Former Ferguson Township supervisor to challenge Benninghoff for state House seat
Former Ferguson Township supervisor Peter Buck announced his candidacy for state representative in Pennsylvania’s 171st Legislative District, challenging incumbent Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte.
Buck, a Democrat, launched his campaign on Monday, saying he wants to bring “new energy and accountability to Harrisburg.” Before resigning from Ferguson’s board of supervisors, Buck (formerly Peter Buckland) served on the Public Services and Environmental and Facilities committees of the Centre Region Council of Governments and on the Spring Creek Watershed Commission. He now lives in Houserville.
“All across the district, from Reedsville to Millheim or Pine Grove Mills to Bellefonte, from small farms to high-tech outfits, the people deserve a representative who understands the issues and will advocate for them, their families and their communities day in and day out,” Buck said in a release.
As supervisor, Buck worked to maintain a fund balance, did not raise taxes and partnered with the board and chief of police to purchase body cameras for officers. Buck supported the community mental health and suicide prevention programs and worked to promote environmental policies and green practices at the municipal and regional levels.
Buck sits on the executive committees of the Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium and the Penns Valley Conservation Association.
“This campaign is about secure economic development, excellent and accountable schools, ensuring that we are stewards of the land and ultimately holding our officials accountable to do what’s right by the constituency,” he said.
Benninghoff announced his reelection campaign last week, seeking a 13th term in office.
This story was originally published January 27, 2020 at 9:54 AM.
