For 22 years, I ran Pike County’s Area Agency on Aging, opening four new senior centers, working to keep seniors in their homes, and providing services to prevent premature institutionalization and hospitalization.

I am a registered dietician and Penn State graduate. Since retiring from the county, I have worked with Governor Shapiro’s Pennsylvania Food Policy Committee to evaluate and advance solutions to improve food and nutrition security, public health, environmental sustainability and stewardship, local food economies, and to reduce food waste.

My work with governmental and non-profit agencies, and ever-changing legislative mandates from Washington and Harrisburg, gives me the experience and perspective to shape legislation that truly helps, rather than hinders, the delivery of human services.

One in five Pennsylvania adults experience mental health issues each year. Yet, our local services are woefully inadequate. The fentanyl epidemic is destroying entire families. Our young people, and those with disabilities, urgently need access to career, technology, and vocational training centers. The local housing crisis is out of control, making even rental housing—let alone home ownership—out of reach for too many.

These are stubborn problems, but not insoluble. Human service delivery works best when experienced experts, political leadership and the people and communities most directly affected work together closely.

Protecting access to women’s healthcare, including abortion, is one of my highest priorities. Both of my opponents are anti-choice. I believe in bi-partisanship—what I accomplished with the Pike County Area Agency on Aging would not have been possible otherwise. But when it comes to the right of women to control their own bodies, I will never compromise.

I was born and raised in the 139th district, went K-12 to Wallenpaupack area schools, and graduated from Penn State. My husband, Robert, retired after 28 years teaching special education in the Delaware Valley School District, and I have two children, Rose and Jack. We are all “outdoors people” and have a profound appreciation for the pristine natural environment we enjoy in Pike and Wayne Counties.

In recent decades, our area has faced a series of threats to our environment. As your state representative, I want to make sure we have the protections in place so future generations will enjoy the clear streams abundant with fish, forests chock-full of woodlands, fresh air, and beautiful vistas that have so enriched my life.

I ask for your vote in the special election on April 23. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at rskibber161@gmail.com or 570-647-6212 with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you.