Good evening and thanks to Chairman Cliff Wilson and the entire leadership of the Delaware County Democratic Party for giving me this opportunity to speak this evening. I also must thank you for your full support and endorsement on my campaign to win the State house seat in the 168^th district.

This is a great time to be a Democrat. 2003 is a great year for the Democratic Party here in Pennsylvania and particularly here in Delaware County.

In January we watched the inauguration of Governor Rendell; his bold leadership will set the agenda for all of us. His job will be tough considering the mess he inherited from 8 years of total Republican control in Harrisburg. Many of his decisions forced on him by the previous failed Republican administration will be difficult and even unpopular, but that is what leadership is all about. We must support him every way possible to insure his ultimate success in moving Pennsylvania forward.

In February, a strong slate of Democrats stepped forward to run for County council. Dr Paul Scoles, Bob Small and Debbie Thomas. They are running a campaign of ideas, led by the concept that it is essential for Delaware County to establish its own Health Department. Once again it is the Democrats leading the way with important ideas to improve the quality of life for all of us in Delaware County.

On May 20, we have many races of importance throughout the county. Judges, school board, council persons and supervisors. On May 20, the folks of Middletown, District 3 will elect Don Dix to Township Council - a feat unimaginable only a couple years ago.

In Upper Providence, my municipality, we have a Ballot question on stopping excessive development and maintaining open space. I believe this measure will pass overwhelmingly, even though the elected leadership of the other party has refused to endorse it. Not one of the 10 Republican county council candidates, state senators, state reps, or the candidates for the special election on June 17^th from ‘that other party’ have come out to endorse it. The Mid County Democratic Committee has endorsed it and given financial backing as well as hundreds of hours of telephoning and door knocking on its behalf. I wholeheartedly endorse this open space Ballot Question.

Following the May 20 elections, we have the annual Delaware County random special election. This year it will be on June 17^th. This is the race in which you have been kind enough to endorse me to become the first Democrat to hold the Seat of the 168^th District. Once again we will control the agenda of Idea’s. We will be strongly supporting the Governor's programs. We will demand reform in health care and prescription drugs; significant improvements in the quality of public education; increases in state funding as prescribed by the state constitution and a halt to the undue excessive burden on property owners.

Let’s get out and support our slate of candidates on May 20^th, then please come out and support me and the Delaware County Democratic Party between May 21 and June 17^th.

Thank You.