Shaner to undergo heart surgery
DUNBAR TWP. – A local legislator will take a leave of absence from his state duties after being advised by physicians this week of a critical medical problem. State Rep. James Shaner, D-Dunbar, will undergo heart bypass surgery next week at a Pittsburgh area hospital, according to his Harrisburg legislative assistant Mary Boyajian.
“He put in a full day Monday, but wasn’t feeling well,” said Boyajian when contacted Friday. “After (the state House adjourned for the day) he said that he was going home.”
According to a press release provided by the state House Democratic Communications Office, Shaner was feeling some discomfort when he arrived at his office.
“He decided to return home to check with his doctor,” said Kevin Hensil, office spokesman. “Following some tests, the surgery was scheduled for Monday.”
Shaner could not be reached Friday for comment and his staff declined to detail the specifics of the ailment.
It is unknown if Shaner has suffered other heart problems in the past.
The 69-year-old legislator was elected last year to a sixth term and currently serves on the Game and Fisheries, Education, Finance and Tourism and Recreational Development committees. He had served as vice-chairman of the Finance Committee. In July, state Minority Leader Bill DeWeese opted to not re-instate Shaner to the post after he did not follow party lines and vote for the controversial legislative pay raise.
Shaner has, however, accepted the raise through the unvouchered expense program.
Boyajian, meanwhile, said that it is unknown when Shaner would return to Harrisburg.
“It depends on how the surgery goes and what the doctors tell him,” she said.
In the press release, Shaner said that he would return to the office as soon as possible.
“I am feeling a little better now and I’m confident that following the surgery I will make a full recovery and will get back to proudly serving the people of the 52nd Legislative District,” he said.
During his absence, the local legislative offices located at 1253 University Drive in Dunbar and at the Mount Pleasant Municipal Building, will remain open.