Four GOP candidates eye Mustio’s state House seat in 44th

Legislator to retire after eight terms

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

As state Rep. Mark Mustio closes the door on 15 years in the state Legislature, four Republican candidates are running in the May 15 primary to assume his seat.

Mr. Mustio, a Republican from North Fayette, announced his retirement earlier this year after serving eight terms representing the 44th District, which includes Moon, North Fayette, Sewickley, Sewickley Heights, Sewickley Hills, Aleppo, Bell Acres, Crescent, Edgeworth, Findlay, Glen Osbourne, Glenfield, Haysville and Ohio Township.

Among those running is North Fayette supervisor Bob Doddato, 35, who said his political experience would benefit residents.

“I’m the youngest running in this primary, but I have more experience as an elected official than all three of the other Republicans combined,” said Mr. Doddato, who said he would quit his job as a program manager at Highmark, and step aside from the small business he operates, if elected. “As a North Fayette Township supervisor for over six years, I have saved our taxpayers over $1 million.”

Moon Supervisor David Bachman, 61, also is running, citing his experience balancing local budgets. “I have proven budget control history, in my own business, as a past president of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, and as a Moon Township supervisor,” said Mr. Bachman, who works as a self-employed home builder. “The state budget, especially the unfunded state pension liability, is the biggest problem in Harrisburg.”

Another small business owner, Valerie Gaydos, 50, of Aleppo, said she can put her business and life experience to work for the people in the district.

“I am not a career politician. I have a robust record of building businesses, nurturing the private sector economy, creating jobs and getting stuff done in lean environments,” said Ms. Gaydos, whose company, Capital Growth, invests capital in start-up companies. “I have founded or invested in multiple companies both in Pennsylvania and across the nation and I know what can make Pennsylvania more competitive.”

Real estate investor Scott LaRue, 46, of Moon, said his experience as board treasurer for the Moon Township Municipal Authority for the last 10 years and as a former financial officer for a Fortune 500 company gives him a unique set of skills.

“I firmly believe in making