I am not a politician, but have filed to be a candidate for the 37th PA State House District because I believe that we the people must take back our government. The PA State Legislature has become nothing more than a career path for political wannabees who seem to care nothing for our local communities and citizens. We have witnessed midnight salary raises, deceptive pension legislation, phoney redistricting, indictments and criminal convictions of our legislators.

         I am convinced that the primary cause of the problem is that our system of State Government provides a lucrative career path for overpaid officials. It attracts the wrong type of candidates who desperately campaign for these positions. When they win, they react by repeatedly putting their job survival and advancement above the interests of the tax payers and the communities of Pennsylvania.

         When considering the duties, commitments and responsibilities of the State House members, it is difficult to find comparable positions in the private sector which provide as much pay and benefits. Few State Governments offer so much pay for the size of the districts being represented.

         We should be choosing representatives who seek PUBLIC SERVICE - NOT SELF SERVICE. This problem could not be more critical than during the present economic difficulty. Our State legislators are reducing support for the education of our children, the security of our communities, law enforcement and public projects, while not reducing their own tax payer provided salaries, health care and benefits. An example in our own 37th district is the 200 acres of mud where there was once a lake. It is time for us to vote for those who will represent our people and communities.

        I don't expect to change Harrisburg overnight, but I do hope there are enough voters in the 37th district who will avoid falling for the same old political cliches and labels and vote instead to send a real message to Harrisburg. A vote for Russ is a vote 4 us.