County commissioner plans to take on two-term Sen. Rafferty
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Kathi Cozzone
UWCHLAN — Just weeks after opting not to run for Congress, County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone announced plans to run for the state Senate against long-time incumbent Sen. John Rafferty in the 44th District.
Cozzone, a county commissioner since 2007, said she was motivated by the state government — the legislature and Gov. Tom Corbett — failing to address the needs of local communities and school districts.
“I’m proud to be a constant advocate for the people of Chester County and I’ve worked hard during my time as Commissioner to make this county an even better place to live and work,” Cozzone said. “However, time and time again we’ve seen our local communities devastated by the Governor’s budgets, and we need a Senator in Harrisburg that will stand for the people of Pennsylvania, instead of being yet another ‘yes’ vote for Corbett’s disastrous budgets.”
Some might find it a bit curious that she opted into the state Senate race just weeks after saying no to a Congressional race. But, she said, the issue comes down to family time with her husband and middle-school student son.
“Harrisburg is much more amenable to to my family life, than would be serving in Washington, D.C.,” she said.
She promised to be an independent voice for the people of the 44th District — and vote her conscience, rather than her party, when it comes to the issues that matter to local families.
“While in Harrisburg Sen. Rafferty has voted with his party instead of his constituents on every major issue and in the past few years we’ve seen Harrisburg Republicans force too many cuts to education, lead too many attacks on working families, and not focus nearly enough on getting Pennsylvania’s economy back on track. It’s time for new leadership in Harrisburg, and I’m ready to fight for the families of Pennsylvania.”
Rafferty has served in the seat since replacing Jim Gerlach — who ran for Congress — in 2003, winning reelection in 2006 and 2010. Currently, he serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and is vice chair of the Judiciary Committee.
Cozzone, currently vice-chair of the board of County Commissioners, is in her second term, having won re-election in 2011.
Over the past six years, Cozzone said she has worked hard to fight for the citizens of Chester County and is excited for the chance to continue to serve the people of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Before serving as a Commissioner, Cozzone spent almost 25 years in financial business management, where she managed complex budgets for major corporations, and she plans to bring that business experience to Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania’s 44th Senatorial District covers parts of Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties.
