.
Tim O’Brien, a former Municipal Court arraignment magistrate, has taken himself out of consideration.
The 177th district consists generally of Bridesburg, Northwood and parts of Port Richmond, Tacony, West Mayfair, Holmesburg and Lexington Park.
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Mayor Jim Kenney released the following statement on Nina Ahmad, who resigned as deputy mayor for public engagement to pursue what is expected to be a primary challenge to U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D-1st dist.).
“Since the start of my administration, Nina has been instrumental in connecting with the city’s key constituencies. She has overseen the Office of Black Male Engagement, the Philadelphia Commission for Women, the Millennial Advisory Committee, the Mayor’s Commission on African-American Males, the Philadelphia Youth Commission and the Mayor’s Commission on Asian-American Affairs. Nina also helped shepherd the first ever 2017 State of Women and Girls in Philadelphia summit and report. We thank Nina for her diligent service to the city, and wish her well on her future endeavors.”
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The 57th Ward Donkeys & Elephants Team Up for Alex’s Lemonade Stand will take place on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub, 9241–43 Roosevelt Blvd.
The event is hosted by Pat Parkinson and Brian McCann, the Democratic and Republicans leaders, respectively, of the 57th Ward.
The minimum donation is $40.
The evening will include beer, soda, wine and a buffet dinner. There will be a raffle for a year’s supply of Auntie Anne’s pretzels.
Cosponsors are David Krain, Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17, City Councilmen Bobby Henon and Al Taubenberger and city elections commissioners Al Schmidt and Lisa Deeley.
To make an online donation, go to https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1384463
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
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Philly Socialists will meet on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m. at the Calvary Center for Culture & Community, 801 S. 48th St.
The meeting will feature an address by R.L. Stephens on race and class.
Information about the event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/288567514998840/ ••
