Pat Harkins

• Mercyhurst College
• Pennsylvania State University

Patrick J. Harkins
Member of the PennsylvaniaHouseofRepresentatives from the 1st district
Incumbent
Assumed office December 1, 2006
Website	Official website

Patrick J. Harkins (born December 22, 1963) is an American politician serving as a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 1st District and was elected in 2006.

Early life and education

Harkins grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. The youngest of five children to Bernard (Babe) and Rita Harkins. He graduated from Erie Tech Memorial High School. While in high school he earned an electrical-electronics certification. At Mercyhurst College, he studied political science and business. After a year at Mercyhurst he transferred to Penn State Behrend where he studied political science and business. He worked as a driver for UPS for 25 years. While employed there he also became active in the local Teamsters Union, Teamsters LU 397.^{[ citation needed ]}

Career

Harkins was first elected in 2006. The district opened up when Rep. Linda Bebko-Jones retired following a challenge to the validity of her petition signatures. ^[1] He won a three-way primary election over Democrats Michael Skrzypczak and Dennis Iaquinta and went on to defeat Republican Christine Pontoriero with 75% of the vote.^{[ citation needed ]}

In the primary of 2016 Harkins faced no opposition, in the general election on November 8. 2016 Harkins won reelection to his sixth term defeating William Edward Crotty by 76% to 22%. Harkins was sworn in for his sixth term on January 3, 2017. ^{[2] [3]}

Controversy

In 2023, it was reported through a Right-to-Know Request that Harkins has collected $154,686.97 in reimbursable, tax-free mileage in addition to his six-figure legislative salary, since 2018. By comparison, Representatives Ryan Bizzarro and Bob Merski, who also represent Erie, collected far less. In 2021, Merski’s reimbursement was $6,731.16 while Bizzarro’s reimbursement was $4,322.64. In that same year, Harkins collected $23,224.66 in reimbursements. The following year, Merski and Bizzarro had $5,784 and $5,958 in reimbursements, respectively, while Harkins collected $26,113.75. ^[4]

Committee assignments

• Gaming Oversight ^[5]
• Professional Licensure ^[5]
• Rules ^[5]

Personal life

Harkins served as a board member on the Sacred Heart School Board for six years, and served as board president for three of those six years. Harkins and his wife Michelle founded the Reservoir Dogs neighborhood crime watch organization in their neighborhood. He also served as judge of elections in Erie County, Pennsylvania. ^[6]

References

1. Guerriero, John (2008-02-29). "Dispute over petitions ended Bebko-Jones' career". Erie Times-News . Retrieved 2008-02-29.
2. "2006 General Primary - Representative in the General Assembly". Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2004. Archived from the original on 2008-11-27. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
3. "2006 General Election - Representative in the General Assembly". Commonwealth of PA - Elections Information. Pennsylvania Department of State. 2004. Archived from the original on 2008-11-27. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
4. https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania-politics/pennsylvania-lawmaker-received-154k-in-travel-reimbursements-thousands-beyond-colleagues/ ^{[ bare URL ]}
5. "Representative Patrick J. Harkins". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
6. "Rep. Patrick Harkins Biography". Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus. 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-15.

External links

• Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus – Pat Harkins - official caucus website
• Pennsylvania House of Representatives – Pat Harkins - official PA House website
• Profile at Vote Smart
• Follow the Money – Pat Harkins' 2006 campaign contributions

Political offices
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Preceded by Linda Bebko-Jones	Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 1st District 2007–present	Incumbent