New Representation

Post date: Dec 22, 2011 3:4:21 PM

I had a great conversation with Neil Deegan, who is the legislative aide to Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz. The Congresswoman is now the representative to Norristown and half of East Norriton. I am particularly pleased that she is our representative now because she really knows how to get things going in Washington. I don’t know if you are aware of a site called MyGov365.com, but if you are and follow her, you will get notifications at least weekly of different bills she is sponsoring. In the current political climate it is very difficult for a Democrat to forward legislation but she knows how to work the system because of her many years as a minority member in the house.

This is a great thing for our area. We finally have a representative in DC who will listen to our concerns and work to make change. One case in point is the subsided housing issue. When I was President of Norristown Council I met with Congressman Gerlach about the Section 8 housing law. The law is a federal act, but administered by the county, and as you all know, is a very sensitive issue for Norristown and many municipalities like Norristown. Gerlach promised he would look into it and promptly seemed to drop it. I brought the issue up in my conversation with Neil and I know I can feel secure that Schwartz will at least look into it. This is a very important issue for the area because the population economic diversity dramatically affects Norristown as well as East and West Norriton.

At least this is one piece of good news for 2012. But as always, we need to work hard to make sure that she stays in office as she is running for re-election this year. Petitions start January 24, 2012 and she needs 1000 or more to be on the ballot. We need to do our part to help. So after our respective winter celebrations are over, it will be time to start work again for the new cycle.

I wish you all a very Happy Holiday and Happy New Year. May we all see great Democratic things in 2012.