Freedom Twp. Woman Seeks Spot On State Republican Committee

An East Freedom woman running to represent Blair County on the Republican State Committee said her experience in state government and knowledge of the issues the county faces makes her an ideal fit.

Amanda Walker, District Manager for State Sen. Judy Ward, said she is seeking the seat because she knows the county and its needs.

"I feel I have a good pulse on the county, what its interests are and what matters to people," she said. "Blair County is a conservative area, and I am a conservative person. I want to take my knowledge of the area to the state level and represent this area they way it should be represented."

Walker has been in state government since 2016 when she joined the staff of then newly elected State Rep. Ward. Along with her duties in Ward's office, Walker also serves on the Blair County Republican Committee.

"I do have an advantage with my position that others do not," she said. "I hear from citizens of Blair County every day, what their concerns are and what they want from their government, and I feel that makes me a good fit for state committee."

Blair County Republican Committee Chairman Jim Foreman, who is on the state committee, said because of her experience and knowledge on how state government works, Walker is the perfect fit to represent the county on the state level.

"Someone like Amanda, who not only knows what Blair County needs, but what the commonwealth needs, and who is invested in state government and knows how it works would be invaluable," Foreman said.

Foreman said one of the responsibilities of a state committee member is vetting candidates for state office, and Walker's knowledge of state government would be an asset in choosing candidates who will help Blair County.

"Amanda knows the type of questions to ask beyond the basic questions and to get to the real character of a candidate," Foreman said. "Will they not only serve the state, but also the interests of our region? It's a big deal to send the right people to Harrisburg on the committee and Amanda fits that."

Walker said she wants to represent Blair County on the state committee because she understands how the system works and wants to use her experience for the county's benefit.

"In the past eight years I've learned things that the average citizen would never know or understand in government, the good and the bad," she said. "The struggles people have who look to elected officials for help. People have real issues, and they need people to advocate for them. I want to use what I know to help Blair County and I feel I could do that best right now by representing the county on the state committee."

This year, voters will choose four candidates for state committee, two men and two women. The primary election is on Tuesday, May 17.