For Immediate Release: June 18, 2007
Contact: Dena Gresh: (814) 602-9073
DEMOCRAT TOM MYERS ANNOUNCES RUN FOR CONGRESS AGAINST PHIL ENGLISH
Erie, PA – Democrat Tom Myers, local attorney and the current Board Chair of the YMCA of Greater Erie, announced today that he has officially filed to run for the U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania's Third Congressional District against Republican incumbent Phil English. Myers released the following statement regarding his announcement:
Phil English is part of the problem in Washington, not part of the solution. He has repeatedly voted in support of George Bush's war in Iraq and he's supported unfair trade deals like NAFTA that have cost thousands of Pennsylvanians their jobs. The Democrats in our area are eager for a strong candidate with the ability to go toe-to-toe with Phil English. The families in our community deserve someone who's not a career politician who will fight for their interests.
If we want to change Washington, we need to change who represents us. I'll pursue a new course to help Northwestern Pennsylvania. We must responsibly bring our troops home from Iraq and refocus our priorities and resources on new priorities reducing our federal deficit, making health care universally accessible and ending unfair trade deals that have stripped our communities and hardworking families of good-paying jobs. We must leave a healthy legacy for our children and grandchildren, not mortgage their futures. If we work together, the best it is yet to come for America and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Myers is part owner of the Erie law firm of Nichols & Myers, P.C and has 20 years of broad legal experience representing individuals, families and organizations. He has used his legal skills to aid various Erie County non-profits:
- He is the current Board Chair and Chief Volunteer Officer for the YMCA of Greater Erie and has served on the YMCA's Board of Directors for 10 years.
- For 15 years, he was the solicitor for the Erie County Federation of Fraternal & Social Organizations which boasts more than three dozen member social clubs in Erie County.
- For nine years, he was the solicitor for the American Lung Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania which became known as the American Respiratory Alliance.
- For over 14 years, he has represented the Kuhl Hose Volunteer Fire Department.
- For the last three years, he has served as a Mental Health Review Officer for the Erie County Department of Human Services.
Jim Martin, Erie Regional President for Northwest Savings Bank, knows Myers from serving together for the last seven years on the Erie YMCA Board. Says Martin, "Tom's integrity, work ethic and passion for the youth and families of our communities is contagious. As board chair, he truly befits the YMCA's mission statement to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities."
Background information:
Myers, 46, resides in Millcreek with his wife of 12 years and their two daughters. Born and raised in Erie County, Myers graduated from Seneca High School in 1978 and received a bachelor's degree in Labor Studies from Penn State in 1982 and a law degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego in 1985. Myers has a strong family labor background and represents a number of local labor organizations including the IBEW Local 56, United Roofers Local 210 and the Great Lakes Building and Construction Trades Council.
In the 2006 election cycle, Phil English outspent his opponent 21:1 and garnered only 53.6% of the vote. According to the non-partisan Congressional Quarterly, English has voted with President Bush 97-percent of the time.
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Paid for by Myers for Congress 2008
