On Tuesday, Peter “PJ” Symons Jr,. 65, of St. Clair announced his candidacy for the 123rd District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
A graduate of St. Clair High School, Symons is a fourth generation Reading Railroad employee and finishing his railroad career with the North Short Railroad & Affiliates.
Throughout his life, he has served his community in various ways. From being the County Prothonotary for 16 years to overseeing the railroad infrastructure through the region, Symons says he will bring new ideas and experiences to Harrisburg.
“Infrastructure and job creation are two issues that are personal and important to our district in Schuylkill County, “Symons said.” I want to use my experiences outside of government to fix our roads, bridges, and railroad infrastructure throughout the district and commonwealth—bring family-sustaining jobs to our area in the process, I want to focus on making services easier to access for residents of the district. For example, as Prothonotary, I led a team to make it easier for the residents of Schuylkill County to get passports. I believe my leadership and experience and knowledge of the needs in our region make me the best candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.”
Activities in his community, Symons is a member of nearly a dozen organizations and groups in Schuylkill County, including the Ashland Elks Lodge 384, Frackville American Legion Post 398, Friendship Fire Company # 1 of Englewood Butler Twp., St. Clair Fish & Game, Shenandoah East End Field & Stream, and the Englewood Sportsmen’s Club.
Pete has a son Matthew, daughter Jillian, and granddaughter Shelby.
Pete has received the recommendation as the candidate for Pa. House of Representative District 123 from the Schuylkill County Democrat Executive Committee.
Symons is seeking the seat of current Representative Neal Goodman who has announced his retirement at the end of his term.
Symons is the only Democrat to announce for the 123rd District. Two candidates within the Republican Party have announced which include Former Mayor of Middleport, John Leshko, and Tim Twardzik.
The 123rd District covers, Ashland, Blythe Township, Branch Township, Butler Township, Cass Township, Delano Township, East Norwegian Township, Foster Township, Frackville, Gilberton, Girardville, Gordon, Mahanoy City, Mahanoy Township, Mechanicsville, Middleport, Minersville, Mount Carbon, New Castle Township, New Philadelphia, Palo Alto, Port Carbon, parts of Pottsville, Reilly Township, Ryan Township, Shenandoah, St. Clair, and West Mahanoy Township.