Joe Hamm

COGAN STATION — Jersey Shore Borough Manager Joe Hamm is a candidate for State House in the 84th Legislative District, following announcement of the retirement of State Rep. Garth Everett.

“Garth has left us a legacy of strong, conservative leadership and outstanding public service and these are traditions I intend to continue while standing up for the Constitution, the 2nd Amendment, the right to life, fiscal responsibility and limited government,” Hamm said in making the announcement Tuesday.

A combat war veteran and local leader, Hamm was credited with bringing stability to Jersey Shore government while overseeing projects that included improved playgrounds, riverfront access, and a borough transportation plan.

Among Hamm’s other community activities, he serves on the Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Commission, the Jersey Shore Area Chamber of Commerce, the Community Housing and Development Corp., and the Lycoming County Republican Committee. Joe serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Lycoming County Association of Township Officials and is a life member of VFW Post #7863.

As a Hepurn Township supervisor, he has held the line on taxes during his eight years on the board while investing in infrastructure, recreation, the Hepburn Township Volunteer Fire Company, and the Old Lycoming Township Police Department, which services Hepburn Township. During his tenure, township revenues have increased by more than $600,000 without a tax increase.

Hamm also serves as Lycoming County Republican Chairman and has been credited with improving finances, raising morale, and bringing unity to the Party while keeping the county courthouse as well as its state senate and house seats in GOP hands.

Hamm served overseas in Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 28th Infantry Division. He spent six years wearing the nation’s uniform as a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

“My experience in uniform taught me the meaning of giving a task everything you’ve got,” Hamm said. “It enhanced my grasp of teamwork and careful planning, while always keeping my eyes on the goal at hand. That sense of discipline is something I’ll carry with me to the State House.”

A strong conservative, Joe is pro-life and a life member of the NRA. He is a graduate of Lock Haven University, where he studied political science with minors in Leadership Studies, Business, and Psychology.

Hamm is married to Melissa, and the couple and their two daughters worship at Community Baptist Church in Montoursville.