Mayor-Turned-Rep. Herrin Opens New Office In West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — The 156th Legislative District's new state representative is a familiar face in West Chester.

Former West Chester Borough Mayor Diane Herrin took the oath of office earlier this week and became Rep. Herrin (D-156th). This week Herrin and her staff have moved into her new office at 21 W. Washington Street, in West Chester Borough.

"Our district office is open and ready to serve you!" Herrin told constituents. She gave a virtual tour and introduced the staff she calls her "Dream Team."

Herrin's former staff assistant in the mayor's office has stayed on with Herrin. Emily Pisano is Herrin's District Office Director after working with Herrin in the West Chester Borough mayor's office. "She will get you an answer if you ever need it," Herrin said.

Pisano said, "After serving as the Assistant to the Mayor and Chief of Police of West Chester Borough for the past 2 and a half years, I am excited to continue working for Rep. Herrin in this new role and look forward to getting to know the people of the 156th District."

Kevin Carson, the Constituent Service Director, has already handled 61 cases since Herrin opened her office. Carson served as Herrin's campaign manager when she ran for mayor.

Kevin Burk serves as a Constituent Service Advisor whose focus is communications.

Laura Semel, also a Constituent Service Advisor will focus on research and legislation, Herrin said.

One more staffer will join later this month. Bria Hughes will be a Constituent Services Advisor focused on outreach.

Pisano added, "We have an amazing team here in our District Office who are dedicated to public service and ready to serve you."

The opening coincided with the Jan. 6 disruption of the United States Congress by rioters.

In response to Wednesday's night's violence at the Capitol in Washington D.C. that disrupted Congress as it prepared to certified the Electoral College votes, Herrin posted in the midst of the attack, "What we are seeing out of Washington is not a protest. This is a violent attempt to subvert our most fundamental democratic institutions in defiance of the rule of law. The images of these terrorists sitting at the desks of our elected officials and mocking our democracy are horrific. Our leaders must stand against the events going on at the Capitol and unite to help restore faith in our democracy by removing this President now."

At 5:02 p.m. on Jan. 6, Herrin Tweeted a video of rioters breaking the windows of a double door in the Capitol. She wrote, "Where is the security!?! It is not like we didn't see this coming."

She also quoted former President George W. Bush, who said, "This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic — not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some of our leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement."

Constituents who require assistance are invited to call Herrin's office at 610-696-4990 or email repherrin@pahouse.net .

The W. Washington Street office will be open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.