Inquirer Editorial: Arkoosh, Adcock best in the 13th

A doctor and able advocate for health-care reform, Val Arkoosh is taking a welcome leap into politics, seeking the 13th District House seat representing parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County. Her experience with federal health policy and as a practitioner gives her expertise in an area where clear thinking is sorely needed. She also has considerable understanding of economic, environmental, and other issues, making

VAL ARKOOSH

the best of the Democrats vying to succeed Rep. Allyson Schwartz in Congress.

Arkoosh faces some strong competition for the nomination. State Rep. Brendan Boyle of Northeast Philadelphia shows great potential but needs seasoning. And State Sen. Daylin Leach of Upper Merion is a fiery fighter for liberal if sometimes lost causes.

The fourth Democratic hopeful, Marjorie Margolies, represented the district for one term two decades ago before she was ousted for supporting Bill Clinton's budget. This time around, she has run a weak campaign that at times suggested a sense of entitlement to her old office.

Arkoosh spent several years lobbying for health-care reform as president of the National Physicians Alliance, and she understands the necessity as well as the flaws of the resulting law. She was a proponent, for example, of a public option that would have enabled government coverage at lower rates than those offered by private companies.

An obstetric anesthesiologist with a master's in public health who also teaches at the University of Pennsylvania's medical school, Arkoosh takes a holistic view of issues. She notes that a living wage and clean air and water are imperatives for a healthy life. And she points out that gun violence is an epidemic requiring preventive measures like better background checks for buyers and restrictions on magazine capacity. To preserve Social Security, she supports raising the cap on income subject to taxation for the program.

Arkoosh would be an informed voice in Congress, and she has shown an ability to work with others and accomplish much.

On the Republican side, Dee Adcock, a swimming pool equipment distributor, is making his second run to represent the Democratic-leaning district. He faces newcomer Beverly Plosa-Bowser, a retired Air Force colonel. While the two have few differences on policy, DEE ADCOCK's experience arguing his party's positions and perspective as a small-business owner make him the better choice for the nomination.