By Aphrodite Kotrotsios, Co-Publisher
Special to the Hellenic News of America
On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, Pennsylvania held its Primary Election garnering three solid spots on the ballot for three prominent Greek Americans in the local community. The Primary Election was held across the state, and in Delaware and Philadelphia counties resulted in wins for Rainy Papademetriou, Esq., the Honorable Judge Harry Karapalides, Esq. and Stavroula Kotrotsios, Esq.
Rainy Papademetriou, Esq. ran for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County. Through the huge efforts of her family, friends and supporters she was able to secure a spot on the ballot in the General Election in November. Rainy Papademetriou shared with HNA, “I want to thank everyone for their support. I have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people who inspired me and I will strive to always earn your respect. It has been such an honor and to have the backing of our Greek American community”. Ourania Papademetriou has over twenty-five years of legal experience, all of which has been in service to others. Rainy understands the challenges of everyday people, and has been a help to those most in need. A longtime member of the Philadelphia legal community, she is widely respected for her patience, understanding and compassion. Rainy treats everyone with civility, decorum and respect, qualities which will promote confidence in our courts. The daughter of Greek immigrants, Rainy comes from a family dedicated to service to others. Her father served as a Greek Orthodox priest for over sixty years, working alongside his beloved wife for the benefit of the community. Residents of the city for more than thirty years, Rainy and her husband Jon Belisonzi raised two daughters who attended Philadelphia public schools. All continue to be active members of Saint George Cathedral in Philadelphia, located in the neighborhood where they live and work.
The Honorable Judge Harry Karapalides, Esq. ran for his third term as a Magisterial District Judge in Upper Darby, Delaware County. Karapalides was able to secure a spot on both the Republican and Democratic ballots for the General Election, which holds high prospects for securing his third term. Karapalides was able to rally the Greek community and the Upper Darby residents in support of his successful campaign. He ran in a contested race, and despite the challenges, both the Democratic and Republican parties will slate Karapalides on the ballot in the Fall General Election. Karapalides has been a Judge for the past 12 years. Born in Camden, NJ and raised in Maple Shade, NJ. Came to Upper Darby in 1985. He received his B.A. in Political Science from Widener University and J.D. from the Delaware Law School of Widener University. He has a private practice concentrating in real estate, business transactions, corporations/LLC, partnerships, wills, and estate. Karapalides is an active member of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, PA.
Stavroula Kotrotsios, Esq. ran for School Board Director of the Marple Newtown School District. Kotrotsios received the endorsement from the Marple Republicans and cross-filed where she was slated on both the Democratic and Republican ballots in the May Primary Election. Kotrotsios won on both ballots in the Primary, and will appear as a candidate on both the Democratic and Republican ballots in the Fall. Kotrotsios was born and raised in Delaware County, where she currently serves as an Assistant District Attorney. She is a graduate of Marple Newtown Senior High School and went on to study Philosophy and Political Science at Villanova University where she graduated Cum Laude. During her time as an undergraduate she also attended the University of Oxford as a visiting scholar. Kotrotsios received her J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2014. Kotrotsios is dedicated to public service and looking forward to serving her community in Delaware County. Kotrotsios is an active member of St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall, PA.
