Key Philadelphia Legislator Tony Payton, Jr. Endorses Dan Onorato for Governor

By ONORATO FOR GOVERNOR

PHILADELPHIA: Today, Philadelphia State Representative Tony Payton Jr. (D-179) threw his support to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato. Payton’s endorsement reinforces the solid support Onorato has built in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

“I am pleased and honored to have the support of Representative Tony Payton,” Onorato said. “As an emerging leader on such issues as education, public safety and renewable energy, Representative Payton has demonstrated his commitment to charting a new course in Pennsylvania that positions current and future generations for success. I look forward to working with him during the election and in subsequent years to help bring real change to Harrisburg.”

Rep. Payton took office in 2007 at the age of 26, becoming the youngest serving member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. Payton represents the Frankford, Hunting Park and Feltonville sections of Philadelphia. Before joining the legislature, he served as President of Pennsylvania Young Democrats and as a housing counselor where he helped low income families learn the principles of personal finance and achieve the dream of homeownership.

“Dan Onorato has what it takes to bring jobs to our communities,” Payton said. “His economic plan will attract the high-growth firms that are shaping our 21st-century economy and creating quality, well-paying jobs. Dan also recognizes the connection between quality education and a growing economy; his plan to invest in early childhood education will help Pennsylvania compete over the next twenty years and beyond. Dan has a clear vision for Pennsylvania’s future and the proven experience necessary to take us there.”

As Allegheny County Executive, Onorato has focused on creating a strong business and jobs climate. After six years of his leadership, Allegheny County now has more jobs than any other county in Pennsylvania, and the county’s unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the state and over two percentage points lower than the national average.

In January, Onorato released a plan to grow Pennsylvania’s economy and help create family-sustaining jobs. Onorato’s plan has five (5) central tenets:
Establish a climate where businesses can succeed;
Launch a “Grow Your Own” success strategy to help firms start, expand and prosper;
Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation;
Boost export opportunities for Pennsylvania companies and attract foreign companies to the state; and
Ensure that Pennsylvania’s workforce is prepared for and able to access high-skill, well-paying jobs.
In supporting Onorato, Representative Payton joins a growing list of Southeastern Pennsylvania elected officials who have endorsed Onorato’s campaign, including Congressman Patrick Murphy of Bucks County, State Senator Andy Dinniman of Chester County, and State Representative Mike Gerber and State Senator Daylin Leach, both of Montgomery County.

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