Seeks broad coalition to support his campaign
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Harry Lewis Jr. addresses supporters Wednesday night in declaring his candidacy for State Representative.
COATESVILLE — Amidst a crowded room filled with supporters, friends, former colleagues and students, Harry Lewis Jr. said Wednesday night it would take a broad coalition supporting him for him to be elected as State Representative for the new 74th state house district.
Lewis, the former principal of Coatesville High School and something of a legend as a high school track athlete — and later as a coach at Coatesville — announced he would seek the Republican nomination for the state house seat in 2014, which moves to Chester County from Clearfield County in 2014, in front of a packed house at the Lukens House.
As the third candidate to announce for what is expected to be a highly competitive race — Democrats Joshua Young and Josh Maxwell previously declared — Lewis said running in a district that looks to be a Democratic stronghold would be a challenge, and that he would need the help and ideas of a broad spectrum of people in the community if his race were to be successful.
“I don’t have all the answers,” Lewis said. “But I sure as heck have a heart for our community and the demonstrated skills to effectively serve. And here’s another point I need to make: I need everyone — Republicans and Democrats alike — the diverse group that has gathered here this evening to support me.”
Although not typically the case in Chester County state house races, at least terms of voter registration, the 74th District would look to be an uphill climb for Republicans. But Republican County Chairman Val DiGiorgio vowed not just to be competitive, but that Lewis would prevail.
“We are fighting to win this seat, despite what the pundits said,” DiGiorgio said. “The message we’re going to put out to this community is that we care and we want to represent you in the state capitol.”
But, DiGiorgio said, there’s more to it for him personally. What really excites him is the idea of sending an African-American Republican to the state house, he said.
“That will be my proudest day (as county GOP chair),” DiGiorgio said. “When Harry Lewis is sworn into the state legislature.”
Although Lewis has never held or run for elective office, he has been very active in the community, since retiring as principal of Coatesville High School in 2006 — calling himself “the quintessential ambassador” for the area. Until earlier this year, he served as chairman of the board of the Brandywine Health Foundation and served on the board of Brandywine YMCA, in addition to a number of more informal efforts in the community he’s been involved with.
And as he said he knows the district well, he admits that he sees some of the differences — and even at times, divisions — in the community. He hopes to help be a unifying force if elected.
“I know we don’t see the world from the same perspective and too often we allow the our differences to divide us,” Lewis said. “And change, such as this district change, is usually a bit uncomfortable and sometimes ushers in suspicion and divisiveness.
“The people in this new district are as different as night and day,” he said. “They come from every economic level, cultural background, life experiences and our reality isn’t the same.
“But the image we have of one another is frequently tainted. Because of our many achievements, especially at the county level, we may discount the need to work together. (but) we cannot afford to disregard any one municipality, or young person or elderly person — not one neighborhood or cultural group.”
The announcement ceremony did bring out a diverse group, ranging from elected officials — current state representatives Tim Hennessey — who currently represents the city and some surrounding municipalities — and Warren Kampf, as well as County Commissioner Terrence Farrell and Coatesville City Council member Ed Simpson — to those affiliated with some of the organizations Lewis has worked with in recent years, to former teaching colleagues (including former Downingtown East High School Prinicipal Linwood Smith, who introduced Lewis) and former students.
The new 74th District includes Caln, Coatesville, Downingtown, East Caln, East Fallowfield, Modena, Parkesburg, South Coatesville, Sadsbury and Valley.
