Solobay announces run for re-election
State Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, formally announced his plan to run for re-election.
Solobay was elected in 2010 to the Senate seat in the 46th District, which now encompasses Greene County and parts of Washington and Beaver counties. Camera Bartolotta, a Monongahela businesswoman, is seeking the Republican nomination in the primary election.
Solobay said it was an easy decision to run for re-election.
“Public service is what I love,” Solobay said in a news release. “I am honored that the people of the 46th District have entrusted me with the responsibilities of this office. I have worked very hard, and I remain enthusiastic and energized to continue to serve.”
A lifelong resident of Canonsburg, Solobay holds a bachelor’s degree in management from California Coastal University and graduated from the Washington Hospital School of Radiologic Technology. Solobay worked as a state constable and radiographer before taking public office, serving 12 years as a state representative before being elected to the state Senate.
Solobay was named Democratic chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and co-chairman of the newly formed Coal Caucus.
He also was appointed to the Senate’s Emergency Management Agency.
Solobay said securing funds for numerous infrastructure projects, aiding veterans and steering reforms for the state’s small games of chance law are among his accomplishments in the Senate.
He also said he advocated for safe energy policy, most notably natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale.
“During the last four years, I have worked to bring together local business officials and members of the Legislature to strike a balance between economic expansion and regulatory concerns,” he said. “Additionally, we have organized a number of forums at career and technology centers throughout the district where key energy industry personnel and educators discussed career opportunities with our youth.”