Marc Grammes of Washington Township kicked off his campaign for state representative in the 183rd Legislative District during a press conference March 22 at the Slatington Trailhead.

The district covers Slatington Borough and parts of Whitehall, Washington and South Whitehall townships in Lehigh County.

In Northampton County, the 183rd includes North Catasauqua, Walnutport, Northampton, Lehigh Township, Allen Township and parts of Moore Township.

Julie Harhart, a Republican, is the incumbent in the district.

Grammes, also a Repbublican, said the legislative districts are geared to having 60,000 residents in each.

When he was a Lehigh County commissioner, Grammes met Gregg Marzano, now his choice for campaign manager.

They worked together to save the Lehigh Valley Zoo 10 years ago, Marzano said.

Grammes crossed county lines and received backing, Marzano added.

"The 183rd District is also across county lines. It's important the Lehigh Valley is represented in Harrisburg," he said.

Grammes said he is seeking election because he can make a difference.

The candidate said he has the support of his wife, Liz, and described her as the rock of his life.

She gave him the go-ahead to return to politics and do what he thinks is important without employing the vitriol typifying politics.

Their sons, John and Joe, were on hand, and Grammes said he was happy to see young children in the audience.

"People said the zoo wouldn't work, but it does and it's a profitable business," Grammes said. "People said we couldn't fix Leaser Lake but it's done.

"We formed a nonprofit and, next week people will be trout fishing there.

"As Jim Kelly (former Lehigh County commissioner, who was in the audience) knows, I was privileged to do a minor part in getting the IronPigs into the area."

According to Grammes, he supported the Delaware and Lehigh Trail from Carbon County to Cementon.

"There are a lot of things people say we can't do, but we can," Grammes said.

The candidate said his own father had to find a job after retiring as an engineer at PPL because the property tax in Northern Lehigh is the highest in the Lehigh Valley.

"There has to be some way to free people from the property tax," Grammes said. "How do you pay the mortgage? How do you pay for prescriptions?"

Grammes said he wants to bring jobs to the area.

"I don't buy that people won't come to this part of the Valley," he said. "Lower taxes will bring more people. We should start incubator zones to bring a few businesses back. I've talked to people about it."

Although Grammes has a part-time job, he said that won't deter him from doing what is necessary to win the election.

"We'll be in full campaign mode. I've been knocking on doors and heard a lot about what people need," he said. "I've talked to the Lehigh Valley Labor Council and they asked if I would reach out to them."

"Absolutely," I said. "I'm not going to roll over. I expect a fight. What we do in Harrisburg impacts us all, not just the 183rd.

"The old saying goes 'Stand by me or get out of the way.'"

Grammes said he is concerned about the environment, economic development, property tax reform and creating a better place for seniors and children.

"The time is now. We can move forward. We're kicking it off, but Liz is holding up the time card," Grammes said. "Pick up a hot dog and enjoy yourself."

His high school coach, Dave Papay, said he has known Grammes a long time. He and German teacher Bernice Hicks talked him into running for student council where he proved he was a great leader.

"He's a super person. I'm glad he wants to stand up for his values, He has determination, a good person absolutely," Papay said.

Arnold Metzger of Heidelberg Township said Grammes is a good man.

Metzger said he will support him all he can.

"I worked with him on Leaser Lake," Metzger said. "I think he is on the right path to help the area."

Liz Grammes also provided her support.

"We're hoping for the best," she said. "This is a nice place to raise kids with the trail and everything."