BETHLEHEM, Pa. — State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, announced Monday he will seek re-election to a 20th term.
“Throughout my public service I have dedicated myself to representing the needs and concerns of everyday people of Pennsylvania who don’t have some powerful monied lobby to look out for their interests,” Freeman said in a release.
“My record is one of fighting for working families, senior citizens, consumers, and our environment. And I’ve been a consistent advocate for reform in Harrisburg to make state government more accountable and transparent.”
"I have gained expertise and recognition as a leader in environmental protection, reducing the negative effects of suburban sprawl, preserving farmland and focusing on the revitalization of older urban areas."State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton
Freeman first was elected to the state House in 1982 and served six terms before an unsuccessful bid for the State Senate in 1994.
He then was executive director of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee and as Democratic executive director of the Senate Local Government Committee before returning to the state House in 1998. He has been re-elected 12 times.
Freeman is a lifelong resident of the 136th District, which covers Easton, Freemansburg, Glendon, Hellertown, West Easton, Wilson and parts of Lower Saucon, Palmer and Williams townships.
He is a graduate of Easton Area High School and Moravian University and received a master's degree at Lehigh University.
In his release, Freeman said that over the years, he has "gained expertise and recognition as a leader in environmental protection, reducing the negative effects of suburban sprawl, preserving farmland and focusing on the revitalization of older urban areas."
Record of service, success
Freeman serves as the Democratic majority chairman of the House Local Government Committee. He also serves on the bicameral, bipartisan Local Government Commission and is a member of the State Planning Board.
He authored the Elm Street Program, creating an innovative program that has proven instrumental in the revitalization of older residential neighborhoods.
“I’ve worked for the establishment of programs and policies to create jobs and promote economic opportunity," Freeman said.
"I have helped to bring millions of dollars in funding for important projects for the communities in my district promoting economic development, enhancing parks and environmental projects, and providing much needed infrastructure.”
“In these divisive times, I’ve been an effective Representative with the experience and track record to get things done."State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton
“In these divisive times, I’ve been an effective Representative with the experience and track record to get things done.
"I will continue to work to promote economic opportunity, address pressing environmental issues, promote adequate funding for public education, expand health care coverage, and promote open space preservation and smart growth planning practices to empower communities to better manage growth to control their destiny and to have the tools to mitigate the effects of large warehouse development.
"And I will continue to promote efforts to provide for more affordable housing as I did in helping to secure funding for The Mill on Southside and as my ‘Lease to Purchase’ legislation will create a path to affordable home ownership for working families.”
The Pennsylvania primary election is set for April 23. Besides president, voters also will cast ballots for Congress and the state Legislature.
