I’ve lived in the Mon Valley for the last 13 years. I’ve created and raised a family here. I know the struggles that our community faces. For far too long, our leaders have ignored those struggles, and haven’t addressed the issues that affect the working and middle-class members of the Mon Valley. Well, to that, I say “No More!”

There is no power for change greater then a community discovering what it cares about!

–Margaret J Wheatley

Investigate what current and prior legislators in this district have done during their terms in office. You’ll find that it amounts to little more than designating sections of highways as Memorial Highways and removing environmental safeguards in our community. Meanwhile, jobs are leaving our communities, and people have become disillusioned with the current state of governance.

So how do we fix the problem? The solution is simpler than it seems. We need to put people who are in touch with the common man into positions that can put policies in place that will benefit us all, not just the few who contribute the most to a campaign.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “OK, so what are you going to do about it?” In my mind, the first step is actually listening to you, my constituents, regardless of whether you vote for me or the “other guy.” I know what I feel are needs in the community, but everyone has needs that aren’t being met. If I’m elected, I will take those needs into account when proposing legislation.

But I won’t stop there. In order for legislation to make it past the proposal stage, it has to be approved by enough representatives. I’ve always been a proponent of bipartisanship. In recent years, politics has become a “my team is better than yours” battle. This needs to stop. There is plenty of common ground between Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, and my goal is to reach across the aisle and work with the other representatives to make the government serve the people, and not political parties.

The Time for Change is Now

If I’m elected, I’ll serve as a force of change in the stagnant political climate here in Pennsylvania. I’ll serve as your voice in Harrisburg. And I’ll serve the needs of the Mon Valley!