I do not want to be a politician. I want to be a legislator. That is why I am running for Pennsylvania State Senate. Many politicians make popular short term decisions only to have them become costly and harmful later. Re-election appears to be the overriding thought guiding every action. What is good for the long term of Pennsylvania and its citizens will always be my upmost priority.
I am 45 and the proud father of a nearly perfect 10 year old girl. I have lived in the 18th district since 1994. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, I came to Pennsylvania in 1988 to pursue my dream of becoming a professional race car driver. I started out working with a team near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I was 22 and worked the entire year for free just for the opportunity to use one of their cars for the following 1989 season. I won the championship that year, and with that success I moved to the Lehigh Valley. In 1990 I started my own team. Matt Connolly Motorsports is still in operation today. It may sound exciting and glamorous, but at the end of the day it's just a small business like many others, with income, expenses, payroll, equipment, and taxes. As a lot of business owners know, often after all the expenses and workers have been paid, there is little left for the person signing the checks.
I wonder if I came here today as a 23 year old, with all the regulations and taxes enacted since 1988, if I would even be able to follow the same career path. Residents and businesses have voted with their feet and left this state for greener pastures. We need to get them back so others can pursue the lives theychoose.
My first foray into politics was by being a volunteer for Congressman Charlie Dent's re-election in 2008. He encouraged me to pursue this senate seat, and I am grateful for his guidance since then. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your concerns. I am happy to share my solutions for a Harrisburg, filled with career politicians, which still haven't delivered on things they promised 8 years ago. Read Matt's full biography here.
-Matt Connolly