MATZIE ANNOUNCES RUN
FOR THE STATE HOUSE

16th District encompasses Allegheny and Beaver Counties

Former Ambridge Mayor, radio personality and current State Senate staff member Rob Matzie has announced his intention to run for the 16th State House District which encompasses Allegheny and Beaver Counties.

Matzie served as Ambridge Mayor in 2003 and 2004 before stepping down due to family circumstances. “At the time I was contemplating a run for the State House and realized that I was neglecting my duties at home with my newborn daughter Claire,” he said. “I left the door open at the time that if in the future the opportunity presented itself I would again consider a run and now is the time.”

Matzie was appointed Mayor after the death of Mayor George Kyragyros, he ran unopposed in both the Primary and General Election to complete the full term.

“The irony is that four years ago my daughter was a main reason for not running for the House and today she is one of the reasons I am running,” Matzie said. “I guess it’s the circle of life, as a parent you become an advocate for your child the instant they come into the world. As a policy maker I can look at my own experiences and be a voice for all.”

As a staff member for retiring State Senator Gerald J. LaValle, Matzie is the Senator’s district staff member responsible for economic development and represented the Senator in a variety of capacities with the public and governmental agencies at the local, county, state and federal level. “I have been fortunate that for 13 plus years that I was involved on many projects,” said Matzie. “There is a sense of pride and satisfaction that my participation, no matter how significant, played a role from an idea on paper to reality.”

Matzie is a lifelong resident of Ambridge and graduated from Ambridge Area High School. He received an Associate’s Degree in High Technology Communications from the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Communications from Point Park University.

Matzie began his radio career when he was 18 years old and worked at WMBA Radio in Ambridge which helped finance his college education. “My salary and savings along with my parents support and student loans helped me realize the American dream of becoming a college graduate, “said Matzie. “I am proud to be a product of the Community College system and grateful that student loans were made available to me and will work towards the goal of giving every resident of the Commonwealth increased opportunities in higher education.” Most recently Matzie has covered High School Sports as a play-by-play announcer for the Management Science Associates Sports Network heard throughout the tri-state area and on the internet.

“I see this as a natural progression from a staff member in the General Assembly to the decision maker and look forward to sharing my story with the voters,” said Matzie. “I grew up in the family homestead with my father’s sister and brother who were both disabled, I learned about obstacles and working hard, all of which helped form my beliefs, values and problem solving skills.”

The 39 year old Matzie is married to Patricia and is the father of six year old Claire. He is the second son of Andrew (Jr.) and Catherine (Kay) Mendicino-Matzie and the brother of David of Rochester and Michael of Ambridge.

“Along with working on economic development I pledge to support efforts to reduce rising health care costs, tackling rising property taxes while still providing the best possible education for our children and work to restore trust in government,” he said. “I look forward to the challenges ahead and being in a position to make a difference.”

The 16th State House District encompasses both Allegheny and Beaver Counties including the following communities: In Allegheny County the Townships of Crescent, Leet and Ross (all of Ward 4 and Ward 9, Precinct 2) and the Boroughs of Bell Acres, Bellevue, Leetsdale and Franklin Park (Ward 1, Precinct 1 and Ward 2, Precinct 1). In Beaver County the City of Aliquippa, Township of Harmony and the Boroughs of Ambridge, Baden, Conway and Economy (Districts 1, 3, 4 and 5).

Anyone interested in supporting the campaign is encouraged to call 724-266-6116 or E-Mail rmatzie@verizon.net.

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