Scicchitano seeks GOP nomination for seat in 107th

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Sam Scicchitano, who recently completed four years as a supervisor and board chairman in Mount Carmel Township, has declared his Republican candidacy for state representative in the 107th Legislative District. The legislative seat is being vacated at year's end by the retirement of longtime lawmaker Robert E. Belfanti Jr.

In all, six candidates - four Democrats and two Republicans - filed nominating petitions for the 107th District. Scicchitano will face Northumberland County Commissioner Kurt Masser in the Republican primary.

"I have spent my entire life living and working within our legislative district," Scicchitano said. "I seek the office because I firmly believe the good people of this district deserve a representative who will work diligently for them, always upholding a high level of integrity, while reflecting the good moral values that have always been a main part of the fabric of our communities."

Scicchitano stresses the great heritage, along with diverse and abundant natural resources, as a competitive advantage the 107th District has over other regions of the state.

He believes in protecting and preserving our rich history by supporting public libraries, historical societies and downtowns. An avid hunter and fisherman, the candidate promises to oppose any activity or legislation that has adverse effects on the environment, and vows to support sportsmen and conservation measures. He supports a reinvigoration of the coal industry that conforms to environmentally-friendly practices and utilizes clean-coal technology. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing issues farmers have regarding state government programs and pledges to always support preservation of farmland.

"Casework - all the issues people have with state government - will continue to receive full-time service through a convenient local office, just as Rep. Belfanti has always provided," Scicchitano said.

"I believe the people of this district are its best resource, and I promise to work with great effort for the betterment of our communities. I will encourage sound practices that provide for proficiency in public schools while emphasizing the importance of vocational education," Scicchitano remarked. "I will strive to support programs to help individuals and families advance through higher education. Veterans affairs will continue to be recognized and fully supported in this district. I will continue to help, as I always have, in providing sound recreational opportunities in the community. Most importantly, I will work hard to help in the development of new, and the promotion of existing, business and industry, that provides good jobs, which allows for a favorable quality of life, that families in this District deserve."

Scicchitano observed that as a township supervisor, he learned firsthand the importance of local government. "I promise to provide regular assistance to all municipal offices within our district to help ensure that local government services are continually provided," he said. "I have proven leadership experience in dealing with many of our state and other governmental agencies and authorities. I have worked closely with elected and appointed officials from neighboring municipalities and counties on public works projects having a multi-municipal impact."

Scicchitano said he has worked to make local government operate more efficiently in a fiscally-responsible manner, while continually providing for the delivery of services. "Also, I gained experience in one of the toughest political arenas in the state, so I am confident in my ability and fortitude to face the adversity one will face in efforts to serve and do good," he added.

"My family has always been of working-class, and I seek reform in state government, including tax reform that lessens the burden for families and small business," Scicchitano promised. "I will particularly demand adherence to the promise of property tax reduction in lieu of casinos."

Scicchitano said he supports social programs that are vital to those in need, especially senior citizens. He has served many years as a volunteer legislative advocate for health care, particularly patient choice. "I vow state-level support of a quality health care system that is fair to both patients and providers. Finally, I will stress the importance of retaining traditional family values in all economic and social policies," he said.

"With the retirement of many lawmakers taking place this year, Pennsylvania will soon be entering a new era in state government," Scicchitano noted. "New leaders will emerge that will directly impact our lives. As the Republican candidate for our 107th Legislative District, I will provide a platform beyond normal political rhetoric, and promise to be a representative who is guided by moral convictions, emulating the persona of the communities of the 107th District."

Scicchitano has been a volunteer in the region for the past three decades, including church, youth sports leagues, conservation groups and sportsman associations. He has a Bachelor of Science in public policy from Pennsylvania State University and is a graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School and the former Holy Spirit School. He is employed by Scicchitano General Contracting, Mount Carmel, as a construction laborer. The business is owned by his parents who established it in 1967.

Scicchitano was born and raised in Mount Carmel and has been residing at the same Mount Carmel Township residence since 1987. He and his wife, Jolene, formerly of Marion Heights and a sixth grade teacher in the Mount Carmel Area School District, have been married 23 years and are parents of three sons, Jacob, 21, Seth, 19, and Ben, 15. They are a family of Catholic faith and are parishioners of Divine Redeemer Parish in Mount Carmel.