Harrisburg, April 5, 2011 – Calling job creation and educational opportunity fundamental needs that Pennsylvania must meet for its future success, Judy Schwank (D- Berks) was sworn into office today as state Senator for the 11th District.
“We know the serious challenges facing our region and Pennsylvania,” Schwank said. “Fortunately, people here also have the character not to be daunted by them, and to recognize that very real opportunities lie ahead for us as well.
“We have to be prepared for both. Tearing out a solid foundation is the wrong way to start putting your house in order.”
Senator Schwank, who will be the Democratic chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee, said she will use her experience as a leader in agriculture, government and the non-profit and academic realms to work with members on both sides of the aisle to recreate a Pennsylvania government that is leaner, more efficient and more effective.
After being sworn in by Rabbi Minna Bromberg of Kesher Zion Synagogue in Reading, in front of an audience that included more than 100 supporters who caravanned by car and bus to Harrisburg, Schwank said her predecessor, the late Senator Mike O’Pake, set the gold standard during nearly 40 years representing the district.
“It is both an honor and a humbling experience to succeed Mike,” Schwank said. “He always placed his trust in voters, and he always concerned himself with working productively in a bipartisan fashion. Those are priorities we shared and which I will follow.
“Berks County voters want their concerns to be heard and addressed in Harrisburg. They are not interested in petty political goals because their needs and dreams are real, not political.”
A resident of Fleetwood with her husband, Jim, Schwank said she also will focus on legislative and property tax reform.
Schwank won a special election on March 15 to serve the remainder of the four-year term of O’Pake, who died in December.
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