About
Mt. Pleasant, PA – Margie Sabo Zelenak has announced her intention to run for the Pennsylvania 59thLegislative District in the Democratic primary.
The lifelong Democrat and resident of Mt. Pleasant Township is the only Democrat to announce a run for the seat. She recently retired as the Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association (PALA). In this role she advocated for seniors in Harrisburg and Washington, DC. Zelenak serves on the Governor’s Long-Term Care Council that is facilitating the Governor’s Executive order to develop a 10-year strategic plan for aging in the Commonwealth. She is an active member of Southwestern PA Partnership for Aging (SWPPA). This association awarded Zelenak the 2023 Pruitt-Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions in the field of aging.
Zelenak has over 24 years’ experience in long-term care and advocacy for Pennsylvania’s seniors. She has received state and national awards for her advocacy. She will bring this same dedication to every resident of the 59th district.
“We need representation in Harrisburg that is committed to all residents of the district and who will be their voice. And at the same time, we need representation in Harrisburg that understands the issues facing the aging population of the 59th District and Pennsylvania. Study after study indicates there is an approaching tsunami of seniors in the Commonwealth and that the state lacks a workforce to provide affordable care options – particularly for long-term care.”
The need to increase the workforce to provide care to seniors in the 59th will be a focus. One of the barriers to entering the workforce is the increasing costs of childcare. Families must make hard decisions on the choice to work over the lack of affordable childcare options. Other priorities will include school funding options, safety in our schools and communities, availability of technology, improving infrastructure and implementing the Governor’s strategic plan for aging.
