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PENNSYLVANIA
RESTAURANT & LODGING
matters
•
Spring 2017
legislator
spotlight
Rep. Mark Longietti
(D—Mercer)
Minority Chairman,
Tourism & Recreational
Development
Committee
WHAT MADE YOU RUN FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE?
I wanted to make a difference in my home community. I was born and raised
in the legislative district that I represent and so many from my generation have
moved away for job opportunities. In my role, I believe that I can help turn the
tide to make our part of Pennsylvania a thriving community again.
Since my election 10 years ago, we have seen more than 60 percent of the seats
turnover. We had a large freshman Democratic class in 2016 with 27 new House
members. Only eight of us are left.
WHY IS TOURISM IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I love to travel and see and experience all that Pennsylvania has to offer. We
have such a diverse state with a rich history and heritage and beautiful natural
resources. Tourism is a window to the world which is not only enjoyable but
creates a new level of understanding.
Tourism should be important to all Pennsylvanians because it offers us an
opportunity to showcase the riches our state has to offer, while creating wealth
for our Commonwealth. It is our second leading industry generating a $40 billion
economic impact while supporting over 450,000 jobs and producing $4 billion in
state and local tax revenue.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS THE CHAIR OF THE TOURISM &
RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE?
My overarching goal is to promote the wonderful tourism opportunities that
Pennsylvania has to offer. We must properly invest in tourism as a state and
use those state dollars to leverage additional private investment. I believe that
that the tourism industry is eager to partner with us, so we must facilitate that
partnership and maximize our collective efforts.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES?
I am also a strong proponent of state investment in high-quality, early
childhood education, and I serve as co-chairman of the legislative Early
Childhood Education Caucus, along with Senator Pat Browne. Peer-reviewed
studies show every dollar we invest here returns between $7 and $17. It is the
building block for economic development and so much more, as people are our
most valuable resource.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE CURRENT
LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
We need to find more ways to cooperate and we must also be supportive of the
institutions in which we serve. Everyone needs a seat at the table to truly solve
problems. Also, government needs the trust of the people to function and survive.
It is important to fix what is broken, but it is also important to avoid tearing down
institutions simply to score political points as this ultimately erodes the trust we
need to operate as a Democracy.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?
I am not looking beyond the House at this point in my career. I believe it offers
me the best opportunity to make a difference for the people of my home area
and for Pennsylvania as a whole.
“We have such
a diverse state
with a rich history
and heritage and
beautiful natural
resources.”