Nov 23, 2016 2 min read

This Thanksgiving, I have so much to be thankful for, namely the inestimable citizens of the Mon Valley, as I step aside as state representative for the 49th Legislative District.

I could no more count the stars in the night sky than recall all of the courtesies and kindnesses bestowed on me by the people of Washington and Fayette counties. Foremost among them, though, is their faith that I would always put aside political differences to serve them to the best of my abilities.

That faith, while humbling, has been the wind behind advancements on many fronts, from the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly – PACE – a landmark among safety nets, to the creation of the Housing Trust Fund, which helps make a home possible for every Pennsylvanian.

I think of the job-creation efforts made possible with help from groups I helped to create like the Governor’s Action Team and others, whose belief in the region was only rivaled by the citizens and the fortunate soul – me – who they chose to advance the efforts.

The Mon Valley will not only endure, it will triumph. I say this with all of the certainty possible from one who worked hard to serve – not stay – for over three and one-half decades.

I forever will be humbled by the opportunity for my dedicated staff and me to do our utmost best to serve residents, and the 100,000-plus constituent services rendered since taking office in 1983 will forever sustain me.

I will look back with a deep appreciation of all who helped to make it possible and a knowledge that the good that was done will live on throughout our great commonwealth in ways seen and unseen.

I say thank you, and God bless you.

I’m going to miss everyone and everything about being a public servant, but let’s all keep fighting for our neighbors, our neighborhoods and each other.

Pete Daley

California

Daley has been the representative for the 49th Legislative District since 1983.