SHAMOKIN - State Rep. Kurt A. Masser (R-107) said he has had a great first year representing the area in Harrisburg, despite what he described as "living in a suitcase" when he travels to the capital and back.
The former Northumberland County commissioner from Elysburg spoke to members of Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce during their annual dinner at the Knights of Columbus building Thursday evening.
Battling a cold, Masser arrived just hours after voting in favor of House Bill 1950, which approved a Marcellus Shale impact fee and regulatory measure. The bill passed the House 107-76.
Masser said that most of his time lately has been spent attending discussions on Marcellus Shale, the source rock for natural gas that has caused drillers to flock to Pennsylvania's Northern Tier.
"You have to appease people from all around the state," he said. "There will never be a perfect piece of legislation. It's learning the art of compromise."
Despite the constant traveling, Masser told members he has garnered great relationships with his constituents and has come to know Gov. Tom Corbett.
He mentioned several bills that were enacted since taking office, including Sprinkler Mandate Appeal, Unemployment Compensation Requirement, reform in the Department of Public Welfare and Lacey's Law, which set higher restrictions on drivers under the age of 18.
Closer to home, Masser thanked chamber members for their hard work in pushing economic improvements and assisting local business owners.
"There's a handful of key volunteers who do most of the work. You know who you are; thanks for what you do," he said.
Chamber accomplishments
Chamber Director Sandy Winhofer highlighted several chamber accomplishments in 2011. She complimented community and chamber members, specifically mentioning Marty (Vasquez) Sinopoli, owner of GiGi's Gifts and Home Decor at The Plaza at Coal Township, for assisting the community following the Flood of 2011.
"It made me very proud to have our businesses get together," she said. "It makes our area look so much better."
Winhofer reported on several successful events for its 235 members and the public during 2011 as well. Mentioned were a meeting with local school administrators that discussed state funding cuts and monthly luncheons with topics that included a bad check program presented by Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini, legal reform and Marcellus Shale investment options.
Officers, board
The chamber board will have one new member in 2012, with Bruce Kimball, administrator at Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Coal Township, elected to fill the vacancy of Jeanne Shaffer, a past president and long-time board member who has resigned.
Other officers and board members and the businesses or organizations they represent are Joe Daniels-D'Andrea, Clear Channel Radio, president; Steve Minker, community member, vice president; Pam Burns, First National Bank of Pa., secretary; Rita Rovito, Union National Bank of Mount Carmel, treasurer; Bill Richie, First Columbia Bank and Trust, vice president of Elysburg region; Warren Altomare, Family Home Medical, vice president of Mount Carmel region; Harry Morgan, Northumberland County Pennsylvania CareerLink, vice president of Shamokin region; Thomas Harlow, Shamokin Area Community Hospital, past president; Andy Heintzelman, The News-Item; Dave Fidler, Primerica Financial Services; Steve Cook, Central Susquehanna Opportunities; Chris Venna, Shamokin Area School District; Jodi Berry, M&T Bank; Rob Slaby, Coal Township business manager; Gino Sinopoli, GiGi's Gifts; and Ed Christiano, Northumberland County Housing Authority.