Petri Leaving House to Take Reins at Philadelphia Parking Authority
HARRISBURG – Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks) announced today that he will step down as state representative of the 178th Legislative District at the end of this year to become the executive director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). Petri, now in his eighth term in the Pennsylvania House, was named to the post on Friday.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to represent the citizens of the 178th district,” said Petri, who was elected to the House in 2003. “I am humbled and gratified by the support I have received from my constituents over the years and for the opportunity to serve. I have enjoyed every moment of my service. I look forward to this challenging and exciting new role with the PPA and the opportunity to continue my work in public service.”
Petri has held several leadership positions in the House, which have prepared him well for his new leadership role at PPA, including a term as vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and as chairman of the Urban Affairs, Ethics and Gaming Oversight committees.
As chairman of the House Ethics Committee, Petri was responsible for developing stronger House Ethical Conduct Rules while also clarifying and strengthening the rights and responsibilities of the Ethics Committee, which handles matters involving conflicts of interest or job-related misconduct by House members, staff and officers.
The House recently passed Petri’s pension forfeiture bill, which would hold elected officials and public employees accountable for crimes related to their official duties or office by requiring them to forfeit their government pension and pay appropriate restitution. His bill would remove loopholes that have enabled government officials to plea bargain to avoid losing their lucrative government pensions. His bill is now under consideration in the state Senate.
An outspoken advocate for child protection, Petri was honored by the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children with its Champion for Children award for his legislation – now law – that strengthens the definition of child abuse in Pennsylvania, making it easier for law enforcement, child advocates, mandated reporters and the public to fight it. Petri has also pushed for creation of a state Office of Child Ombudsman to oversee child abuse claims in the Commonwealth.
In his role on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Petri has been a strong advocate for Washington Crossing Historic Park, working to secure state funding for restoration and other park improvements. His contribution, and the work of many dedicated local groups and individuals, aims to preserve the park’s history for future generations to enjoy.
During his eight terms in the House, Petri never forgot for whom he worked. He held annual town hall meetings throughout his legislative district to inform constituents about the contents of the state budget and how it could affect them. More importantly, the meetings provided constituents with an opportunity to ask questions and air their concerns. He was also a frequent visitor at schools in his district, where he engaged students of all ages to participate in interactive exercises that gave them a better understanding of the legislative process in which a bill becomes law.
Petri’s resignation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is effective Dec. 31.
The 178th district includes the New Hope Borough, and Northampton, Solebury, Upper Makefield and Wrightstown townships.
Representative Scott Petri
178th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Donna Pinkham
717.260.6452
dpinkham@pahousegop.com
RepPetri.com