Over the past several years I have been urged by community and political leaders to seek elected office in the United States House of Representatives representing Pennsylvanians.  After careful consideration and family discussions, I have made one of the biggest decisions in my life; I have decided to accept this challenge before me.  Being actively involved in civic and political issues since the mid nineties, I have sought to create effective progress in the communities of Pennsylvania.  I have held local political office and I have worked for local candidates with the hope of giving Pennsylvanians a choice.  My family and I now feel that the time has come for me to offer myself as a servant in the public arena.  I am hopeful that I can bring some of those common sense ideas straight from the people of Pennsylvania to the United States House of Representatives.

I have been actively involved in creating change in my community, there has been progress, but our victory is faint.  Now, more than ever, we need to turn the corner and give new direction to Washington.  We have stood by too long and suffered economic hardships.  With skyrocketing gas prices, lay-offs and unemployment on the rise, housing foreclosures increasing, job outsourcing, longer hours and less pay, and a disastrous war plunging the US economy further into debt, it is time we stand up to reverse this downward economic spiral and return to a prosperous economy. We can no longer afford to stand idly by and allow these issues to plummet out of control. 

As an Educator, my hope is to also bring education to the forefront of issues.  I believe there are workable solutions available that will enhance our children’s learning achievements and boost test scores without creating a hardship for taxpayers.  I would like to see Pennsylvania schools return to emphasizing academics, rather than political and social agendas.  No Child Left Behind needs to be scrapped and a new, brighter education policy needs implemented.  I believe all children should receive a quality, fair and equal education.  Furthermore, individuals wishing to advance their education should be granted access to resources to attend college.  Senior citizens should not be burdned with the rising costs of prescription drugs, while pensions and social security benefits fall short of keeping up with the cost of living.  Universal health care should be made available to all citizens.  And finally, families should not be forced out of Pennsylvania to seek decent paying jobs. 

This is not a decision which I take lightly.  I know that campaigns are grueling and require sacrifice and dedication.  However, if you believe in the future of America as I do, and you believe we must have a change in Washington, then I would be honored to have your help in getting there.  As you can see, I am excited at the possibility of serving the people of this great state.  I must step forward and offer the voters of Allegheny, Armstrong, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties a clear choice. 

Thank you in advance for your encouragement, generous support, and prayers.  My family and I are grateful for your commitment and wish you blessings in the New Year.

Sincerely yours,

Timothy M. Legarsky