Marc Grammes held a campaign kick-off rally at Vigilant Fire Company, Slatington, Jan. 9 for his bid to win the seat in the 183rd Legislative District .

State Rep. Julie Harhart, who has represented the district for 11 terms in office, has announced she is not seeking re-election.

In Lehigh County, the district covers parts of Whitehall, Washington and South Whitehall townships and Slatington.

In Northampton County, the 183rd includes North Catasauqua, Walnutport, Northampton, Lehigh and Allen townships and parts of Moore Township.

Another major event for Grammes is scheduled to take place 1 p.m. Feb. 7 at The Slatington Skeet Club.

Grammes, a Republican, spoke about his work with the Lehigh Valley Zoo and Leaser Lake as examples of his use of local resources to benefit area residents.

The candidate said he became involved with “Save the Lehigh Valley Zoo” during his time as a Lehigh County commissioner.

The county wanted to lease the zoo to outsiders but Grammes found a zoological group that has taken it over, made improvements and put the zoo on a good financial footing.

He was active in jump starting the process to restore the lake, through the Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation.

Repairs at the lake included the dam, area around the lake and has hiking trails, handicapped accessibility for fishing, picnic tables and restrooms.

Lehigh County Controller Glenn Eckhart said he campaigned for himself last year but he was working harder on Gramme’s campaign.

“We know he has gained a little more experience. He won’t be the Harrisburg guy,” said Eckhart, to a cheering crowd.

Dean Browning, former commissioner, said he served after Grammes but attended meetings while Grammes was a commissioner.

He said Grammes must have memorized “Bartlett’s Quotations” because he used the quote “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result” many times, along with other quotes.

Eckhart then introduced Grammes.

“Every politician should have to work the 12-hour night shift and learn how it is for workers,” said Grammes, who just finished a 12-hour shift. “Glenn is right we have a lot of work to do between now and April 26.”

Grammes said when he coached Little League there were a couple of rules: have fun, don’t be nervous, believe in yourself, otherwise good things don’t happen. He learned his life lessons from parents and other coaches.

“You have to believe in yourself and have a good team,” Grammes said. “I used to get letters that said ‘the honorable,’ but my father said, ‘Don’t let it go to your head.’”

Grammes did not have a written speech with him at the rally.

“You can see what I mean by looking in my eyes and heart,” Grammes said. “We need town halls. This is a rally, not a meeting.

“We will work every day, and, God willing, we’ll be there in November.

“Julie [Harhart] thank you for your public service.

“She was there a long time. “Jim Rhoads (the late, former state senator) was the real deal and helped with Leaser.

“He wanted a picture to show people who said it couldn’t be done.

“We lost in Northampton County two years ago but will be in every precinct this time.

“We’re going to look for the right-handed vote and the left-handed vote. I’m a conservative.

“I’ll look at Teddy Roosevelt who said, ‘Acta non verba’ (Deeds not words).”

This is the motto of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Grammes said he would work with Lanta to make public transportation easier especially for seniors.

“I chaired the Cedarbrook commission. I went to Gracedale and wanted to know what the state can do,” Grammes said. “Maybe we can get them a durable goods grant for something like wheelchairs.”

Grammes said a better way to fund schools needs to be found.

“There is a possibility of seniors losing homes due to property taxes. I know what my parents pay,” Grammes said.

“We need a more equitable way. It’s what I did as commissioner. There is nobody more for education than I am.

More information is available at electmarcgrames.com.