Editorial: Anthony DeLuca’s public service set example for others to follow
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In just two months shy of 40 years, Anthony DeLuca saw a lot in Harrisburg.
When he took office in 1982 representing the people of the 32nd District in the state House of Representatives, Richard Thornburgh was governor. DeLuca’s Democratic Party held the majority in the House, while the Republicans dominated the Senate.
A lot changed over the ensuing decades. There were four Republicans in the Governor’s Mansion, interspersed with three Democrats. The House flipped back and forth periodically, while the Senate stayed in GOP hands except for one short year in 1993.
Gov. Bob Casey Sr. had an organ transplant. Gov. Tom Ridge left office when he took the reins of the newly formed Department of Homeland Security in Washington. Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll died in office. Budd Dwyer committed suicide on live television. Kathleen Kane, the first female attorney general, lost her law license and then her freedom when she was convicted of perjury and obstruction.
There are few constants in Harrisburg, a city dominated by government changes as scandal prompts resignations and as election cycles defeat one candidate and bring another to power — and as elected officials leave public life for the cushier opportunities of the private sector.
But DeLuca was different. He had staying power. His seat came up every two years, and the people of Penn Hills, Verona, Plum and Oakmont sent him back to Harrisburg again and again. In his 20 elections, many where unopposed in the primary, the general election or both.
He was the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives. His streak was brought to an end Monday when he died of lymphoma.
He was lauded afterward by members of both parties and by people who came into politics long after he did.
“Rep. DeLuca was not just our longest-serving current member but one of the most revered and respected by his colleagues and all Pennsylvanians,” said Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster.
DeLuca’s years in office should be an example of work well done and people well represented. It should also be an exhortation to service for others.
For more than 39 years, Harrisburg ebbed and flowed and changed around DeLuca. People came and went, and now he has joined them. Let’s hope others are as committed to step up to pick up his mantle.