Stehr finds no gender difficulty as Schuylkill County's first female legislator
Mar. 26—As the first woman in Schuylkill County elected to the state House of Representatives, state Rep. Joanne Stehr, R-107, Hegins, has had a positive experience during her first few months in office.
"It's an honor," she said.
Regardless of its status in years past, Stehr believes that today's state Legislature represents an inclusive and efficient work environment for female lawmakers.
"I think we're all on an equal standing," she said. "I think the old boys' club has been broken up years ago. ... I certainly work well with (other lawmakers) as far as legislation and the different bills that are coming through that are important to me."
A century after the first women were elected to Pennsylvania's state legislature, nearly one-third of the members of the state House and Senate — 80 of 253 lawmakers — are women.
Stehr, who was sworn into office in January, is the first female representative to serve the 107th District, which now covers parts of western and southern Schuylkill County and southern Northumberland County.
With a greater number of women in the Legislature, she said, there is more room for common sense, and legislation is not as "cut and dry."
However, Stehr said she ran for office primarily to try to "make a difference" and to help her community in the 107th District and beyond.
"I didn't like the direction our state and our country were going in," she said.
Although her gender did not pose a challenge for her during her campaign, a few people had mentioned that the fact that she did not come from a certain background — for example, a doctor or a lawyer — could put her at a disadvantage.
Stehr, however, remained unfazed, believing her experience as a licensed practical nurse and as a parent were as important as any other for the role.
"I certainly didn't feel I needed to be a doctor or lawyer to become a legislator," she said.
She stressed the importance of being grounded and recognizing the "real-life" issues affecting the average citizen, which she believes are often overlooked.
She added that she has a good working relationship with her fellow lawmakers from Schuylkill County — state Reps. Dane Watro, R-116, Kline Twp.; Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp.; Jamie Barton, R-124, East Brunswick Twp.; and state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp.
"We're included in everything," she said. "We work together as a team, and I think that helps us be a little more powerful and heard a little more down in Harrisburg."
Overall, she said, her tenure as state representative has been "wonderful" and has allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life.
"People don't get recognized for doing so many wonderful things for the community. ... There are a lot of good people out there working for the good of the community," she said. "I think the ability to witness that firsthand has been humbling, and it's been wonderful."
Stehr recently opened offices in Hegins and Shamokin, and plans to open satellite offices near Pine Grove and Herndon.
Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085
