Leah Garloff

One-half of all Pennsylvanians will get to vote for their member of Pennsylvania State Senate this year. The term of office for a State Senator is four years, and there are 50 State Senate seats, but only half of them are up for election every two years.

Article by Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director

In recent weeks many publications have touted Pennsylvania as the key state in this year’s Presidential race. We are also playing a “keystone” role in another important outcome of the November election – party control of the United States Senate.

On October 3, AARP Pennsylvania hosted a volunteer recognition event to thank the PA volunteers and recognize all of their hard work. Jean Purvis of Butler was selected to receive the 2016 AARP Pennsylvania Andrus Award for Community Service -- the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

Last week we began a preview of the 2016 election in Pennsylvania with an overview of the statewide offices and a more detailed look at the Attorney General’s race. This week we will look more closely at the functions of the State Treasurer and the Auditor General, why these offices are important to you, and who the candidates are in the November election.

At a ceremony held on September 21 st, the Borough of West Chester was inducted into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, which helps participating communities become great places for all ages by adopting such features as safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, access to key services, and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities. As a member, West Chester will be part of a growing national movement of livable communities striving to meet the needs of their 19,000 residents.

During a year when so much attention is focused on the Presidential Election and the Federal Government, statewide offices in Pennsylvania might be overlooked by some. However, the positions of Attorney General, Auditor General, and Treasurer are important to all Pennsylvanians. These independent state agencies serve key functions that are not within the responsibilities of the Governor or General Assembly.

At AARP, we are engaging with the community in new and surprising ways. If you’ve been out and about in Philadelphia, chances are that you have seen us at street festivals, city council meetings, or hosting events. But did you know that we are going to be in the LGBT community even more than ever before?

Haverford Music Fest

The calendar has now moved past Labor Day and that means that election season is upon us. It is hard not to pick up your remote or a newspaper without seeing a story about the Presidential election. But it is not only the Presidency that is up for election this year. The results of the races for state and other federal offices will have a profound impact on Pennsylvanians, particularly older Pennsylvanians.