Woman aims to replace Rep. Hart

Georgia Berner wants to create legislation to help small businesses.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- More than 20 years ago Georgia Berner was thrust into the business world after her husband died. Today the New Castle businesswoman is forging into politics on her own.
Berner, 63, made several stops in Lawrence and Mercer counties Thursday to announce her candidacy for U.S. representative for the 4th Congressional District in the coming 2006 Democratic primary.
She hopes to take on incumbent Melissa Hart, a two-term Republican from Bradford Woods, Pa., in the general election.
"I feel things are off in Washington, and someone needs to step up," Berner said.
The 4th District includes Lawrence, Beaver and parts of Mercer, Butler and Allegheny counties.
Berner said she thinks elected officials in Washington, D.C., are focused on the wrong issues such as privatizing Social Security and incurring massive debt.
"Career politicians don't get it. Melissa Hart doesn't get it," Berner said.
Focus on small business
Berner said that if elected she would like to focus on creating legislation to help small businesses.
"Small business is the engine that keeps this country going," she said. "I increased my business sixfold. I know how to create jobs."
Berner became president of air curtain manufacturer Berner International after her husband died in a plane crash. At that time she was the mother of four young children and the company had 17 employees. She now employs more than 50 people.
Berner says she opposes privatizing Social Security and thinks health-care reform legislation is needed.
Berner said she has hired professionals to run her campaign and intends to do fund raising.
But before Berner can face Hart in the general election, she must first win the Democratic nomination.
Jason Altmire of Allegheny County, a former hospital executive, is also expected to announce his candidacy for the Democratic nomination.
Berner, who lives in Butler County, said she is putting all of her focus on beating Hart.
cioffi@vindy.com