The former State Rep. has held several leadership positions in the House, including a term as vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee
By Tom Waring
The Times
State Rep. Scott Petri (R-178th dist.) will step down on Sunday to become the executive director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Petri is in his eighth term. He first won office in 2002, when he defeated sportscaster Carl Cherkin to replace the retiring Roy Reinard.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to represent the citizens of the 178th district,” he said. “I am humbled and gratified by the support I have received from my constituents over the years and for the opportunity to serve. I have enjoyed every moment of my service. I look forward to this challenging and exciting new role with the PPA and the opportunity to continue my work in public service.”
Petri has held several leadership positions in the House, including a term as vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and as chairman of the Urban Affairs, Ethics and Gaming Oversight committees.
As chairman of the House Ethics Committee, Petri was responsible for developing stronger House Ethical Conduct Rules while also clarifying and strengthening the rights and responsibilities of the Ethics Committee, which handles matters involving conflicts of interest or job-related misconduct by House members, staff and officers.
The House recently passed Petri’s pension forfeiture bill, which would hold elected officials and public employees accountable for crimes related to their official duties or office by requiring them to forfeit their government pension and pay appropriate restitution. His bill would remove loopholes that have enabled government officials to plea bargain to avoid losing their lucrative government pensions. His bill is now under consideration in the state Senate.
Petri was honored by the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children with its Champion for Children award for his legislation — now law — that strengthens the definition of child abuse in Pennsylvania, making it easier for law enforcement, child advocates, mandated reporters and the public to fight it. Petri has also pushed for creation of a state Office of Child Ombudsman to oversee child abuse claims in the Commonwealth.
In his role on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Petri has been an advocate for Washington Crossing Historic Park, working to secure state funding for restoration and other park improvements. The aim is to preserve the park’s history for future generations to enjoy.
The 178th district includes New Hope Borough, and Northampton, Solebury, Upper Makefield and Wrightstown townships.
Last year, Petri announced his candidacy in the 8th Congressional District. Once Brian Fitzpatrick entered the Republican primary, Petri dropped out and re-entered the race in the 178th. ••
