Why I am a Candidate-State Representative

I filed my paperwork on Feb. 9 to run for State Representative in the 25th District. Many people have asked me why I have decided to run. Their comments are based on the fact that most people think it is going to be very difficult to unseat a well liked, 30 year representative. Believe me, the decision was one I thought long and hard about.

I was first approached back on Dec. 23, 2011 by a friend of mine, Dave Majernik. Dave is the Chairman of the Plum Republican Committee and the Vice-Chair of the Allegheny County Republican Committee. He asked me if I would consider running against Representative Joe Markosek. I told Dave I would meet with him to discuss his idea. I also met with John Vossen, the Chair of the Monroeville Republican Committee.  At the time of the decision, Murrysville we not going to be part of the 25th District.

During the meeting, Dave, John and several others talked to me about how difficult a race against Representative Markosek would be. I listened to both sides of the discussion. Several people felt I should not run because it would be “impossible to beat him”. However, Dave and John felt that the race was not impossible and it was also important that the party provide a clear alternative to Mr. Markosek. They suggested that I consider it.

I also reached out to several other people who I thought could add valuable insight.

All of these conversations occurred just before Christmas. After Christmas, I began to put a team together to help me get on the ballot. Getting on the ballot for elected office is not as easy as it sounds. It requires an amazing amount of leg work. State Representative requires 300 valid signatures and a candidate really needs over double that amount to avoid a court challenge. On Jan. 24, 2012, my team and I began to circulate petitions.

About TWO weeks later, we had accumulated over 700 signatures. I filed my petition in Harrisburg on Feb. 9, 2012. On Feb. 10, I contacted  Representative Markosek and told him that I would be running against him for his seat. I felt that I owed him that courtesy.

So why am I running against a man that everyone says will be impossible to beat. Well, first of all, democracy only works when people have a choice. Secondly, while I respect Representative Markosek, he has been in Harrisburg for 30 years. It is time for different ideas, different solutions. It is time for someone with real life experience.

I have spent my entire life living in the 25th District. I have worked at the family business in both Plum and Pitcairn. I have shopped and eaten in restaurants in Murrysville and N.Versailles. And I have lived in Monroeville my entire life. I am the only candidate that has been born, raised and educated in the 25th District.

I bring a lifetime of experience to the role of State Representative. My experience is diverse and real life. I have experienced magnificent successes in my life and heart felt disappointments. I will bring all of that experience with me if I am elected as your State Representative.

So, I am now a candidate to be YOUR State Representative!  If you have any questions for me, please ask!