Lou Barletta: One Year Later, America Still In Need of Leadership

By LOU BARLETTA FOR CONGRESS

HAZLETON, PA – Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta kicked off his Congressional Campaign for the seat now held by Paul Kanjorski with an announcement of a much different type than one almost two years ago.

Lou invited reporters and supporters to log onto www.LouBarletta.com to view the announcement online.

During the webcast, Barletta said: “Judging from the cards and letters I receive from you every day, I know you feel that neither Northeastern Pennsylvania nor the United States are better off today than they were in November 2008. And I know you want to do something about it.

“Your letters of support and prayers are very humbling to me. You have given me much to think about.

“Something else has made me think. This year, I became a grandfather for the first time. I don’t exaggerate when I say that I worry about the type of country we’re building for my grandson and all of our grandchildren and children.

“That’s why I am announcing that I will again take up the fight and meet the challenge of seeking to become your next congressman.

“We need sane, sensible policies to restore our economy and encourage it to grow, create good jobs, and guarantee retirees’ pensions and benefits.

“We need a congressman in Washington who will put our national security and the lives of our armed services ahead of politics and polls.

“And we need a congressman in Washington who will work to make healthcare more affordable and accessible rather than destroy the best healthcare system in the world.

“We need a congressman in Washington who is not afraid to stand up to anyone for what is right.

“Together, with your help, support, and prayers, we will set America back on the right track – not just for today, but for the days when our grandchildren inherit our country.”

Born and raised in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, Lou Barletta learned the value of hard work at an early age. Lou worked side by side with his father Rocky, mother Angeline and his three brothers in the family businesses – A. Barletta and Sons Road Construction, and Barletta Heating Oil.

After graduating from Hazleton High School and attending Luzerne County Community and Bloomsburg State Colleges, Lou left school early to pursue a major league baseball career, trying out with the Cincinnati Reds. He jokes that his inability to hit a curve ball led him back to Hazleton.

Once home, Lou married the former MaryGrace Malloy. The couple has four daughters: Kelly, 28; April 27; Lindsey, 24; and Grace, 22 and a new grandson Gabriel.

In 1984, Lou and MaryGrace founded Interstate Road Marking Corp., a pavement marking business. Starting with just small spray paint cans, they built IRM into the largest pavement marking contractor in Pennsylvania. In 2008, Lou was the unanimous selection as Mayor of the Year by the PA Mayor’s Association.

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