Chris Rodkey for PA State Representative
Be Represented.
Why I'm running for office
I'm running for office to bring integrity back to our district.
We need representation that actually represents the needs of the working class, honestly communicates, and listens to divergent opinions.
For too long we in Southern York County have not been represented.
I'm running so that we can be represented.
I represent what concerns you about Pennsylvania government
- Civil liberties and rights, including your First and Second Amendment rights
- Focus upon agriculture, infrastructure, education, health care, & environmental stewardship
- Support for working-class small businesses beyond photo ops
- Cannabis legalization in the best interest of our family farms, veterans, and justice
Like you, I'm frustrated with state government
- I support tax relief for the working class and ending elitist tax loopholes
- Equitable funding of schools by the state; York County schools are the most under-funded in Pennsylvania
- Fairness and transparency in elections
- Civil and honest communication with the community
I want to represent YOU.
I'm from Central Pennsylvania
I grew up in Pennsylvania, went to college in Pennsylvania and deliberately chose to return to Pennsylvania after attending graduate school to work, serve, and raise a family. My ancestors are buried throughout southern York County and I've lived in Dallastown since 2012. I love the history and heritage of this state, having lived in York, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Westmoreland Counties.
I understand the working class
My family has experienced the struggles of working class people, from struggling to afford health care, child care, and the unexpected surprises of home ownership--and know how it feels to not have your concerns heard or being excluded from public processes. Like many young people in our community, I understand the complex realities of being a first-generation college student.
I have a record of speaking up for the values of the working class
I have consistently been a voice speaking against injustice in our community. York County should not be known by the outside world as a haven of racists, anti-Semites, and dog-whistling politicians who only speak the language of fear. My activist work has not been driven by partisan concerns but by an ethical and religious commitment to the rights and dignity of all persons.
I have a record of service to this community
I have always been active in my community as a cub scout leader, a chaplain for several local civic and fraternal organizations, a member of the Dallastown Communities that Care committee and Dallastown Area Educational Foundation, President of the Dallastown-Yoe Ministerium of Churches, planner and host of the annual York Interfaith Thanksgiving programs, and part of a network of county religious voices who stand against hate groups.
I am proud of my background and involvement in scouting, as an Eagle Scout, and with four children in scouts. I'm an FCC-licensed amateur radio operator, K3YRD.
I've also been elected Minority Inspector of Elections (2016) and Judge of Elections (2021) in Dallastown's 1st voting district.
I bring a unique and valuable professional background to state politics
I have served in United Church of Christ and United Methodist Churches for over 20 years in a variety of contexts: homeless ministry, prison chaplaincy, youth and children's ministry, and serving urban, rural, and suburban churches. I also worked as a Protestant campus minister at the largest Catholic university in the country and have always emphasized interfaith and ecumenical dialogue in my pastoral work.
I'm also an experienced educator, having taught adult GED, college, seminary, and graduate level courses. I was awarded the campus teaching award at Penn State York, nominated by my students and awarded by colleagues . You may have sat in my local OLLI classes that I offer to senior citizens, including "Bad Arguments: Election Edition," which used the incumbent representative's Facebook page as a textbook catalogue of really bad logic.
In the private sector, I have also been a consultant for a Fortune 500 company, a UX editor for a Big Tech company, trade cryptocurrency, written several books, and own a small business.
I care about this community, and I know that we deserve better
The most disappointing thing about our current state of politics in Southern York County is a belief that it's acceptable for public officials to belittle and insult constituents who ask questions--especially when constituents speak the truth.
My intention is to extend a problem-solving approach to issues with the community--rather than against the community--and to treat adults like adults.
I will never demean or openly insult a constituent as your Representative, and I will not spend my time trying to invalidate your vote or arguing with constituents on social media.
I promise to hold regular open houses throughout the district in civic centers, churches, and schools to engage the public and promote helpful, nonpartisan dialogue.
I'm running for a better Pennsylvania, for the 93rd District to be represented.
