Knowles seeks re-election as Representative

State Representative Jerry Knowles (R-124 Berks/Schuylkill) has announced that he will seek re-election to the State House of Representatives.

He was originally elected in a June 2009 Special Election to fill the seat vacated by Senator Dave Argall.

"In the short time that I have been in the legislature, I've fought to keep the promises I made to the people of the 124th District," said Knowles. "I've worked hard to support initiatives that will spark economic growth, protect taxpayers and create jobs."

Elected in the middle of the budget battle last year, Knowles quickly built a reputation as a strong voice for fiscal restraint and responsibility.

"I went to Harrisburg and fought for a fiscally sound budget that funded essential services while not raising taxes on working families during this tough economic time," said Knowles. "It would have required the state to tighten its belt and live within our means, but that's how we run our homes, and how we should be running state government."

Knowles, whose committee assignments include the Local Government, Children and Youth and Intergovernmental Affairs Committees, was recently appointed to the Small Business Task Force of the House Republican Policy Committee.

"As a former small business owner, I look forward to a continuing working relationship with the industrial community, the business community and local government leaders to recruit, and just as important, to retain good jobs in Berks and Schuylkill Counties", Knowles added.

Knowles noted that he will continue his efforts for real reform and transparency at all levels of government. "I have led by example on reform by refusing a taxpayer-paid car and refusing automatic per diems," he said.

Knowles long record of public service began with his appointment as a fulltime police officer, member of the Tamaqua borough council, Tamaqua mayor and a member of the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners. He also has small business experience as the proprietor of a successful retail grocery store in Tamaqua for several years.

In 2007, Knowles was named the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce 44th Annual Citizenship Award winner for distinguished service to his community.

Knowles is a 1966 graduate of Marian High School, Tamaqua, and Thaddeus Stevens Trade School, Lancaster (1969). He is a member of the South Ward Fire Co., the Knights of Columbus Council 2711, Elks Lodge 592, and the Lions Club, all of Tamaqua, and the Schuylkill County Republican Executive Committee.

Knowles is married to the former Lorraine David of McAdoo for 36 years. They have two sons and one grandson.