By Tom Mitchell LEADER TIMES Wednesday, January 23, 2008

KITTANNING -- State Sen. Don White, R-Indiana, announced his re-election bid yesterday to more than 70 supporters at a luncheon at the Elks Lodge on North Water Street.

White, who was elected to the Senate in 2000, said the decision to seek another termwas not automatic. He first sought the approval of his wife Ann.

"Public service isn't a bed of roses," White said. "If you're truly committed to public service it can be an all-consuming commitment that's full of setbacks, disappointment and lost precious moments with your family. However, the successes we've achieved over the past seven years have been profound and are an inspiration to me to continue on. We've made positive strides in many respects, yet, more can be accomplished and I will ask the people of the 41st District to allow me to work toward that goal over the next four years."

White was introduced by Armstrong County Commissioner Patricia Kirkpatrick, who listed some of White's accomplishments of the last seven years.

She said White was instrumental in facilitating the location and expansion of Dielectric Solutions in downtown Kittanning, a company that employs 70 workers and has revitalized a formerly idle industrial facility in the borough.

"The Northpointe Technology Center opened its doors in January 2004 thanks in large part to a $950,000 grant secured by Sen. White," she said. "Also, Armstrong County Commissioners received $500,000 to renovate the Belmont Complex Recreational Facility. Downtown Kittanning received a major boost when the county received $1.5 million to revitalize the former IUP Campus and acquire other properties for revitalization in the borough." She said White helped secure $2.5 million in PennVEST funds for public sewer service in Cadogan; $750,000 for Manor Township to construct public sewer lines along the A-15 bypass corridor; and $600,000 for construction of a water system for Roseville that was completed last year. She said he was the prime sponsor of Act 105 which provides tuition credits for spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard Members who were killed in the line of duty, and requires the Commonwealth to pay for life insurance premiums for Pennsylvania guardsmen who are serving in combat zones.

"I want to have a positive effect on the lives of every constituent," White said. "I don't wear a hat with an 'R' on it. I represent everyone in the district regardless of their political affiliation. Our constituents need to know what bill I am voting on. That information will be available on the Internet within 24 hours. They also need tho know how I am spending money and they have a right to know what my expenses are."

White said two of his priorities are veterans affairs and fighting for lower health care costs.

"Another of my goals is to provide a good environment for our children, to make Armstrong County a place where they will want to stay and live and work," White said.

Closing comments were offered by Armstrong County Commissioner James Scahill, who said White was one of the few elected officials who refused to accept the 2005 mid-term pay raise. "

Sen. White is a friend of Armstrong County," Scahill said. "He was born here. What's good for Armstrong County is good for the 41st District and what's good for the 41st District is good for Pennsylvania."

White serves as chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, and vice chairman of the Transportation Committee. He also serves on four additional committees: Community and Economic Development, Environmental Resources and Energy,Veterans Affairs and Emergency Services, and Labor and Industry.

Tom Mitchell can be reached at tmitchell@tribweb.com or 724-543-1303, ext. 220.