Charleroi man running for state representative
The announcement from Mon Valley businessman Mark Alterici that he’s running for state representative in the 49th Legislative district rounds out the field to four – two Republicans and two Democrats – as they vie for the seat that will be left by the retirement of Democratic Rep. Pete Daley of California.
Alterici, 53, a Democrat from Charleroi, said he has much respect for Daley, and that he wouldn’t have run against him, but Daley’s announcment that he would not seek re-election presented an opportunity to bring his skills to the region.
Alterici has served 20 years on Charleroi Borough Council with eight years as council president. The owner of Dee’s Wireless, a regional cellphone sales chain, said his commitment to public service is a longstanding record of what he could bring to Harrisburg.
“I have seen and lived through the difficulties we have witnessed in turning our economy around and creating new opportunities for our valley residents and all district communities. I have also lived through tough times as a small business owner when business was slow and taxes too high. And, as mayor and council president, I made difficult decisions that required working together for common goals … I want to take those visions to Harrisburg,” Alterici said.
Running against Alterici on the Democratic ticket is fellow Charleroi resident and attorney Alan Benyak. Republican challengers are Donald “Bud” Cook, of West Pike Run Township, and Melanie Patterson, of North Belle Vernon. Alterici said he hopes regardless of their disagreements on the campaign trail, that candidates take the high road.
“This election needs to focus on being positive and focus on what we want to improve instead of trying to beat each other up … for instance the state Legislature needs to get a better feel for how to fight blight and drugs. Those are the major issues for municipalities because small communities don’t have the budget or resources to tackle it.
“We need someone who can help broker deals in that respect and pool resources in the region,” Alterici said, “and as chairman of the Washington County Tourism Board, I know how much easier it is when you have a good team working together. We need to get people (in office) who find good people to work with.”