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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Maria Donatucci |
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Maria Donatucci takes oath as state representative
HARRISBURG, Feb. 15 – State Rep. Maria Donatucci today was sworn in as the state representative for the 185th Legislative District after her landslide win in a special election Feb. 1.
The election was to fill the seat that her late husband Robert had held for 15 terms before his sudden death last November just days after winning reelection to a 16th term.
Donatucci becomes the 33rd female serving currently in the General Assembly, a record number.
The oath was administered by Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Matthew Carrafiello, and her children, Thomas, 25, and Dierdre, 22, held the Bible for her as other family members looked on.
Donatucci said she will continue her husband's legacy of holding foremost to voting for what would be most beneficial to the citizens of his district.
"At times he was bipartisan because it was the right thing to do," said Donatucci. "He had a very steady approach to legislation -- doing what was best for his voters -- not special interest groups. As the new voice in Harrisburg, I want to continue caring for the community I serve by fighting for legislation that is good for them and fighting against legislation that would be a burden to local taxpayers."
The newest Pennsylvania legislator is no stranger to government. She worked for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority in the 1970s and 1980s and spent the last 14 years as an adjudicator and supervisor with the city's Bureau of Administrative Adjudication. In addition, Donatucci has served on the board of directors of several community organizations.
"If I had to summarize my priorities in two words, they would be 'public safety,'" Donatucci said. "Of course, I want to make sure that our police have the laws and the equipment to protect the public, and themselves, from violence.
"But public safety also means we have to maintain programs that keep more young people from choosing drugs and violence over that path of being productive citizens. We must make them aware of the satisfaction of self-discipline and positive involvement in their community and in attaining their educational and professional goals. That's why we need our libraries and our recreational resources and good schools. Those kids are the future."
Donatucci added that one of the greatest challenges currently facing Philadelphia and the Commonwealth is maintaining adequate service and education standards without adding to the tax burden, especially the burden on fixed-income retirees.