People ask me why I am running for State Representative in Pennsylvania's 150th Legislative District, and here is what I tell them:

• I am cause-oriented:  the right way to run for office is to listen to the voters, truly understand the problems facing them and then work very hard on their behalf to make their lives better.

• I believe in being fully committed to the residents of my district, and in doing what is best for them, rather than for special interest groups. 

• I believe in using team work and bipartisanship to get results.  I have demonstrated my collaborative skills through my work in the Collegeville Community on Borough Council.  I will be just as hard-working and proactive in the State Legislature on the residents' behalf.

• I enjoy life in Montgomery County, and  am concerned about maintaining our quality of life, especially in this economy.  I have an excellent understanding of how the business and the commercial sectors operate.  I am committed to making communities better through the legislative process.

• As of March, 2010, unemployment in Montgomery County is at 7.8%--the highest it has been in 20 years.  Yet I have not seen any actions to address this issue by my opponent during his two terms in office.    I will make it a priority to deliver a comprehensive strategy and plan to create jobs, build a strong workforce, and help small businesses.

• I am concerned about our environment:  the Marcellus Shale contains what may be the largest natural gas reserve in the US.  Although this is a financial boon for the state, at the same time we must fight for responsible gas drilling with strong environmental regulations.

• I believe that Harrisburg must be reformed and that trust in State Government must be earned and then restored.  I believe by putting well-being of the residents of my district first that I can help make this happen. 

• The Pennsylvania Legislature needs more women.  Our Commonwealth is listed as 46th out of the 50 states in terms of the percentage of female lawmakers in its legislature--that makes Pennsylvania the fifth lowest in the nation, ahead of only Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Oklahoma--not a record to be proud of!
  

• I believe that the job of government is to help and protect the residents and not interfere with their lives or hinder progress and development.

• I have never forgotten all the people who reached out to help me in Norristown as I grew up.  My  goal is to serve the residents of the 150th District to the best of my ability and to give back every chance I have to make the area--and individual lives--better.

• Although the voter registration and performance numbers in the 150th are the most favorable they have ever been for electing a Democrat this fall to the State House, 42.6% Democrats vs. 42.2% Republicans, I need your vote and your help to secure the victory!

• I need volunteers to help get my campaign message out to the residents of the 150th. I welcome you, you family and your friends to join me in reaching out to your friends, acquaintances, relatives and co-workers in the 150th District, to help me communicate my campaign messages and goals.

Thank you, as ever, for your loyalty and support.