A newly formed conservative organization, the Independence Hall Foundation has named Tom Smith as 2013 Patriot of the Year and Pennsylvania State Representative Stephen Barrar (R-160) as 2013 Legislator of the Year.
The Independence Hall Foundation was formed this year as an organization dedicated to the values and principles enunciated in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Tom Smith, 66, a former elected official and successful businessman from Armstrong County, PA, best known for his bid to oust incumbent Bob Casey from the US Senate, was chosen for his “decades long commitment to the principles of the Founders,” said Foundation spokeswoman, Teri Adams.
“Over the course of his lifetime, Mr. Smith has dedicated himself to serving the community and the state of Pennsylvania. He has generously contributed to reformed-minded, non-profit organizations, such as the Commonwealth Foundation, which advocate for improvements in government and our free market economy.
“More importantly, we recognize the character of Mr. Smith as a caring family man. He and his wife, Saundy, have raised 7 children, four of whom were adopted,” said Ms. Adams.
“As a teenager, Mr. Smith sacrificed an opportunity to attend college in order to run the family business after his father became ill.
“Tom Smith has always led by example–just as our nation’s founders–and he is certainly a Patriot in their mold.”
The Independence Hall Foundation has also selected State Representative Stephen Barrar, who represents parts of Chester and Delaware County, PA as its 2013 Legislator of the year.
Rep. Barrar, prior small business owner, former Township Commissioner, and U.S. Navy, retired, is now serving in his sixth term in the Pennsylvania House.
“We are most grateful to Rep. Barrar for his advocacy of Voter ID reform, liquor control privatization, and his efforts to stop runaway taxation most recently evidenced in the 2013 PA Transportation Bill,” said Ms. Adams.
“Rep. Barrar, like Tom Smith, is also as successful businessman and dedicated family man. He is a man of character, who has also been named an honorary member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for his support of disabled veterans.
The honors were presented at the Fifth Annual Christmas Tea Party held Dec. 27 by the Independence Hall Tea Party Association, at the Omni Hotel. The even was held on the 240th Anniversary of the Philadelphia Tea Party when a crowd of 8,000 kept the British ship Polly from unloading 697 chests of tea.
WPHT talk show host Dom Giordano reprised his role as Dr. Benjamin Rush, with Association board member John Peteraf playing Captain Ayers of the Polly and Jason DeCesare being the narrator.
Music was provided by the Whitehall Guard Fife and Drum, and Association board member Trudy Beckschi who played Christmas carols on the hotel’s grand piano.
Also on hand was Congressman Jon Runyan (R-NJ3) who was introduced by Association Board Member William Green IV, 2013 NJ US Senate Candidate Dr. Alieta Eck and 2013 Philadelphia Republican District Attorney candidate Danny Alverez.