News
Family business The widow of a deceased state representative is on next week’s special election ballot.
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aria Donatucci, wife of the state Rep. Robert C. Donatucci, who passed away after being re-elected in November, will run for her husband’s former General Assembly seat. The special election is taking place Tuesday. The 56-year-old South Philadelphia native has called Girard Estate home for almost her entire life and has raised her two children — Thomas, 25, and Dierdre, 22 — there as well. The only child to comedian Phil Jaye and Jean Patelmo, Donatucci is a graduate of Philadelphia High School for Girls and has taken credits at various institutions including Philadelphia College of Art, Philadelphia Community College, Pierce Junior College and Temple University. Donatucci is a board member for the American Swedish Historical Museum, Lions Club, Friends of Girard Park and Giarard Farms Community Club. She also won the 2007 Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Donatucci will face off against Repub-
SPR: What political experience do you have? Donatucci: Since our marriage in 1984, I have been what one would refer to as a “Pro Bono Community Liaison” for my husband, the late Rep. Robert Donatucci. In that capacity, I was thoroughly briefed on all vital community issues my husband was involved in, and, on many occasions, when Bob’s job duties kept him in Harrisburg, I represented him at various community meetings and events and discussed the issues on his behalf.
relief for our senior citizens and working families. Education is a top priority because children are our future. However, I would also like to see recreation centers up and running for after-school activities and for summer programs.
SPR: What are your thoughts on the legacy SPR: What is your proudof Robert Donatucci est community-related and what would you like achievement? to do with any of his unMaria Donatucci Donatucci: One that realfinished projects? ly stands out was participaDonatucci: Bob’s legacy tion in the fight against “Trash to Steam.” was built on the fact that he voted for what Although it was Bob who initiated the op- would be beneficial to the residents of his position to the City administration, by his district. At times, he was even bipartisan side, we started a petition drive to squash because it was the right thing to do. He the project that we felt would be environ- had a very steady approach to legislation mentally detrimental. Over 6,000 signa- — doing what was best for his voters, not tures later, the project was scrapped. special-interest groups. As the new voice in Harrisburg, I want to continue caring SPR: What is your vision for the for the community I serve by fighting for 185th District’s South Philadelphia legislation that is good for them and fightcoverage area? ing against legislation that would be a burDonatucci: I would like to see a safe den to local taxpayers. SPR community with little or no crime, so I will stay focused on making South PhilaComment at www.southphillyreview.com/news/ delphia safer. I would also like to see tax features.
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8 SOUTH PHILLY REVIEW I January 27, 2011
lican Lewis Harris Jr. of Southwest Philadelphia. The 185th District represents the area west of Broad and south of Passyunk Avenue including Girard Estate, Marconi, Packer Park and the western portion of the Navy Yard as well as Southwest Philly and parts of Delaware County. Area polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the 26th ward.
I also have a strong handson governmental background having worked for various departments of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority in the ’70s and ’80s and working as an adjudicator and supervisor for the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication for the last 14 years.
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