Day: October 22, 2024

Woman Takes On Ancient Legislator In 166th

By Bob Small

In the venerable (1801) British House of Commons, the title Father of the House is bestowed on the member with the most continuous service. Many of them are kicked upstairs to the House of Lords with its 805 members.

Only China has a larger congress, by the way.

Sadly, we have no equivalent place to send “career” legislators.

Greg Vitali (D-166) was first elected in 1993. There are, at least 19 past and present House members who have had longer terms.

Two of them are from Delaware County being Republicans Matthew J. Ryan and Nicholas A. Miccozzie.

The 166th District includes parts of Haverford and Radnor in Delaware County and Lower Merion in Montco.

Vitali’s predecessor was Stephen Friend who served from 1976-1992.

Vitali received his law degree from Villanova in 1981 and practiced for a decade. He lists his occupation as “legislator” on his website.

We wonder if our Founding Fathers meant this to be an occupation.

He has a long-time marriage to his wife Lynn.

The Republican opposition is Kay Dugery She describes herself as an executive recruiting consultant with an MBA from Villanova.

Mrs. Dugery started out as a Judge of Elections. She has worked with the Interfaith Hospitality network, and homeless causes.

She and her husband Peter have three children, three cats, and two dogs.