Politics & Government

Former Union Head to Challenge Rep. Simmons

Former Easton Area teachers union president Kevin Deely announced he will run as a Democrat for the 131st District seat.

Easton Area High School English teacher Kevin Deely has announced his candidacy for Rep. Justin Simmons' state House seat in the upcoming election.

which Simmons currently represents, includes a portion of Salisbury Township and he has a is located in the .

According to the Express-Times, Deely, a former president of the Easton Area teachers union, will run as a Democrat and hopes to help change the government culture at the state level. Deely has accused Simmons, a freshman Republican, of being absent for crucial votes and of siding with big business interests, the article indicates.

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Simmons countered Deely's claims by pointing to his record of breaking ranks with party members on several key votes; accused him of being beholden to teachers; and stated that Deely is "'living in a fantasy world,'" according to the article.

In June, Simmons announced his support for a ban on teacher strikes in Pennsylvania. The Saucon Valley School District has been disrupted by two teacher strikes within the last four years.

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Simmons also recently put forward a House bill that would amend a section of the state's Public School Code to require that the homes of registered sex offenders be taken into consideration where bus stops are concerned.


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