Politics & Government

Kortz Unchallenged in State House Race

Incumbent seeks another term.

It will be hard for anyone to beat out Democrat this year in the race for Pennsylvania's 38th Legislative District. Kortz is the only one running.

Registered Democrats will have another chance to back Kortz, who has been a state representative since being elected in the 38th District in 2006, during April 24's primary elections.

Kortz's is the only name on the ballot for the 38th, meaning that he is an almost-certain lock to reappear in November's general elections.

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The 38th District includes the southern part of .

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"First off, I want to thank my constituents for all their kindness and support and the trust they place in me," Kortz said, "and for giving me the honor of being their representative.

"My staff and I have worked very hard over the last five years to help all of our constituents, and I want them to know that we're committed to providing the best possible service for all of our constituents—and even those that aren't our constituents. We've been taking a lot of people in from outside our area.

"I've been involved since Day One with the needs and issues in our community, and I'll continue to demonstrate that in a positive, strong work ethic.

"We've done a lot of good things (in the 38th District) in a cooperative and collaborative way with local, county, state and federal officials."

Kortz said that he works "in a bipartisan way," citing his support of PA House Bill 2137 (a temporary moratorium of court-ordered countywide reassessments)—which left the House without a single negative vote—of House Bill 3 (public-private partnerships for ) and of an early version of House Bill 153 (reducing the size of the state Legislature).

"As we look toward the future," Kortz said, "I intend to maintain a dedication and commitment to the 38th District communities—our , the Mon Valley—and I'm going to focus on issues of importance to all of our constituents and the people of Pennsylvania.

"Education's at the top of the list, too. Transportation, seniors, you name it.

"I want the people to know that I and my staff—we're committed. We're going to give them good customer, constituent services, and we're going to be there for them to help them with their needs as best we can."

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