The Delaware County GOP has endorsed former Upper Darby Council President Brian Burke and Liz Piazza in the May 20 primary for county council. But they lost another endorsee after a social media kerfuffle caused her to withdraw.
Burke and Piazza focused on how the county does business and pledged to be watchdogs for taxpayers.
Burke noted the more than 23 percent real estate hike passed in December by the current all-Democratic council, with another hefty tax hike likely for next year, as a reason for his candidacy and a reason for voters to support Republicans.
“You can’t open the books until you’re there,” said Burke. Burke noted he uncovered various issues while on the Upper Darby Council, from a parking ticket scandal to a controversy over American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds.
If elected, he would, “hold them accountable” for wasteful spending and “ask hard questions” like he did in Upper Darby.
Brian Burke
“When you don’t get an answer, you know they’re doing something wrong,” he said.
Burke is a member of Pipefitters Local 420. He’s married with three grown children.
Piazza ran for state representative in Media, and she says she enjoyed meeting people on the campaign trail.
“When I was told that there would be a seat open for county council, I thought it would be another way I could again listen to the constituents and become a part of addressing needs and concerns that they have with county budgets, tax increase and excess of spending,” said Piazza.
Piazza was a county employee dealing with domestic relations (child support) in the family law division for nearly 20 years before retiring. She also was an adjunct professor at Delaware County Community College for seven years, teaching in the paralegal program.
“For the last four years, I’ve worked full-time for one of my son’s companies,” said Piazza. “He owns Piazza Property Pros Pro Pool Experts, where I oversee many functions of the company.”
“My parents always taught me to work hard for what you want in life and help people along the way and respect who you are. Due to working in the county for all those years I know how county government runs. Working in my current position, I oversee budgeting, finances, human resources, and many other hats I wear to keep the company running daily.”
Piazza is not married. She is the mother of three grown children and has 12 grandchildren. She’s had custody of two grandchildren, now 15 and 11, for the last nine years, she said.
In recent years, the county has taken on too many costly obligations, such as the formerly private prison and opening a county health department, he said.
“What has the county health department done for us?” Burke asked. “Restaurant inspections were previously done for less money at the municipal level. Now hospitals are closing and there are too few EMS providers. Too many county employees are making more than $100,000 and don’t live in Delaware County,” he added.
Liz Piazza
The Republican Committee had previously endorsed Chester Upland School Board Member Tasliym Morales, but she withdrew after facing online attacks.
“I withdrew to allow the Delco GOP to focus on petition season without having to devote focus to the multiple firestorms set ablaze on social media from those against my endorsement,” Morales said. “The Delco GOP offered their full support of me as a candidate and encouraged me to continue with the endorsement. However, for the good of the party I decided to step aside this run and focus on continuing out my school board term and county board appointment to Children and Youth Services.
“The attacks against me politically, while not harmful to my character, were grossly misrepresented. It is well-documented that I have been a Republican since I was able to register. Right now, I am focused on helping the Delco GOP secure some wins in this upcoming election and moving the party forward.”
Delaware County GOP Chairman Frank Agovino said, “We are excited about Brian Burke and Liz Piazza as our county council candidates. Both are committed to financial sanity in a county that has lost its way as was clearly depicted with the recent 24 percent property tax increase imposed by the all-Democrat council. Brian and Liz are experienced, hardworking and ready to roll up their sleeves and talk to all registered voters about a commonsense budget and their plan for a better future for every Delco resident.”
Also, running for council without the party’s endorsement are Republican activists Charlie Alexander and Sharon Devaney.
The Delaware County Democrats endorsed incumbent council Vice Chair Richard Womack and county Controller Joanne Phillips for county council. Womack, notably, was the only council member who voted against the 23 percent tax hike.
