Ben Long, a Republican, has announced his candidacy to be the next state representative in the 132nd Legislative District.

“For my entire life, I have lived with a sense of conviction to do what is right and I have lived with a desire to make a difference in the world,” Long said. “I desire what is true and just, and I believe living life with integrity in all that we do is one of the most important things.”

Long says he has no interest in being just another politician and is running for the people, not the job.

He says his concern is not with what is right for his political party, or what is right for special interests.

His chief concern is what is right for the great people of the 132nd District.

“I believe people are people, and all people regardless of race, ethnicity, political ideology, religion, or sexual orientation deserve to be heard and deserve to be represented with integrity,” Long said. “I promise, that if elected as state representative in the 132nd District, every voice will be heard and everyone will have open accessibility to me, as your next state representative.

“When deciding whether to run for office or not I came back to these two very simple questions, if not now, when? If not me, than who?”

Long says he believes one person can make a difference, and that one person can relentlessly fight for reform, integrity and transparency.

“I have every interest and desire to be a servant of the people,” Long said. “If one voice can change a room, than one voice can change a district.”

Long resides in the West End of Allentown.

A graduate of Parkland High School, he is a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church.

He works for his father’s water technology company and is expected to graduate this coming semester from DeSales University, Center Valley.

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Editor’s note: The 132nd Legislative District includes Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 17 and 18 in Allentown.