Editor's Note: Democrat Larry DeMarco is running against Republican incumbent Joe Hackett in the General Assembly 161st District race.

The 161st District includes parts of Radnor Township:

• Ward 03, first precinct
• Ward 04, first precinct
• Ward 06, both precincts 

This letter was submitted to Media Patch on DeMarco's behalf.

I am running for State Representative to make a difference in people’s lives. In my career and my life, I have always been committed to helping others and giving back to the community. I want to make the the 161st District, and Pennsylvania, a better place to live, work and play.

I was raised in South Philly, and graduated from St. Joe’s Prep, Dickinson College, Villanova Law and Temple. I now live in Wallingford, where I am an attorney who runs my own small firm standing up for individuals against big insurance companies and representing victims of crime. I'm also a board member with the Cohmar Organization, which helps patients with psychological and substance abuse issues. I work hard to make our community a better place to live.

Like you, I am frustrated that the majority in Harrisburg, including my opponent, does not listen to their constituents, but instead, caters to corporate needs and special interests.

Like you, I want strong public schools and affordable access to college to prepare our children for successful lives. I specifically decided to run because I wanted to restore public education funding. Like most parents in our community, I was concerned about the quality of my 9 year old son’s education. I feared that $1 billion in budget cuts, which my opponent supported, would threaten his education and his future.

Like you,  I want a clean, safe and healthy environment for our families, roads, bridges and infrastructure that attract new businesses and industries, a responsible approach to the Marcellus gas industry, and well-paying, sustainable jobs for Pennsylvanians.

As our State Representative, I will stand up for us, and against the powerful interests that dominate Harrisburg. Enough is enough. We can, and must do better. I will go to Harrisburg to fight for us, because I am one of us. On Tuesday, Nov. 6, I need your vote so we can work together to make our community a better place to live.

Larry DeMarco
Wallingford
Candidate for State Representative, 161st District