35th District Candidate: Matt Gergely

By Elizabeth Laughlin
The Tube City Almanac
February 05, 2023
Posted in: Politics & Elections

Website: www.facebook.com/TeamGergely

Matt Gergely is the endorsed Democratic candidate for the 35th Legislative District. The election is Tuesday, Feb. 7:

Tell me about yourself.

I was born and raised in McKeesport. I’m a ’98 graduate of McKeesport High School and an IUP college graduate of 2002. I have been involved with politics life-long, such as being a part of political consulting and the city administrative staff for the mayor. I was also business manager of the McKeesport Area School District for three years.

Why is running for state representative so important to you?

I contemplated running for a long time, from the day Austin Davis won his election. And I realized this [position] is something you can’t pass up—it’s what I want to do, and I was a step ahead of everything with my experiences.

But I will say the most important thing I want people to know is that this election is not about me, at all. It’s about the constituents of the 35th District and their issues and concerns.  We are going to do everything in our power to address the addiction to crime and violence that unfortunately plagues our communities at times.

Which skills do you think people in this role should have?

I think a state representative needs to possess a great number of things to be successful. 

One of the most important is the ability to listen and educate yourself on the issues and concerns of the constitution. I have had 20+ years of experience in business and municipal government. I understand how the system works; I've been very fortunate to be a part of the system. 

I have relationships in business and politics. These are crucial components when it comes time to get things done. I have been fortunate to not only have worked in the municipal government but the public school system. As business manager there, I learned a vast amount of information as to the funding issues and concerns of the system, what's right and what's wrong.

Also the ability to work with other people, I am a people person—I can get along with anyone and I understand the dynamics of Harrisburg. I have had the opportunity to  work in the most versatile and proficient experiences when it comes to some of the most critical aspects to being a representative.

What would you like to accomplish as a state representative?

I want to find an answer to the violence/drugs that we are dealing with, as well as providing economic revitalization. I also want to make sure that everyone can have affordable health care, as well as senior care (that our seniors are having their needs taken care of).

Anything else you’d like to add?

We will work to ensure the rights of our senior citizens and veterans of the 35th District to ensure they receive the best quality of life we can provide.

We will work tirelessly to ensure public education is properly funded and that charter schools are held accountable.  Make sure every student has the [same] opportunity as every other student in the most affluent districts. Continue to promote the economic stability of the area and ensure there are careers, not jobs, but careers for the constituents of the 35th District to raise their families comfortably.

Elizabeth Laughlin is a freelance writer and a doctoral student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is a graduate assistant who runs the department newsletter and writes for a digital project. She writes for Modern Language Studies, and her short story, "Twenty-Seven," is being published in their journal.

Originally published February 05, 2023.

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