Bethel Park Resident Announces Candidacy for Open State Senate Seat

Bethel Park native Sue Means has announced her candidacy for the state Senate to represent Pennsylvania's 37th District. 

The position, which includes the south and west suburbs of Pittsburgh, is open due to Sen. John Pippy's retirement.

Three Republicans have filed to replace Pippy. Means will face and former Mt. Lebanon Commissioner in the primary.

A longtime grassroots activist and educator, Means touted her 27 years of experience in advocating limited government and her commitment to being a "citizen legislator" rather than a career politician.

"We need legislators whose main goal is to serve the people rather than pursue a career," she said in a statement. "That’s why I have pledged to serve no more than two terms in Harrisburg and not to accept a public pension for my service."

Means also said she will push to return Pennsylvania's General Assembly to a part-time body.

Her legislative agenda includes banning the teacher strikes for which Pennsylvania is notorious, reducing business taxes to grow the economy, reforming prevailing wage laws and repealing costly energy mandates.

Formerly a neurosurgical nurse at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Means began her grassroots career as a leader in the successful effort to pass a statewide homeschooling law.

She was an invited guest when Gov. Robert Casey signed the bill into law in 1988, and she was later honored for her leadership in opposing big-government health care plans.

Her husband, Jim, was elected to the Bethel Park School Board last year on a platform of fiscal responsibility.

They have five children—ages 21 to 34.

Visit her campaign website: www.electsuemeans.com, and her Facebook page.