Richard Irvin, Pennsylvania’s new State Representative in the 81st Legislative District, who was just sworn in to office this week, visited Tyrone Area High School to meet with school administration and the Eagle Eye.

The 81st Pennsylvania House of Representatives District is made up of parts of Blair County, Huntingdon County and Mifflin County. Irvin’s district includes parts of the Tyrone Area School District, including parts of Tyrone, Tyrone Township, and Snyder Township (see map below):

Irvin, a Republican, promises to follow several conservative core values such as keeping taxpayers in mind and maintaining a sense of family values.

Eagle Eye: You’re replacing a long-standing Representative. How do you think that will affect your position?

Representative Irvin: In the last two elections, Mike Fleck, Dick Hess, Jerry Stern, and Rick Geist had probably 86 years of experience in the state legislature. Now we have three years. As far as myself, I have almost 19 years of  background in County government as a treasurer. I can understand what the constituent needs are. I have filled my office with experienced people. We really have hit the ground running. I didn’t receive an office budged until December first, but we had our office furnished by the end of the month. Before that, we were using folding tables and chairs.

EE: What are your general plans as a State Representative?

RI: What I think the people of the 81st district are looking for is less government, holding the line on taxes, and enabling our local officials, whether that be school boards or town supervisors, to handle regional issues and let the state leaders focus on the prevailing issues in Harrisburg and getting them solved.  Big issues like pension reform, property tax reduction, the creation of family-sustaining jobs, and making Pennsylvania a more business friendly state.

EE: Are there any basic changes you wish to implement in the current education system?

RI:  I always would like to see students educated to their maximum potential. Not every child learns at the same level. I don’t believe there is one set model out there that we can use to enable that child to reach their potential and become a productive person in society.

EE: You have experience as a County Treasurer. How has that experience effected your views as a State Representative?

RI: It has helped me understand that unfunded mandates can seriously hurt local government. That’s why I feel that government should be kept at the lowest level possible, leaving the bigger decisions at the State level.

EE: Are there some ‘common sense’ ideas that should be applied to our education?

RI: Too many times school districts are judged on their performance on a standardized test instead of how well they are improving the student.

EE: Most teenagers in the area aren’t interested in politics. How do you think we could change that?

RI: Social media is something that really needs to start becoming a bigger in politics. All successful legislators have their own respective Facebook profiles or blogs, as do I. It’s a good way to show how things are working out and keep the public and the students, updated on issues that are concerning them. Not talking at them, but talking with them.