Peifer announces re-election run

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 26, State Rep. Mike Peifer (R-139) kicked off his campaign for re-election to a second term. The announcement came in front of a full house of supporters at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant on Lake Wallenpaupack. “The people of this district give me the strength and empower me under their trust to vigorously represent them; to achieve a thriving, stable and sustainable economic future for our region and for new generations who are growing up now in Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties. There’s only so much money to go around in Harrisburg and rural and suburban districts have always taken a back seat to places like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. My work in Harrisburg is to assure that those days are gone and that the 139th will get full and fruitful representation,” Peifer said. Peifer addressed the importance of bio-fuels, coal and nuclear power as alternatives to a doomed dependence on OPEC oil - and what it all means to the economic future of Northeast Pennsylvania. According to Peifer, Pennsylvania’s poor business tax structure has led to a weak business and economic climate along with slow job growth throughout the Commonwealth. He says, “Change in Pennsylvania’s business tax structure will increase job opportunities across Northeast Pennsylvania and will improve our economic climate. He also believes small businesses and many residents of the 139th, as well as those in adjoining districts, will suffer under the proposed I-80 tolling plan. He has joined forces with Representative Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) in strong opposition to the plan. Along with Peifer’s work on the Gaming Oversight, Finance and Game & Fisheries committees, some other first year accomplishments mentioned at the kick off event include his tireless fight against House Bill 760, otherwise known as the “Firearms Registration Act” - a proposed law that would place an annual $10 registration fee on all privately owned firearms in the Commonwealth; the reopening the Dyberry gameland’s bridge accessing the rifle range; strengthening the “Boating While Intoxicated” laws, property tax rebate, assisting local volunteer emergency groups in acquiring grants, education assistance grants for schools and low-income heating assistance. Peifer told the crowd that he is particularly proud of his work to bring a new awareness of government to our school children and scouting organizations. Peifer told the room full of supporters, “I need not only your support and your vote; I need to hear from all of you so I can take advantage of your expertise.” “No one knows what the people of this district need more then the residents. No local authority or power should ever be relinquished to the state. The people of this district are proudly independent and the best governing you can find is at the county, township and municipal levels. I’m proud to represent such fine people in Harrisburg,” he said.