Mark LaVelle, the Republican candidate in the 177th Legislative District, held a fundraiser Saturday night at the Point No Point banquet hall in Bridesburg.
LaVelle is challenging Democratic Rep. Joe Hohenstein. The district includes areas of Northwood, Port Richmond, Wissinoming, Tacony and Bridesburg.
LaVelle opposes injection sites, boom parties, illegal ATV rising and the “lawless” policies of District Attorney Larry Krasner. He favors hiring more police officers, a crackdown on stolen catalytic converters, “responsible” riverfront development and firefighters, first responders and the city labor movement.
The challenger says he wants to “restore” not “improve” quality of life.
“I’m not running against Joe Hohenstein. I’m running for something,” he said. “I want my children to grow up how I did.”
LaVelle, who has been a youth sports coach for 30 years, said he has knocked on more than 5,400 doors. He asked people to vote by no-excuse, mail-in ballots. He describes himself as a “river ward rat,” having moved from Kensington to Port Richmond to Bridesburg.
Among those joining him at the fundraiser were city elections commissioner Seth Bluestein, congressional candidate Aaron Bashir and City Council at-large candidate Drew Murray. ••
