Senator Robert Mellow, a powerful Democratic state lawmaker from Lackawanna County, announced Tuesday he will not seek reelection.
Mellow's current term expires at the end of this year.
Senator Bob Mellow of Lackawanna County announced Tuesday he is retiring.
The senator was very emotional when he talked to Newswatch 16 about his decision not to run for re-election.
His decision not to run will change Pennsylvania politics in a big way.
After 40 years and ten terms as a state senator, Bob Mellow is saying goodbye to Harrisburg.
Newswatch 16 spoke with some of his constituents Tuesday to find out what they think of the news.
"I'm shocked. Very shocked," said Rhonda Reilly of Peckville.
That was the reaction from a lot of people at a Peckville grocery store when word got out State Senator Bob Mellow is retiring.
"I've known him for years. I've known his wife for years. I'm just really shocked, surprised," Reilly added.
With 10 terms under his belt, Mellow is the longest-serving Pennsylvania state senator known for his efforts to bring the Commonwealth Medical College to Scranton.
He said the primary reason for ending his political career is his family.
In a statement released this afternoon Mellow said, "I am shifting my focus. My daughters and grandchildren mean the world to me and in this next chapter of my life, I need to devote more of my time and energy to them."
The announcement was even a surprise to Peckville's borough manager, who said Mellow will leave big shoes to fill.
He said Mellow Park was the senator's biggest contribution to Peckville.
"People from all over the county come here to walk and enjoy the river. We have a park program in the summer. He's been very helpful," said Peckville Borough Manager Tom Wascura.
Recently the senator has come under some scrutiny.
Protesters placed inflatable pigs at Mellow's office last summer, accusing him of misusing taxpayer funds to rent his office there.
Still, many are sad to see him go.
"I think he did a lot of good things for the valley and everything else. I think he's a real good guy," said one resident.
"Every time I seen him do something it was for the good of the people," said Joe Giombetti of Eynon.
Mellow said Tuesday he is not ready for television interviews just yet.
He said he is proud to have served the people of District 22, which includes all of Lackawanna County and parts of Luzerne and Monroe counties.
Mellow's current term expires at the end of this year.
Senator Bob Mellow of Lackawanna County announced Tuesday he is retiring.
The senator was very emotional when he talked to Newswatch 16 about his decision not to run for re-election.
His decision not to run will change Pennsylvania politics in a big way.
After 40 years and ten terms as a state senator, Bob Mellow is saying goodbye to Harrisburg.
Newswatch 16 spoke with some of his constituents Tuesday to find out what they think of the news.
"I'm shocked. Very shocked," said Rhonda Reilly of Peckville.
That was the reaction from a lot of people at a Peckville grocery store when word got out State Senator Bob Mellow is retiring.
"I've known him for years. I've known his wife for years. I'm just really shocked, surprised," Reilly added.
With 10 terms under his belt, Mellow is the longest-serving Pennsylvania state senator known for his efforts to bring the Commonwealth Medical College to Scranton.
He said the primary reason for ending his political career is his family.
In a statement released this afternoon Mellow said, "I am shifting my focus. My daughters and grandchildren mean the world to me and in this next chapter of my life, I need to devote more of my time and energy to them."
The announcement was even a surprise to Peckville's borough manager, who said Mellow will leave big shoes to fill.
He said Mellow Park was the senator's biggest contribution to Peckville.
"People from all over the county come here to walk and enjoy the river. We have a park program in the summer. He's been very helpful," said Peckville Borough Manager Tom Wascura.
Recently the senator has come under some scrutiny.
Protesters placed inflatable pigs at Mellow's office last summer, accusing him of misusing taxpayer funds to rent his office there.
Still, many are sad to see him go.
"I think he did a lot of good things for the valley and everything else. I think he's a real good guy," said one resident.
"Every time I seen him do something it was for the good of the people," said Joe Giombetti of Eynon.
Mellow said Tuesday he is not ready for television interviews just yet.
He said he is proud to have served the people of District 22, which includes all of Lackawanna County and parts of Luzerne and Monroe counties.
