Retiring at the next election after 44 years, Representative Joe Pitts of East Marlborough reflects on almost half century of service as an elected official, writes Chris Barber for Daily Local News.

Pitts’ career started rather unexpectedly in 1972, when friends convinced him to run for the soon to be vacated 158th seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He did so without even being endorsed by the Republican candidate.

“I didn’t know anything about politics, but I thought about ways to get my name out,” he reminisces. “I bought some two-by-fours, and nailed them together. On one I posted a sign that said, ‘Elect Pitts on April 25.’ The next one said, ‘Stop here to meet Pitts,’ and stood by the side of roads throughout the district. I also knocked on a lot of doors.”

His dedication paid off, and led to a career in the State House and the U.S. House of Representatives that lasted 44 years. When a new U.S. representative for the 16th District is sworn in on January 3rd, Pitts will move on to the next phase of his life.

The decision to retire was not made due to the work itself, Pitts is just happy not to have to raise money anymore. His health is good, he is proud of his accomplishments, and is looking forward to new opportunities and having more time for his grandchildren.

Looking back at his time in the Pennsylvania House, he said that one of the most satisfying issues for him is that after eight years serving as head of the Appropriations Committee, congress passed eight budgets in a row without raising taxes.

“It’s a wonderful honor to represent the people of Pennsylvania’s 16th District,” he noted.

Read more about Pitts’ career at Daily Local News here.