Governor Corbett Issues Statement on Passing of Representative Hess

Pennsylvania Flags to be Lowered Immediately Statewide in Honor of Hess

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today issued the following statement on the passing of Rep. Dick L. Hess (R-Bedford), who died today at the age of 74.

"Dick Hess was a champion of economic progress, moral values and individual rights – principles he represented unfailingly in his 26 years in the General Assembly,'' Corbett said.

"In both his role as chairman of the House Commerce Committee and, this session, chairing the House Transportation Committee, Dick placed the economic well being of Pennsylvania's citizens foremost. He was guided in this service by his experience as a prothonotary and clerk of courts in Bedford County, as well as his deep religious faith.

"Susan and I send our deepest condolences to Dick's wife, Shirley, their son, Jeff, daughter-in-law, Lizette, and their three grandchildren.''

Corbett also ordered all Pennsylvania flags lowered to half-staff immediately at the Capitol Complex and at commonwealth facilities statewide in honor of Hess. Flags shall remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of his burial. U.S. flags should be flown at full-staff during this period.

All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

Hess served as a member of the House of Representatives since 1987, representing all of Fulton County, as well as portions of Bedford and Huntingdon counties.

In addition to the Transportation and Commerce committees, Hess was also the senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, served on the House Rules Committee and Republican Policy Committee, as well as a member of the PENNVEST Board of Directors.

Media contact:  Janet Kelley, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor