Thursday, January 05, 2006

Hasay retires


Another state house seat opens up in Luzerne County. First Charlie Lemmond's retirement sets off a scramble in the Republican Party to replace him in the State Senate. Then Kevin Blaum hangs it up promising a crowded Democratic primary in the 121st House District. Now the longest serving Republican in the State House, George Hasay ( R-Shickshinny) wants to spend more time with his family. From the CV:

George Hasay, R-Shickshinny, said he wants to travel and spend more time with his family while announcing he will vacate his seat after 34 years. Hasay becomes the 11th state lawmaker to decide against seeking re-election in 2006. The decision was a tough one, he said. "Being in the public spotlight for 34 years is long enough," Hasay said. "This is a high-pressure, demanding job. I know now is the time."

Hasay became the youngest member of the House in 1972 when he was elected at age 23. During his time in the legislature, he chaired the Federal-State Relations Committee and the Conservation Committee. He currently serves on the House Committee on Committees, House Commerce Committee and the House Rules Committee. His legislative accomplishments include co-sponsoring the PACE program to bring prescription drugs to senior citizens; supporting legislation (Act 101) that placed stronger environmental regulations on landfills; and passage of the ACRE legislation, which protects farmers' rights.

The 117th is a rural and very Republican district that includes parts of Columbia, Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. So far 3 candidates have emerged to replace him:

Two area school board members and the head of a local political committee indicated Wednesday interest in outgoing state Rep. George Hasay's seat. Crestwood board president Bill Jones, Northwest Area board member Randy Tomasacci and Harveys Lake Republican committee member Edmund Sichler Jr. emerged as potential candidates hours after Hasay confirmed he will step aside after 17 terms serving the 117th District.

I'm not sure what party Bill Jones belongs to but he has close ties with Democratic Commissioner Greg Skrepnak. Randy Tomasacci has been busy trying to figure out a way to teach Intelligent Design in the classroom even after the Dover decision. But there are sure to be more people who will get into this.

11 comments:

LVDem said...

I visited my relatives in the Back Mountain a couple of weeks ago and brought up Skrep. They love him. "He's a great guy" said my uncle. "I'd vote for him over anybody" said my grandmother. I ask why? "He's from around here. We trust him." I pointed out that he is a Dem. "He's from around here" was the reply. He went went to Dallas high school and I believe continues to live in the school district. Both the twp and the borough are in the district.

My point is that I know Skrep has big time shortcomings and is an easy target, but when I talk to my Back Mountain relatives, they think the world of this guy. They've never met him. Never shook his hand. But there is this inexplicable connection that he has to them. It's confusing and makes no sense but connection wins elections.

That said, this race is going to turn regional quickly.

I have to wonder: how did Benton boro and twp get into this district? Talk about creative districts.

LVDem said...

my apologies... he went to GAR mem and is from Wilkes. What is his connection to the good folks of Dallas?

Gort said...

LV, somehow Skrep does connect and I don't understand it either. He's a famous football player who came home to do good I guess.

Doctor Rick said...

Im considering running....

Anonymous said...

I know Ed Sichler, and I gotta say, he is kind of a goof!

Anonymous said...

I think that Sichler guy used to date my mom back in the late 90's. Are we sure he is young as people say?

Anonymous said...

Ole Ed, good kid, tough kid. Its a shame that they did what they did to him. He'll never be the same.

Anonymous said...

I know all about Eddie Spaghetti! I used to be college roommates with him...Next time you meet up with him, ask him about Bimbo Hartle...He'll get a chuckle out of it.

Anonymous said...

Ole EDDIE, I heard he is running for governor in California. I grew up with Ed and most people did not know but he was a world class athlete on the chess team. Go get em Sichler your an animal. His nick name was Ed "to cool for school" Sichler. later dudes

Anonymous said...

Hi All! I dont understand what all the hub bub is about this Sichler guy. He was/is ok for the most part, but he certainly has his faults. For one, I know for a fact he follows guys into the men's room to sneak a peek every now and again.

Anonymous said...

Are we all talking about the same Ed "the hammer" Sichler? That's what I knew him as at Kings College. He was a stud on polo team. Its rumored that he once came straight from a chess match (which he won) and without breaking stride trotted right on to the polo field in the last minute of the match to score the winning goal. Now thats the Ed Sichler I know. Its a real shame he didn't get in to office. I think he'd bring the same kind of balls to the wall all out performance to the party. Its a real shame what they did to him.