Dermody, Vaerewyck Eye Seat in 33rd Legislative District

There's no contested race in the primary for representative in the 33rd legislative district, but Incumbent Frank Dermody, a Democrat, and Republican Gerry Vaerewyck will go head to head once more in November.

Both ran for the position two years ago. The district covers Oakmont and Plum boroughs.

Here's some information about both candidates:

Gerry Vaerewyck

Vaerewyck of West Deer was elected as a township supervisor in West Deer last year. He also owns an electro-optics manufacturing business in New Kensington.

A volunteer with Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, 4-H and Red Cross, Vaerewyck said he decided to run again because he hasn't seen a lot of improvement in the district.

He also said he wants to make Pennsylvania a business-friendly state.

"Good jobs will solve virtually every problem we have in this district," Vaerewyck said. "To get those good jobs, we need businesses to come here and to stay here. That's an issue of taxes, regulation and just simply making businesses feel wanted here. I want to be able to tell my son that our taxes, our regulations, our infrastructure make PA a great place to do business."

He and his wife, Mary, have three sons—Robert, Joseph and Richard. For more information, see gerryvaerewyck.mypoliticalsite.com.

Frank Dermody

Dermody of Oakmont has been in office since 1990. he has been re-elected every two years ever since. According to his website, he has served in several committees, including:

• Subcommittee on Courts in the Judiciary Committee
• Allegheny County Democratic Delegation
• Caucus secretary
• Urban Affairs Committee
• Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing

Dermody is a former assistant public defender and assistant district attorney. He has taught classes at the Community College of Allegheny County and the PA Bar Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

He and his wife, Debra, have two children—Frank and Cara. For more information, see www.pahouse.com/dermody.

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