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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Edward Wojnaroski Sr. |
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Wojnaroski announces he will retire from state House at end of 2008
HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Edward Wojnaroski Sr., D-Cambria, today announced that he will retire from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives effective at the end of the current 2007-08 legislative session.
Wojnaroski represents residents of the 71st Legislative District, which includes Johnstown, 10 surrounding boroughs -- Brownstown, Daisytown, Dale, East Conemaugh, Ferndale, Franklin, Geistown, Lorain, Southmont, Westmont -- and the townships of Conemaugh, Richland and Stonycreek.
At the end of his term, Wojnaroski, who took office in 1997, will have spent 12 years in the state legislature. Before that, he spent 26 years with the city, 14 of those as Johnstown's elected city controller.
"As I reflect on my time in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, it's important that I give thanks to all for their cooperation and efforts on my behalf," Wojnaroski said. "Without the trust and support of the thousands of Cambria County residents I serve and the help of my staff, I certainly wouldn't have been able to do this job.
"My staff, both in Harrisburg and in Johnstown, has been outstanding, providing me with the necessary support to represent the 59,000 people in the 71st District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a whole. For that, I heartily thank them.
"It's truly been a privilege to represent the people of this legislative district and it has been a remarkable experience," Wojnaroski said.
As a member of the legislature, Wojnaroski serves on the House Transportation, Game and Fisheries, Insurance and Consumer Affairs committees. He also founded the Alzheimer's Awareness Caucus within the legislature in response to a need for advocacy for the victims, families and caregivers of Alzheimer's disease. The caucus continues to work to find ways to ease the burden of this disease on everyone affected and impacted by Alzheimer's.
Over the last dozen years, Wojnaroski has ensured that the communities throughout his district have benefitted from state programs and initiatives. As a result of millions of dollars in funding realized by the 71st District, such projects with the Point Stadium, Cambria County War Memorial, convention center, and Johnstown City Hall have been possible.
His duties as state representative include assisting residents with state government-related issues and problems. Wojnaroski has helped thousands of people in the region, whether it was getting someone signed up for PACE or the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, helping someone with his vehicle registration, providing a student financial aid form, obtaining a birth certificate or resolving a problem with a state agency.
"It's been very gratifying to be able to help people get through the red tape of state government services -- even the small things can make such a difference to people," he said. "Knowing that I've helped people in need is a great feeling."
After he leaves office, Wojnaroski said that he will spend time with his family, especially his three grandchildren, and friends, but plans to remain active in the Greater Johnstown community through the veterans community initiative program, Conemaugh Valley Veterans and his church.
"One of the things that I've always tried to keep in mind throughout my public service is the four Fs: family, faith, friends and freedom. My family has always been my foundation, and I consider all residents of the 71st District as my friends, so I've relied on those four words to guide me, and they haven't steered me wrong yet.
"While I look forward to a new chapter in my life, I am well aware that I still have a job to do until then. My constituents can rest assured that I will continue to do my utmost to represent them in Harrisburg until they elect my successor."
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CONTACT: Amy Giancoli Hartman |