Politics & Government

Schmotzer Gives End-of-Term Speech in PA House

The former Baldwin-Whitehall School Board member will soon be replaced in the state Legislature by Erin Molchany.

State Rep. Martin Michael Schmotzer gave a farewell speech in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday as his term representing the 22nd Legislative District comes to a close on Nov. 30.

"I want to thank my dedicated staff back in Pittsburgh: former chief of staff Janine Palmer, current chief of staff Ryan Buzzelli, legislative assistants Ray Rosing and Melvin Pollard and former intern Elliot Rambo," said Schmotzer, a Democrat from Whitehall Borough whose district includes part of Whitehall and all of Baldwin Township. "Their efforts in constituent service made a difference in people's lives."

"I want to thank Speaker (Sam) Smith, Majority Leader (Mike) Turzai and the Republican members for their service and spirited debates.

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"I want to thank the Democratic leaders: Reps. (Frank) Dermody, (Michael) Hanna, (Dan) Frankel, (Jennifer) Mann, (Mike) Sturla, (Ronald) Buxton and (Joseph) Markosek. You gave me the all the tools to be successful. And to the Democratic members, I will always treasure your friendship. Thanks to Reps. Paul Costa, chairman of the Allegheny County Delegation; Dan Deasy, vice chairman; and Adam Ravenstahl, secretary."

Schmotzer, a former Baldwin-Whitehall School Board member, also thanked the constituents who made it possible for him to serve in the House.

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"Thank you, especially, to the voters of the 22nd Legislative District for giving me the chance to serve and represent them. I kept all my promises to you. I voted 100 percent of the time. I showed up for work every day. Those are the values my parents taught me."

Schmotzer referenced his service on the school board before coming to the state Legislature.

"My 10 years on the school board prepared me to serve. I never considered aging, education, environment, jobs, transportation, etc., as Democratic or Republican problems with Democrats or Republicans having all of the solutions. I voted with the Democrats on some bills, amendments, procedural votes and motions about germaneness, and I voted with the Republicans on some bills, amendments, procedural votes and motions about germaneness."

He closed by saying, "Thanks to my wife, Amy, and children, Katherine and Victoria.

"With malice toward none and charity to all, I bid you a fond farewell. May God grant you good health and God's blessings for you and your family."

Speaker Smith presented Martin with a commemorative gavel.

The 22nd District seat will be filled by fellow Democrat Erin Molchany of Pittsburgh's Mount Washington neighborhood on Dec. 1.

Molchany earned election to the seat by defeating Martin in an April primary election and Republican challenger Chris Cratsley in November's general election.

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