(Editor’s note: The following is the final part in a series offering Daily Herald readers a closer look at Republican State Representative Jerry Stern.)
Lifelong Morrisons Cove area resident Jerry Stern moved from the private sector to public life more than two decades ago and has served at the state level as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for more than a decade.
Stern is serving in his sixth term as a legislator, but thanks to redistricting, in the last year he’s taken on northern Blair residents as part of his constituency in the 80th district. The Daily Herald today concludes a week-long series about the representative designed to acquaint and inform readers about him.
“Longevity is one thing that helps you. the more you get to know other members the more you can move your ideas and initiatives forward,” said a reflective Stern.
He said one of his main roles has been getting initiatives into the state budget rather than at the level of introducing new legislation he’s sponsored. Stern did indicate he’s co-sponsored many pieces of legislation over the years.
One achievement the legislator seemed most proud of was finding money to help displaced homemakers find employment through a program called New Choices, New Options. The program helps those in need gain employment through vocational centers using available grant money.
Stern was asked if he played a role in getting Tyrone’s paper mill reopened.
“I’ve done things behind the scenes that did not play out on the front pages of The Daily Herald,” joked Stern.
Stern indicated part of his role in such matters is to work as a facilitator to make sure things work out for all parties involved
In the state house, Stern is a member of the Appropriations Committee, which oversees the state’s annual operating budget. Stern’s been quick to point out contrary to what some people think the state does have a budget. The current debate in Harrisburg centers on various pieces of Governor Ed Rendell’s spending plan. Stern believes legislators will work until the end of the year if necessary to hammer out a variety of budgetary issues.
Earlier this year, the house speaker asked Stern to assume a role in the nation’s war on terrorism by chairing the subcommittee on Military and Veteran facilities, which oversees the state’s 98 National Guard armories.
Stern also serves on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee. According to his biography, Stern has been working to improve the region’s agricultural business relationships. Stern has a farming and business background and serves a district that’s been designated as 75 percent rural.
The legislator also serves on the Children and Youth Committee. Stern has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which helps to reduce crime by supporting local crime fighting and crime prevention initiatives.
Prior to his election in 1992, Stern was involved in service to the Blair County court system for 11 years. He was elected Blair County Prothonotary in 1989 and Clerk of Courts after serving as Deputy Prothonotary from 1982 to 1989.
Stern was asked if he’d seek re-election next year. He indicated it was too early to make such an announcement. The petition filing period for the 2004 primary election is only about two months away. Primary day is Apr. 27 next year.
Stern, who also has an office in Hollidaysburg, offered a brief tour of his Tipton office at the conclusion of an hour-long interview.
