Democrat DeLissio Promises 'Independent Voice' in State House

Continuity but change seems to be the theme behind Democrat Pam DeLissio's campaign for state representative within the 194th House district.

DeLissio said she wants to continue the tradition established by the Roxborough and Manayunk district's predecessors—Democrats Richard Hayden (1986 to 1993) and Kathy Manderino (1983 to today)—while putting her own independent spin in Harrisburg. 

"I want this job, but I don't need it. I approach every job that way, and it gives me the freedom to do an independent job. I won't make decisions on the idea that I may lose my job if I don't act this way," she said in an interview at BKT Architects at 120 Cotton St. in Manayunk.

The Roxborough resident is vying to replace Manderino as the representative for Northwest Philadelphia and parts of Montgomery County. Republican Tim Downey and Green Party candidate Hugh Giordano will face off against the Democrat, who's received endorsements from Manderino and Mayor Michael Nutter, in the fall.

A long-time manager within local nonprofit groups—including the Roxborough Home for Women and the Kearsley Retirement Community—DeLissio wants to apply her real world experience into the public sector.

"As a voter and a taxpayer, I'm concerned and frustrated with what I see in the House and Senate," she said. "It's my priority to make my vision a reality. The private sector is much better at operating effectively and affecting change on all levels."

The DeLissio vision is laid out in its three main priorities—economy and creating jobs, education, and government transparency.

Working for two small businesses, DeLissio said those less prominent entities are the key to generating jobs.

"We need to make jobs where people are gainfully employed and that are sustainable. It's our challenge to help fix the economy, and that starts with aiding our small businesses," she said.

Additionally, she wants the education system to develop students ready to get out into the workplace. Although a product of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's parochial school system, DeLissio worked with students within the School District of Philadelphia in mentoring programs through her nonprofits.

She oversaw an alternate classroom site in Overbrook where students could volunteer and eventually parlay it into part-time jobs, making well above minimum wage at the time. The program featured life skills discussions where DeLissio talked about budgeting, looking for jobs, and programs available.

In addition to establishing standard minimums of funding to bring Philadelphia schools up to par with its counterparts, DeLissio said she wants to instill school-to-work programs and educate the community on opportunities.

"It's my job as a state representative to get information out to the public. I want to hold seminars. Sometimes people need a little handholding to get them into jobs," she said.

For example, she wants citizens to know that they are entitled to one free course at the Community College of Philadelphia if they are downsized from work—a fact, she says, few people know about.

Thirdly, DeLissio seeks greater government transparency within the state capital. As a candidate and representative, DeLissio said she'll alert people to disclosure forms (like financial ones available on her website) and "empower" her constituents.

"You vote for me, and you're committed to a dialogue all the time—not just around election time... People just don't know what state representatives do, and I want to change that," she said.

She also favors nonpartisan redistricting (to prevent gerrymandering) and term limits for legislators. 

In the coming weeks leading to the November election, DeLissio will operate a strategy of "meeting people and understanding how to work in Harrisburg." She has 10 events confirmed, with a meet-and-greet scheduled at the Roxborough Development Corporation Sept. 16.

Thus far in the fall, Giordano's candidacy has been evident through lawn and store signs throughout Roxborough and Manayunk, with a large billboard recently placed at Ridge and Leverington streets. DeLissio is not worried about Giordano's visibility.

"Sign don't vote, people do... As Nov. 2 approaches, you'll see more from us. In the primary we didn't deviate from the plan, and we expect to execute the same way now," she said.

As for debates, DeLissio said she doesn't plan on any currently. If approached, she wouldn't rule it out.

For more information, visit DeLissio's website.