Advocacy Blog_ABC_Keystone

By, Brent Sailhamer, Director of Government Affairs

After a full year of President Donald Trump in office, most critics agree that it’s hard to deny the effect of business experience in government.  Financial markets have skyrocketed and the national business climate is booming after a series of regulatory and financial alleviation.  In an effort to keep that trend going, a couple ABC Keystone members are looking to make waves in Harrisburg this year.

At the top of the ticket is Penn Waste, Inc. President and Owner Scott Wagner.  Located in York, Penn Waste is a waste and recycling processing company that provides service throughout southcentral Pennsylvania.  Wagner made headlines in 2014 by becoming the first write-in candidate to win a state Senate election after he replaced former Sen. Mike Waugh.  Since then, Wagner has been blazing a trail through Harrisburg, shaking up “business as usual” and demanding financial accountability from government.  Just a day after President Donald Trump won the 2016 election, Wagner announced his intent to challenge incumbent Governor Tom Wolf.  Over the past year, Wagner has built a strong campaign foundation and continues to receive strong support from party leaders and voters for his populist message and business-minded approach.  Wagner is emerging as a strong contender for the Republican nomination in May and, if he prevails in the primary election, will face a well-heeled incumbent Tom Wolf in November.

Scott Wagner President and Owner Penn Waste Inc.
Scott Wagner, President and Owner of Penn Waste Inc.

Also entering the fray is Barb Gleim, Director of Business Development for John W. Gleim, Jr., Inc.  Gleim is an excavation and site contractor based in Carlisle and has operated throughout central Pennsylvania for nearly 50 years.  Barb Gleim announced her candidacy for the 199th state House district earlier this year, after incumbent Rep. Stephen Bloom announced that he would be seeking the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional district.  The 199th district encompasses much of western Cumberland County and carries a heavy Republican voter registration.  In addition to her work with John W. Gleim, Barb Gleim has served as a member of the Cumberland Valley school board for 8 years and has decades of experience in the agricultural industry.

Barb Gleim Director of Business Development for John W. Gleim, Jr. Inc.
Barb Gleim, Director of Business Development for John W. Gleim, Jr., Inc.