Veteran state House member Petrarca challenged by Silvis, a longtime film stuntman, in 55th District

Democrat Joe Petrarca is asking voters on Nov. 3 to return him to Harrisburg for a 14th term representing residents of the 55th District in the state House.

Republican challenger Jason Silvis is hoping those voters instead will help him end that long run.

“I think people are ready for a change,” Silvis said, indicating some of the area’s infrastructure is overdue for improvement. “We have some roads that definitely need some repair.”

If elected to a two-year term, Silvis said, “I don’t plan on doing it as a career. I would like to do it for six years.”

Petrarca said he has drawn on his years of experience in state government to serve the needs of communities and the 62,000 residents in the district, which includes: Apollo, Leechburg and Parks Township in Armstrong County; Saltsburg Borough in Indiana County; and the Westmoreland County communities of Avonmore, Bell, Derry Borough, Derry Township, East Vandergrift, Hyde Park, Latrobe, Loyalhanna, New Alexandria, Oklahoma, Vandergrift, Washington Township, West Leechburg and Youngstown along with part of Unity Township.

“I have the experience to advocate for our area, our schools and towns,” said Petrarca. “I take pride in very aggressive constituent service. I’m very effective at taking care of people’s problem and helping communities.”

Fire officials in Derry Township credited Petrarca’s support as crucial in obtaining a nearly $750,000 state grant for a new fire station and public safety building slated for construction in Bradenville.

In addition to serving on House caucuses for the coal and steel industries and for firefighters and emergency services, Petrarca is a member of the state Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which provides funding to help equip and train local police departments. “I continue to support the police and appreciate what they do to protect our communities,” he said.

Chairman of the Children and Youth Committee, he has advocated for strengthening laws to protect children from sexual predators, for grandparents’ rights and for easing adoption procedures.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the economy and challenged public schools to continue educating students while following health guidelines.

“We need to reopen Pennsylvania,” Silvis said of the economy. He said schools need to provide a safe environment for students to attend classes, where they can interact in-person with teachers and peers.

“Some are having difficulties with online classes because they’re not in front of the teachers,” Silvis said. “Some who are at home may not be taking it seriously. If they were in front of the teachers, they would get a better education.”

Petrarca has supported ending Gov. Tom Wolf’s pandemic-related emergency declaration and the restrictions it has placed on many businesses. He also backed allowing school districts to establish their own safety procedures for sports and other extracurricular activities, rather than falling under state regulations.

“We need to do more in the area of (vocational-technology) education,” he added, “matching students with jobs and apprenticeship programs.”

Silvis’ 2015 bid for a seat on the New Kensington-Arnold School Board was cut short by an oversight in filing copies of required forms. His 22-year career as a stunt performer and coordinator was put on hold when the pandemic shut down most film productions.

During his campaign for a House seat, he said he has knocked on thousands of doors across the district. “I’m able to communicate with the people, to sit down and find out what their concerns are, to be proactive and voice these issues,” he said.

Silvis said many residents share his pro-life stance and his support of the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Petrarca sits on pro-life and Second Amendment caucuses. “I support Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens,” he said.