Results are what really counts
When I decided to seek re-election, I had hoped to run a campaign based on issues, but sadly, a response to the various commentaries and letters is required. The good people of Fayette County and the 51st District deserve to hear both sides of the story. I am proud of the work that I have accomplished in the past two years, and I have no regrets for anything that I have done in the time that I have had the honor of representing the 51st District. I led the charge for open records in Pennsylvania and that is a documented fact. I am very proud of that and I will continue to work to bring openness to government. My record also speaks for my commitment and dedication to the office that I have the privilege of holding. I have partnered with the members of the Fayette delegation to secure funding to complete the Mon-Fayette Expressway; I have been there to help in economic development, to improve our infrastructure with water and sewerage projects, and to brings jobs to our area; and, most importantly, I strive to enhance the quality of life for the people of the 51st District.
I have worked diligently to improve the economy and the economic status of our district, knowing that with these improvements come increased tax revenues for the area. I am determined to see my bill, House Bill 2704 passed. This bill will give some property tax relief to all the people of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Gary Gearing, on the other hand, already receives a complete property tax break with his Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) status on the Fayette Building in downtown Uniontown. (KOZ, if you don’t know, is a program for a commercial, industrial and/or residential site where most state and local taxes have been eliminated).
Mr. Gearing’s campaign has made no promises. The only promise he has made to the public was when he obtained this KOZ status. He promised new businesses and jobs. He has had five years to fulfill that promise and he has yet to deliver. Two years ago, I promised reform and open records, and I have gotten the job done.
Shouldn’t we wonder why a man would seek an office representing 65,000 people, when he has been unable to accomplish his first commitment to those people? He is still enjoying the benefits of that empty promise, while the people he claims to want to represent shoulder his share of the tax burden.
The biggest challenge and greatest accomplishment for an elected official is to achieve the goals they have set. The Fayette delegation (state Rep. Bill DeWeese (D-Waynesburg) and myself included) worked together to pass the new Open Records Law. We are now working to bring new job opportunities to the district.
The proposed state correctional institution facility in German Township would bring 750 new jobs to the area and, in turn, the required infrastructure (road) development will help to fix the death trap we know as Route 21.
So yes, Mr. Gearing, I fly (meaning “work”) with the flock. Working with your constituents is a requirement if you wish to accomplish anything. However, I assure you that I am always capable of flying like an eagle, with a keen vision of what needs accomplished.
I have always made decisions with compassion. My actions come from the heart, with a sincere desire to help those who are in need without consideration of personal gain or loss. To help someone only if it benefits you personally, politically or financially is not “helping” people … it is “using” them. And that is dead wrong.
I represent the 51st District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and take my job very seriously for one reason: The people I serve. I have never claimed to be perfect. I am just a hard-working family man who cares about people and does his job to the best of his ability. I will continue to work for the betterment of Pennsylvania and the 51st District; that is why I first ran for office and that is why I seek re-election.
In the primary election, the voters spoke and 76 percent voiced their support of my efforts for which I am humbled and grateful. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your belief in me.
State Rep. Timothy S. Mahoney (D-South Union) represents the 51st Legislative District.