Politics & Government
Dems Choose Slattery to Run for Reichley's Seat
Lower Macungie man to take a second run at 134th District seat in April 24 special election.
A Lower Macungie resident will get a chance to win the political seat left vacant by the man who defeated him in the 2010 election.
Patrick Slattery was nominated on Tuesday to be the Democratic candidate with hopes of becoming the state representative for the 134th District, which comprises parts of South Whitehall. The position became vacant when Republican Douglas G. Reichley won a seat in November on the Lehigh County bench. Slattery was the lone Democrat to seek the nomination in the special election that will coincide with the April 24 primary.
The Republican Party is expected to name a challenger on Thursday from a reported field of six candidates.
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“It will be a great honor to represent my community as its State Representative,” said Slattery in a prepared statement after receiving the nomination. “I have worked hard over the past three years, meeting personally with nearly 10,000 constituents so that I can better understand and serve their needs.
"While the process of holding this Special Election has been a strange and confusing one because of Republicans playing games with the process, I am confident that voters will make an informed decision to recognize the work ethic and commitment that I have demonstrated in our community over the past twenty years.”
Find out what's happening in South Whitehallfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Slattery, 41, of 1072 Morningstar Drive, referred to the uncertain special election date that resulted after the Republicans' redistricting plan was rejected by the state Supreme Court. He serves on the Lower Macungie Township Board of Environmental Advisory Council. The board advises the Township Commissioners on environmental issues.
Slattery, the director of business development for KidsPeace, challenged Reichley in 2010 for the seat the Republican eventually held for nine years. Reichley won convincingly, 18,299 to 8,596.
The 134th District includes Lower Macungie, Emmaus, Macungie, Alburtis and parts of South Whitehall, Upper Milford, and Salisbury in Lehigh County and Hereford, Bally, District, Washington and Bechtelsville in Berks County.