Cerrato Launches Her Political Career In 151st Legislative District

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —It's been a busy week for new state Rep. Melissa Cerrato.

On Tuesday, the Horsham Township resident was in Harrisburg for the swearing-in ceremony to begin her first term as state representative of the 151st Legislative District, replacing long-time Rep. Todd Stephens.

"I was honored to be joined by my family as I took the oath of office and I'm excited to begin serving the people of Montgomery County," she said in a Facebook post. "I look forward to working on issues like livable wages and quality education that will benefit working families in our communities and across the Commonwealth."

By Friday, Cerrato was trying to get her new legislative office at 605 Horsham Road in Horsham Township open.

She told Patch in a Facebook Messenger chat Friday morning that she received the keys to the new office Wednesday and that most of the furniture arrived Thursday.

She was in her new office Friday putting the furniture together and then awaiting Comcast's arrival Monday to get her office wired before phones and computers could be brought in from Harrisburg.

"I'm hopeful to be up and running with full staff in the next two weeks," she said.

Cerrato, 40, defeated Republican incumbent Stephens in the Nov. 8 Midterm Elections. Stephens, who is also a Horsham Township resident, had served as state representative for 12 years. Stephens was recently honored by the Horsham Township council.

The 151st Legislative District went through a redistricting so the maps now include the Montgomery County communities of Horsham Township, Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery Township, and Ambler Borough.

Cerrato, a political newcomer, is the former district office director for Rep. Liz Hanbidge. The Democrat had told Patch when she was running for office "to fight for her community."

She has lived in the township for more than a decade and has four daughters attending the Hatboro-Horsham School District.

Cerrato had discussions last month about how the transition of power works when a representative leaves office.

"While many may realize that offices and staff do not transfer, in situations where an office was held by one party and then becomes held by another, as is the case with the 151st Legislative District, most are unaware that the data and records of the previous office are not transferred," she posted.

Cerrato said December was a "crash course in all matters affecting the district."

She wanted to secure office space that was central to the new district lines due to the redistricting. She also needed to put together a staff, which includes Hatboro Councilman Alex Myers as a part-time constituent service advisor and bonded notary public.

She said Stephens helped to make the transition easier and had posted a picture of the two together.

"Our former representative was willing to work together for the benefit of our community and ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible," Cerrato said. "This is the civility and selflessness that I hope returns to our government as a whole."

Anyone needing help with state-related matters should reach out to Cerrato via this link.