Political newcomer Bob George challenges state Rep. Abby Major

A college-educated truck driver, Bob George of Ford City, is challenging incumbent state Rep. Abby Major, R-Ford City, to represent the state’s new 60th House District.

The new legislative map of the 60th District takes effect Dec. 1. Instead of covering most of Armstrong County and parts of Clarion and Butler counties, the newly elected state representative will serve southern Armstrong County and parts of Westmoreland County.

George, 67, who earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and works full time as a bus driver, entered politics to promote term limits.

Although he voted for the late and longtime state Rep. Jeff Pyle, R-Ford City, who died in September, George said that three years ago, he decided to run against Pyle in the next election.

Pyle, a nine-term lawmaker, supported term limits. George said he doesn’t want long-term state representatives. Although he doesn’t have political experience, George said being an average person keeps you in touch with residents and what they want.

“We need to get back to citizens helping citizens,” George said.

Major, 37, also a Ford City resident, was elected in 2021 to fill in for Pyle after he quit his seat because of health issues. She was Pyle’s chief of staff for 10 years before taking over his seat.

Major is a member of the House committees on children and youth, urban affairs, liquor control, and aging and older adult services.

The most pressing issue statewide for Major is helping to balance the budget with no tax increases.

“Everybody is struggling with rising costs and inflation,” she said. “The most important thing we can do at the state level is to balance the budget.”

However, groups often ask the Legislature for more money each year for needs in mental health, education, services at nursing homes and more, Major said.

“Every year, we have to balance how much to give. It’s hard. With everything costing so much more, it’s becoming an issue for everybody, not just the average resident.”

Lawmakers have to find ways, such as shifting money for different state agencies and trying to bring in new business to find ways to help taxpayers in need, she said.

George’s biggest state issue is school and police funding.

While he has a personal concern about school funding for special-needs children, he said local schools help students but need more resources so they can do more.

Describing himself as a moderate who has been a member of the Republican Party and at other times been an independent , is running as a Democrat. George said he could sit down with both parties to make a case to get the funding that police and schools need.

George that said after going door-to-door to meet residents, the most glaring local issue was the homes in disrepair owned by senior citizens.

“I’m told funding is available, but it’s not getting down to the senior citizens to have their porches replaced — a lot are rotting out — and winterizing their homes,” he said, noting a large population of seniors live in the Ford City area.

The most pressing issue locally for Major is helping to get grants for communities to update water and sewage systems, roads, and bridges.

These often are big-ticket items that can cost millions and are cost-prohibitive for many local governments. Major said it’s her job to let local elected officials know about grants, and, when they apply, she pushes for them in Harrisburg.

“Money gets dished out to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and we don’t get the money unless I go to Harrisburg with my big mouth and remind them where the Alle-Kiski Valley is,” she said.

The 60th District in the Valley

After redistricting Dec. 1, the 60th District will include Allegheny Township, Apollo, East Vandergrift, Freeport, Gilpin, Hyde Park, Kiski Township, Leechburg, Lower Burrell (part), North Apollo, Parks Township, Vandergrift and West Leechburg.