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In the 19th District, a primary challenge for Platts

York businessman Mike Smeltzer plans to challenge Congressman Todd Platts (R-19) for their party’s nomination.

In a statement Monday, Smeltzer announced the formation of a committee to explore his bid. He is the director of the Manufacturers’ Association of South Central Pennsylvania.

“Our community needs an independent, effective voice in Washington – someone who will provide leadership in addressing these challenging times,” Smeltzer says in the announcement. “We need a new direction that focuses on job creation, limiting government spending and restricting the federal government’s involvement and power in our lives.”

Read the full press release after the jump.

Correction: This article originally implied incorrectly that Smeltzer is the first primary challenger to an incumbent House member.

Mike Smeltzer Launches Congressional Exploratory Committee

York, PA – Mike Smeltzer today announced the formation of a committee to explore his seeking the 2010 Republican nomination to represent Pennsylvania’s 19th Congressional District.

Smeltzer, a successful York businessman, is the Director of the Manufacturers’ Association of South Central Pennsylvania and a small business investor. He champions two issues: (1) reining in out-of-control government spending and (2) returning good family-supporting jobs to the district. During this exploration Mike will seek to engage fellow residents of the 19th District to learn what they believe is best for south central Pennsylvania’s future.

“Our community needs an independent, effective voice in Washington – someone who will provide leadership in addressing these challenging times. We need a new direction that focuses on job creation, limiting government spending and restricting the federal government’s involvement and power in our lives.” Smeltzer said.

Smeltzer, a life-long resident of York County, can claim more than 30 years building companies that provided high quality jobs and sound investments in the community. His district-wide work with the Manufacturers’ Association has shown Mike to be a practical and pragmatic community leader who easily works with elected and appointed government officials, business and community leaders and educational leaders. He has helped to improve government, create a business climate that encourages business, and work with schools to improve student success. In sum, this work will contribute to a faster recovery for south-central Pennsylvania.

In addition to his involvement in business and community activities, Mike serves with national, state, and local organizations that focus on issues leading to business, student, and community development projects.

Smeltzer attended Red Lion Area School District and Penn State University majoring in Computer Science and Liberal Arts. He lives in York with his wife Ann and their two children, Paul (19) and Emily (16).

December 21, 2009 at 3:40 pm

--pa2010.com Staff

Tags: Mike Smeltzer, PA-19, Todd Platts

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