Steve George calls himself an average middle-class worker, a Democrat who resides in New Tripoli, who says he can be a voice for the people.

That is why he announced his candidacy for state representative in the 187th Legislative District Jan. 6 in front of the historic Basin Street Hotel, Kutztown.

Saying he grew tired of the ineffectual status quo in Harrisburg, George stood alongside family, friends and supporters and spoke briefly about his desire to change the way things are being done.

“The current trend of voting along party lines is detrimental to our community,” George said. “Money is being wasted and the average taxpayer is getting stuck with the bill.”

Citing party-line votes and lack of compromise as the culprit behind the gridlock holding the state hostage, George said his goal is to reach across party lines to do what is best for his community and the entire state of Pennsylvania.

George said current politics are “obstructing the ability to get things done for the taxpayers who are the only ones to be served.”

With an eye on reducing unneeded spending rather than seeking new revenue sources, George says he plans to take serious aim at spending reductions.

“It is time we become fiscally responsible,” he said.

George noted he is not seeking to launch a new career in politics, adding he would push for term limits.

“It is clear we need change in Pennsylvania,” he said. “I will go to Harrisburg to represent what is best for the 187th District, not my own personal interests or those of special interest groups.”

Beyond what he says is his No. 1 goal of increasing fiscal responsibility, George also gave some insight into his evolving platform, touching upon several other bullet points.

The first of these is supporting local firefighters.

He noted support for firefighters is dwindling and exponentially decreasing the number of volunteers in our communities, creating a greater risk for loss of life and homes.

Increased support and services for the state’s veterans also tops George’s list.

“More and more we see the detrimental effects of the lack of medical and emotion care for the heroes who protect our freedoms,” George states

The candidate says he also wants improved support for education in Pennsylvania and increased aid to state universities, allowing more young people the opportunity to receive an education.

Finally, he supports creating an environment for future business and economic growth by ensuring small and large businesses have the opportunity to thrive in Pennsylvania, thereby creating good paying jobs, and making Pennsylvanuia a great place to live and work.

George, a husband, father and blue collar electrician, states he just got tired with the status quo.

He has lived in the Lehigh Valley since moving here with his parents in 1990.

“I believe people realize they can make a change and I am hopeful that voters will reflect that at the polls,” said George. “It is not just one specific thing that led me to run. It’s a culmination of a feeling of non-accomplishment in Harrisburg.

“Someone has to do something and I hope to be the person to help make that happen.”

George is a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 375.

His wife, Taylor, is a medical assistant at North Whitehall Family Practice.

Together, they have a 2-year-old daughter, Adriana.

George has been active in the community, coaching little league baseball, volunteering at Christ’s Church at Lowhill Food Pantry, and supporting the Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation.

He is a member of Jordan UCC, South Whitehall, and says he enjoys working on his 1972 Chevy Nova and taking his dog, Shadow, for walks in Ontelaunee Park.

He and his wife worked behind the counter of Rollie’s Ice Cream, Whitehall, a business his wife’s family owned for 25 years, until its closure in 2014.

George is the first Democrat to announce his candidacy for the 187th district.

Currently, Republican Gary Day holds the office which includes Heidelberg, Lowhill, North Whitehall, Lynn, Weisenberg and Upper Macungie (Districts 1, 2 and 3) townships in Lehigh County, and Kutztown, Lyons, and Topton, and the townships of Longswamp, Maxatawny and Richmond in Berks County.

Primary elections will be April 26.

For more information, visit stevegeorge4pa.com.