Veteran enters race for state House seat
By MIKE REUTHER - mreuther@sungazette.comA city man has announced his intent to seek the Republican nomination for the 83rd state House seat.
Christopher R. Bain, a retired U.S Army veteran, said he is running to address four main issues: property taxes, crime, government spending and welfare abuse.
Bain, 36, referred to himself as a conservative who believes in smaller government.
“If elected, I will support a plan which would eliminate school property taxes,” he said. “I would also work with my fellow representatives to reduce government spending, support local law enforcement, and crack down on welfare abuse. As a veteran, I will work night and day to ensure that Pennsylvania veterans receive the benefits that they deserve.”
Bain sustained war injuries when his unit was ambushed with small arms fire in Iraq.
He was awarded the Purple Heart.
Recognizing that many soldiers such as himself were not receiving timely treatment at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Bain became an outspoken advocate on behalf of injured veterans.
Bain, who earned a Purple Heart, attained the rank of staff sergeant.
Bain is the first candidate to officially announce his candidacy for the House seat held by state Rep. Steven W. Cappelli, R-Williamsport.
Cappelli recently announced his candidacy for the 23rd state Senate seat.
“I have tremendous respect for Rep. Cappelli and wish him well in his campaign for state Senate,” he said. “I believe he has been an effective legislator and has done a lot of good for our area.”
Bain is a member of the National Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 1, Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans and Semmper Comm Foundation.
A native of California, he attended College of the Canyons, Valencia, Calif.
He is married to the former Misty P. Johnson, formerly of Renovo. The couple has three children.
