Newcomer joins race for 46th legislative seat
A newcomer to electoral politics is the second hopeful to announce his plans to seek the Democratic nomination for the seat occupied by GOP state Rep. Jason Ortitay.
Byron Timmins, 43, of Cecil Township said Tuesday he’ll run in the May 15 primary, describing himself in a news release as a “merchandiser by trade” and active community member.
“Political office should be about service to the people and should not be used as a stepping stone to higher office for personal gain,” Timmins said. “Our local leadership has shown us over and over again that they are only in this for re-election and the benefits that come with political office.”
Rueben Brock, a licensed professional counselor and professor of psychology at California University of Pennsylvania who is also from Cecil, declared his bid for the seat earlier this month. Brock previously sought the party nomination to represent the party in the 18th Congressional District special election.
Timmins’ release lists coaching dek hockey for Calvary Full Gospel Sport Ministries and former positions as treasurer of Muse Elementary Parent Faculty Association and recording secretary of Canon-McMillan Parent Council among his credentials. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Miami University.
Ortitay, of South Fayette, is in his second term in the state House. He sought the Republican nomination in the congressional special election, but ultimately withdrew his name from consideration before his colleague Rick Saccone of Elizabeth prevailed.
Timmins vowed to pursue “common-sense” business and economic policies and what he called “no budget, no pay” legislation that would stop lawmakers from being paid if they failed to pass budgets on time.