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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Camille “Bud” George |
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Rep. George: It’s time to say goodbye
19-term lawmaker won’t seek re-election to Pa. House of Representatives
HARRISBURG, Jan. 27 – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Clearfield County, today said he will not seek re-election.
“The greatest honor I could ever dream of is serving the people of the 74th Legislative District,” said the last remaining World War II-era veteran in the state House of Representatives. “However, the time has come, for a variety of reasons, to bring this to a conclusion.
“My wife Edna and I thank all of my constituents over the years, and I look forward to serving the entire district with all my heart and effort for the remaining 10 months of my term.”
First elected to the House in 1974, Rep. George rose to chair the House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee, a post he retains.
“We can have the energy and jobs from coal and natural gas while protecting our natural resources,” said Rep. George, who worked in the region’s coal fields. “However, it depends on rising above strident ideologies.
“Putting people – not politics – first should be the first commandment of good governance,” said Rep. George, who has won both the Democratic and Republican nominations during his tenure. “It is lacking today throughout the nation.”
Rep. George -- a charter member of PennVest, which has secured more than $175 million for water projects in the Clearfield County region -- said water concerns remain a priority.
“Pennsylvania’s Constitution guarantees the right to clean air and water,” Rep. George said. “That should be foremost in Harrisburg, not an afterthought.”
Known for blunt, fiery talk and hard work, Rep. George said he is proud of his district office staff in Houtzdale and his legislative staff in Harrisburg.
“We help a lot of people and pass legislation that will provide dividends to the region and the Commonwealth long into the future,” Rep. George said. “Helping constituents is the most gratifying endeavor that I can envision and I will miss it.
“I suggest that the work ethic I inherited from the people of the region has helped to secure the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, the Clearfield Campus of Lock Haven University and the state prison in Houtzdale to scores of water projects,” said Rep. George, who during his career was referred to as Pennsylvania’s “country governor.”
“Nothing is accomplished without the help and support of citizens and leaders who put the common good over selfish designs,” Rep. George said. “I owe so much to so many and I thank them one and all.”
Often called a “conservative Democrat” because of his Pro-Life and Second Amendment advocacy, Rep. George said political labels can hinder action.
“It means little if one is a Democrat or Republican when life-saving care or a job can’t be secured,” Rep. George said. “We need to strive to be more compassionate in a way that I witnessed during the Great Depression.”
Rep. George, who left high school early to enlist in the U.S. Navy during WW II and lives in the same house in Houtzdale that he built with his father and brother, said no staff or office changes are envisioned.
“A lot of hard work remains to be done, and I plan on tackling it the same way as for the last 37 years – with an open door, a willing ear and hard work.”
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| CONTACT: Matthew Maciorkoski |