Joe Waltz Announces Bid for 76th District Seat

LOCK HAVEN — Joe Waltz, 68, of Lock Haven, has announced his candidacy for the 76th District State House seat. He will be seeking the Democratic nomination in the April 28th Primary election.

Waltz will be holding an official campaign kick-off event at Avenue 209 Coffee Shop, 209 Bellefonte Ave., Lock Haven, on Saturday, Feb. 1st. at 10 a.m.

Waltz served 34 years as an educator, retiring from the Keystone Central School District in 2007, and has been active in various local organizations.

“I’m running for State Representative because I believe that commonsense, compromise and reforms can make our government more effective and efficient,” said Waltz. “My life experiences and years of service to our community make me uniquely qualified to represent the people of the 76th District.”

Waltz said his campaign will focus on the issues that keep people awake at night — including good jobs and decent pay; quality, affordable education; fiscal responsibility and accountability to the taxpayer.

“Our area has many attractive qualities for businesses, and I will work tirelessly to encourage business growth and new opportunities for residents,” said Waltz. “In addition, I saw firsthand how education can transform and uplift lives. I will support our schools, fight for quality college and technical education offerings, and stand up against unfunded mandates in Harrisburg that overburden our schools.”

Waltz also noted that he will champion quality infrastructure — including roads, bridges, and broadband internet, as well as a safe environment for rural Pennsylvania.

“Roads, bridges, broadband … these are vital to the success of rural Pennsylvania. They directly impact our ability to properly compete in the modern economy and access educational resources, job opportunities, and health services,” Waltz said.

Waltz has been a resident of Clinton County for nearly 50 years. He was raised on a farm in Lycoming County and graduated from Montoursville High School in 1969. He earned a degree in education from Mansfield University in 1973. Waltz has been married to the former Stephanie Klecker, a retired small business owner and Clinton County native, for 37 years.

Waltz is a member of the Lock Haven Kiwanis, Clinton County Historical Society, and Clinton County Economic Partnership; a social member of Lock Haven Sons of Italy; and a former member of PA Interscholastic Athletic Association. Waltz was chairman of the Clinton County Democratic Committee from 2014-2018. He also served on the City of Lock Haven Planning Commission.
For more information, visit www.ElectJoeWaltz.com.