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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Kathy Manderino |
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Manderino announces she will not run for re-election to Pa. House
HARRISBURG, Dec. 2 – State Rep. Kathy Manderino, D-Phila./Montgomery, announced today that she will not seek another term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Manderino, who represents portions of Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township, is currently serving her ninth term in the state House, which runs through Nov. 30, 2010. She was first elected to office in 1993 and was a practicing attorney prior to serving her district as a full-time state representative.
"It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to represent the people of the 194th Legislative District," Manderino said. "Working with my colleagues in the House, and especially with the residents, community groups, organizations and businesses of my legislative district, I believe we have made a significant and positive impact in our local communities and on Pennsylvania. I have enjoyed my 17 years of service in the state legislature, I'm proud of the work I have done, and I'm looking forward to my remaining year as a state representative."
Manderino currently serves as chairman of the House Committee on Ethics, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Welfare, and as chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Family Law. She also serves on the House Health and Human Services, Insurance and Intergovernmental Affairs committees.
As a legislator, Manderino has focused on serving as a voice for those who are not always heard by lawmakers – children in need, the poor, people who are mentally or physically challenged, and working families that need health care and other services to raise a healthy family. Among her notable legislative accomplishments are legislation creating the Access to Justice Fund, which helps to pay civil legal fees for people who could not otherwise afford them, and changing Pennsylvania law to allow crime victims to make victim-impact statements at sentencing hearings.
On the local level, Manderino said she is most proud of the assistance she has been able to offer to the many constituents who come to her seeking help with state and other issues. She has also worked closely with local businesses and civic and community groups to improve various neighborhoods and business corridors in her district, including Main Street in Manayunk, Ridge Avenue in Roxborough and East Falls, the City Avenue Special Services District, and the 54th Street and Bala Avenue corridors. She also has been able to help obtain grants to improve public spaces in the district, such as parks, recreation facilities and libraries.
Manderino said after nine terms as a state representative, she retains her belief that public service is a noble profession, and that despite the sometimes trying political atmosphere, focused and committed legislators can have a positive impact in their communities and on Pennsylvania.
"Whether it is helping a constituent whose insurance company has denied him a life-saving organ transplant, helping to get new pedestrian street lamps on Ridge Avenue, or passing a law to give crime victims the right to make victim-impact statements at the time of sentencing, the job of a state representative is diverse and challenging, but most of all rewarding," Manderino said. "You can really make a difference if your head and your heart are focused on serving other people and improving our Commonwealth.
"That has been my goal throughout my legislative career, and I will continue to make that goal a part of whatever I do in the future," she said. "However, I believe it is time for me to take a break from being an elected official and pursue new challenges and new directions in my life."
Manderino reminds residents that she will still be their elected representative in Harrisburg for the next year. Her local constituent offices at 6511 Ridge Ave. and 5050 Wynnefield Ave. will remain open through the end of her term in November 2010, and she will continue to assist constituents with all of their state-related needs.
"I will continue to work hard in Harrisburg on my legislative priorities – and the priorities of my constituents – until I leave office," she said.
The 194th Legislative District includes all or part of the neighborhoods of Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls, Wynnefield and Parkside in Philadelphia, as well as the neighborhoods of Bala Cynwyd, Belmont Hills and Merion in Lower Merion Township.
Complete contact information for Manderino's constituent offices, as well as additional information, is available at her legislative Web site: www.pahouse.com/Manderino.
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