On February 4th, 2022, the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission, approved the Final Reapportionment Plan for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
The 116th was previously held by Tarah Toohil, who was recently elected to Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
A special election will take place between Republican Robert Schnee and Democrat Amilcar Arroyo for the position to fill the remainder of Toohil's term that ends in December.
A little more than a week after the House Redistricting Plan being approved, Perna is stepping forward to announce his candidacy.
Perna's name would first appear on the Republican Primary Ballot in May.
Perna, who is currently the Executive Assistant to Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat as well as the City's Director of Recreation, is a former news reporter with WBRE, WYLN, SSPTV and has hosted of several human-interest programs.
Perna is very active volunteer firefighter.
"Since the age of 14, I have been a volunteer firefighter serving the communities of McAdoo, Kline Township and Hazleton. I have served as President of the Six County Firemen’s Association and currently serve as its secretary. Additionally, I have worked alongside first responders from Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, and Schuylkill Counties." Perna said.
Perna also said "I have an extensive background in quality of life and property maintenance matters which is evidenced through my appointment as Chairman of the Hazleton Land Bank, as well as my work with the zoning and code departments in Kline Township."
Perna also said "I have an extensive background in quality of life and property maintenance matters which is evidenced through my appointment as Chairman of the Hazleton Land Bank, as well as my work with the zoning and code departments in Kline Township."
The new 116th Legislative District includes the Schuylkill County Municipalities of McAdoo, Ringtown, Sheppton, Oneida, Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, Mahanoy Township, Kline Township, North Union Township, Union Township, and East Union Township.
In Luzerne County, the new district includes the City of Hazleton, Hazle Township, and West Hazleton.