. . . But challenger says
it’s time for a change

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

All across the country, political candidates are positioning themselves as agents of change.
That’s the case in the 179th Legislative District, where Guy Lewis is challenging Rep. Tony Payton in the Democratic primary on April 22.
"It’s time for a change," Lewis said. "A vote for me is a vote for change."
Last week, Lewis supporters crowded into his campaign headquarters at 1800 Orthodox St. to hear him officially declare his candidacy. He filed about 1,700 nominating petitions to get on the ballot. The minimum was 300.
Among the crowd were City Commissioner Marge Tartaglione, state Sen. Tina Tartaglione (the commissioner’s daughter) and former City Councilman Dan Savage.
Support from ward leaders Marge Tartaglione (62nd), Savage (23rd) and Bill Dolbow (35th) helped Lewis earn the party endorsement over Payton, a freshman who was elected in 2006 without party backing.
Lewis, 53, describes himself as a lifelong "Frankfordite." He’s worked 22 years as a nurse, including the last 16 years at Temple University Hospital. He works in the trauma center and is a union representative. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve Nurse Corps during the Persian Gulf War.
If elected, much of his focus will be on health care. He’s planning a health fair for March 15 at the Northeast Boys & Girls Club.
One of the reasons he is challenging Payton is that he’s been unsuccessful in setting up a meeting with the lawmaker to talk about establishing a wellness center.
Marge Tartaglione suggested Payton was too busy seeking media coverage and campaigning out of state for presidential candidate Barack Obama.
"He loves to have his picture taken," she said.
In office, Lewis wants to work to reduce the high school dropout rate, hire more teachers and bring computers and updated textbooks to classrooms.
The challenger doesn’t think Payton is focusing enough on elementary and secondary education, noting that the legislator’s focus has been on passing a bill that would give college scholarships to state universities for any student who maintains a 3.0 grade-point average and a 90-percent attendance rate.
"That’s putting the cart before the horse," Lewis said.
On other issues, Lewis wants to provide resources for individuals who are being released from prison. He promises to be an accessible representative who will meet with community leaders to discuss the district’s needs.
Marge Tartaglione, who has spent 32 years as a commissioner and 51 years in politics, thinks Lewis is a terrific candidate. She said he’s the better choice because he grew up in the area and has a grasp of the challenges the neighborhoods face.
"He’s running to represent the 179th," she said.
Sen. Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.) likes the challenger’s Frankford roots, his professional background and his military service.
"His credentials are excellent," she said.
Savage served a year-plus representing the 7th Councilmanic District, which includes much of the 179th district. He knows the challenges of serving such a diverse district and believes Lewis can effectively represent Oxford Circle, Northwood, Frankford and the other neighborhoods.
"I’m proud to endorse Guy Lewis," he said. "It’s time for a change, and Guy is definitely the guy who can bring the communities together." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com