Jeffrey Bobish to seek McCall's legislative seat

Jeffrey Bobish, Beaver Meadows, has announced his intent to seek the Democratic nomination in the May 18th primary, for the seat of State Representative of the 122nd Legislative District. Bobish is a long time incumbent councilman from the borough of Beaver Meadows.

After serving four years on the borough's Planning Commission, and helping to create the borough's Comprehensive Plan, he was appointed to council to fill a two-year term, replacing his father who retired. Jeff has subsequently been elected to three consecutive terms since. During his 14 year tenure as a councilman, Bobish has been elected to serve as president of the council for four and a half of those years.

"I was saddened, as everyone was, to learn of Keith McCall's decision to retire. I have worked with Keith and his office staff on many community projects, and we all will miss him greatly. I am fortunate, however, to have learned many things from him. He taught by example to be personable, courteous, and pleasant when dealing with constituents, and to always keep their best interests at the forefront of any decisions that are made. Personally, I feel this is the mark of a great legislator."

Bobish's professional accomplishments include working in the construction field for almost 20 years, where he started out as a first-year apprentice in carpentry for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Jointers. Jeff's tenacity, perseverance and hard work elevated him to a construction superintendent's position. In that capacity, he was in charge of many multi-million dollar projects. He worked to bring the projects in under strict timelines and budgets. Bobish was also in charge of numerous employees, as well as coordinating many trades. For the past three years, he has been employed as the Carpentry instructor at the Carbon Career and Technical Institute in Jim Thorpe, and is also the chairman of the school's safety committee. Jeff is currently enrolled in Temple University's teacher certification program.

"Harrisburg is headed for some very challenging times. One of the most pressing problems the state is facing is partisanship. Without the ability, or the willingness to work together, nothing in the interest of the taxpayers will be accomplished."

After studying the budget, he has identified numerous areas where the budget can be cut, without any impact on taxpayers or their livelihoods. One of his major concerns is the sheer size of government in the state. Pennsylvania is the nation's largest, full-time working government, and reducing its size can save the taxpayers millions. Reducing the size of government most likely will not be a popular idea, but if taxpayers of the commonwealth make their legislators accountable for their actions, this can become a reality. Lowering property taxes across the board is another important issue on Bobish's agenda, especially for our older Pennsylvanians.

"When I see senior citizens who are struggling to pay mortgages, heat their homes, purchase food items or the medication many of them so desperately need, after they have worked their entire lives and paid into the system, I feel government has failed them.

A life-long resident of Beaver Meadows, he is married to his wife, Holly, for the past 17 years. In addition, they have two daughters, Noelle, 4, and Nicole, 18 months.

"My parents and I have been politically active in the borough and in Carbon County for over five decades. My mother held a seat on council for many years and she was the first woman elected to borough council. I have been involved with many different state and federal agencies, budget processes, and day-to-day operations of government. I feel that my constituents can attest to my character. I value honesty, integrity, hard work, commitment, and family."

Bobish is a 20-year veteran of Beaver Meadows' volunteer fire department, with five of those years serving as assistant chief. In addition, he was a former volunteer with the Weatherly Ambulance Association, in the capacity of an Emergency Medical Technician. His community involvement also involves thousands of volunteer hours, not only with the emergency services of Beaver Meadows, Weatherly, and the state of Pennsylvania, but with many other groups throughout the county as well. He currently holds the title of president of the Beaver Meadows Democratic Club and also has a seat on the Carbon County Democratic Club's executive committee.

"You can certainly see that my leadership skills and abilities are unsurpassed. I pride myself in my ability to work with people and my personable demeanor, but I am not afraid to take on the tough issues or make tough decisions. The residents of Carbon County need someone in Harrisburg that will be willing to fight for them and for the things that they value most. I am 'blue collar' inside and out. Every candidate promises that they won't forget where they came from. When I look at all the physical scars from the jobs I've had, I could never forget where I came from. There are some big shoes to fill in Harrisburg for the people of Carbon County, and I truly believe I am the perfect fit."