Mikita running for state House seat
Uniontown appraiser John “Sonny” Mikita has announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for the 51st Legislative District in the state House of Representatives. Mikita, 35, also waged an unsuccessful campaign for county controller two years ago as a Republican. He previously ran for controller as a Democrat and served as a member of the Brownsville Area School District Board of Directors.
He is the second Republican to announce intention to run for the office held by state Rep. Larry Roberts (D-South Union), who is not seeking reelection to a seventh term. Harry Hughes is also seeking the Republican nomination.
A single father, Mikita is the owner of Antique Heaven and is a Certified Appraisers Guild of America certified appraiser. PACleanSweep, a statewide anti-pay raise reform group headed by Russ Diamond, supports him.
“My involvement with PACleanSweep began because of the organization’s overall commitment to bring our government back to a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” Mikita said. “I am looking to bring a victory to us, the people. The reason why I am doing this is a desire to take a giant step in taking something back that should have never been taken away, our government.”
Mikita said some of his priorities include property tax relief, assisting our aging population, tougher punishment for sex offenders, a better educational system, more employment opportunities and help for veterans.
He said over-taxation through property taxes represents “the tip of the abusive tax iceberg.” Mikita said careless spending and no accountability must be stopped. He added that it is vital to help our senior citizens and children.
“Starting with the lack of severe punishment for sex offenders to the major failures in our educational system, our children have become victims of a sad state of government affairs. These issues, in conjunction with a lack of employment for working-age citizens, the government’s inability to lend a hand to many of our fine veterans and the current funding for our firefighters, are just the beginning,” Mikita said. “It’s time to fight for what we all deserve in the 51st District and Pennsylvania, a safe and prosperous future.”
Mikita said the state’s corporate tax must be lowered from one of the highest in the country to one of the lowest. “This would result in a significant amount of growth. It would open up many new opportunities for success to our current residents, as we as for those who would like to return home,” Mikita said.
He also said open records are needed to keep government from keeping its actions a secret. “This single accomplishment, of open records reform, will open up for review many of the areas in our government that so desperately need fixed. This single action would lead to a massive shift toward a more accountable government, one that will be scared straight,” Mikita said. He said the accountability that open records would force would make the battle for property tax reform a realistic fight that will be impossible for the representatives in our government to hide from.
“We must make sure that our new leaders are representatives with the hope, courage, fortitude and the faith to fight the fight that will lie ahead. I will have a promise to you, that I will carry with me, as your representative of the 51st District in Harrisburg, all that I have mentioned,” Mikita said.
“When we all go to vote in May and November we must realize that our votes have rarely been as important as now, to secure our freedom, justice and an opportunity of prosperity for all that desire it. I swear an oath, now today, that I will fight to eliminate the problems we are facing today, so that the 51st District as well as the state will be a place of prosperity once again,” Mikita said.
Mikita said he has had a desire to make a positive impact on the world around him since he was young. He said he has been elected to several positions and has volunteered relentlessly. “I believe that one person can make a difference, especially if this person is a community leader who serves the people he or she represents with honor, dignity and a desire that burns strong from within them. That desire is why I decide to run for state legislator, not because I had been handpicked by a corrupt political machine. I will be free to represent you,” he said.
Mikita is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania with a degree concentrating in marketing and business writing. He also has real estate training and training in the insurance and finance industry.
Mikita has been involved with The Blue Lodge of Pennsylvania, vice president of the International Society at California University of Pennsylvania, Historical Society Board of Directors, member of a revitalization committee, National Ski Patrol and Mountain Rescue, Teamster, Certified Appraisers Guild of America and he is a former firefighter.