Amber Little-Turner
COATESVILLE – Amber Little-Turner announced her intention to run for state representative in the 74th legislative district.
Little-Turner has worked for State Rep. Harry Lewis, Jr. in his local legislative office for the last four years and made her decision to run to replace Lewis after he announced in December that he will retire at the end of his 2017-2018 term. She will run in the Republican primary to seek the party’s nomination.
Little-Turner, 32, said that as a mother of four she wants to focus on education if elected to the state House.
“I have children in public, charter and private schools, because I know there is no such thing as a one-size fits all solution to education,” Little-Turner said. “If elected to Harrisburg, I want to work towards ways for all parents to be able to pursue the education that works best for their children.”
As a lifelong resident of the City of Coatesville, Little-Turner said she would also like to focus on continuing the revitalization of the city and surrounding areas, if elected.
“Revitalizing our community is extremely important in order to help everyone continue to prosper,” Little-Turner said. “Having new economic opportunities for all residents is critical and I will put my experience to good use to not just navigate government, but also encourage redevelopment without excessive government restrictions.”
Little-Turner said that she also wants to address the opioid crisis that continues to plague residents across the state. Knowing people personally affected by this crisis, she is motivated to find solutions in Harrisburg.
Prior to working in Lewis’ district office, Little-Turner began her own business as an independent contractor helping local residents gain access to legal services and navigate the legal system. She has been running her business since 2010 and continues to do that work. Her career in public service began when she worked for former Magisterial District Judge Gwenn Knapp in her West Chester office. This is where she developed her passion for helping others.
Little-Turner said she believes her personal experiences are what will truly set her apart as a candidate. As a child, her family faced many economic and personal struggles. At one point, she became a ward of the state and was placed into the foster system. She later became a teenage mother, but those moments have made her who she is today, she said.
“I have not had the easiest of paths, but I also never felt sorry for myself, and I have developed a strong work ethic and determination to better my life,” Little-Turner said. “I think my personal struggles help me relate to our most vulnerable citizens and work on solutions that will truly help them to better themselves and our community.”
Beyond her governmental and business experience, she also is very involved with her community and sits on the boards of the Chester County Women’s Commission, the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce and the Brandywine YMCA.
“Amber is honest, fair and cares about the people of the 74th District,” said former South Coatesville Borough Councilwoman Trish Milanese. “She gained respect from the community through her hard work with State Representative Harry Lewis. She is also a selfless volunteer on various boards. Amber will do a great job continuing Lewis’ momentum.”
Little-Turner said that if elected, she plans to represent all the residents of the 74th district.
“Our politics have become too divisive, and we all need to work across the aisle to come up with real solutions for real people,” Little-Turner said. “I believe Rep. Harry Lewis has done an excellent job of representing everyone and working with colleagues in both parties in Harrisburg to help the people that sent him to Harrisburg. I want to continue that effort.”
Little-Turner and her husband, Emmers, live in the City of Coatesville with their four children.
The 74th legislative District includes the City of Coatesville, the boroughs of Downingtown, Modena, Parkesburg and South Coatesville and the townships of Caln, East Caln, East Fallowfield, Sadsbury and Valley.
