In May 1974, at the age of 22, I graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor of science degree in education and a burning desire to serve my community. By the end of the year I was announcing my candidacy for city council.

There were 21 candidates in the 1975 primary to fill four seats on council. Unknown and fresh out of college, my chances of victory were further diminished when I drew the 21st spot on the ballot: dead last. I was so far down on the list of candidates, voters needed binoculars to find my name. Yet, when the numbers were tallied, in May and November, we received more votes than any other candidate. I had won my first two elections. Little did I know there would be 28 more elections to come.

After serving five years on council, you elected me to the House of Representatives in 1980. I was 28 years old. Two years later I was married. Caroline was born in 1985, Elizabeth in '88. This is the only life Beth and the girls have ever known. Indeed, it is their unwavering love and support that allowed me to do this wonderful job … and to build an arena.

When my current term is complete on Nov. 30th of next year, I will be 54 years old and have served 13 terms or 26 exciting years in the House of Representatives.

I have served on numerous committees and chaired Aging and Youth, Judiciary (D) and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. I've authored dozens of bills and amendments creating jobs, fighting for seniors and protecting children. Currently, having been elected by my colleagues, I am honored to sit as a member of the House leadership.

I always believed it was from this seat in Harrisburg that I could accomplish the most to improve the lives of our people. However, I did consider becoming a candidate for lieutenant governor in 1994. In November 1993 I met with Gov. Casey in his residence, along with his chief of staff, to discuss a possible candidacy. I came away from that momentous meeting knowing I would soon be given the enormous responsibility for the construction and operation of one of the most important economic development projects ever to come our way. That project now stands tall on Highland Boulevard. Enjoy it.

Over the years I have worked with five governors and hundreds of the finest public servants Pennsylvania has ever known, on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate.

But today I am thinking of the family, friends and campaign workers who helped an unknown kid from East End get elected to public office; my philosophy professor, who taught me that public service is above all the most noble calling; my outstanding staff in Wilkes-Barre and Harrisburg; all the residents of my district and all the media outlets, print and broadcast, their editors and all the reporters it has been my honor to know.

From the bottom of my heart I thank all of you for your trust, your kindness, endorsements and the extraordinary opportunity you gave me to serve.

However, I now write to tell you there is more I wish to do. First and foremost I do not want to miss any more field hockey games. I want to return to the field of education, I'd like to volunteer my time to organizations and projects that seek a better and brighter community for us all, and so much more.

Therefore, I respectfully ask your blessing and support as I now seek a promotion from the humble status of public servant to the lofty position of private citizen.

But in early 2002, after long deliberation, I decided to remain in the House two additional terms because of several important pending community projects and the near certain election of a governor who might be persuaded to help fund them.

While we look forward with great anticipation to our new private lives, be assured I am not going anywhere. The future of our region remains paramount in my mind.

Finally, there are 11 months remaining in this, my final term in the House of Representatives. I better get back to work. Thank you again for an extraordinary 31 years.

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