Candidate for
State Senator; District 48; Democratic Party

Born & raised in Lebanon County.

Jo Ellen & her husband of 40 years, Jon "Rick," have two grown children and two grandchildren.

Jo Ellen believes in putting people above politics.

She is a leader who understands that hard work and character serve as the foundation for working families. As the former owner of Lebanon Body Shop, current owner of Litz Company commercial rentals, and a substitute teacher, Jo Ellen knows how hard our families work to build a strong future for our children and our community.

She has a deeply rooted loyalty to the land, agriculture, and water related issues, and serves as president of the Swatara Watershed Association. She grew up learning how to turn obstacles into opportunities.

She has the ability, time, volunteer resources, & a broad-based bi-partisan coalition behind her.

In 1995, she won her first bid for Lebanon County Commissioner, and was re-elected in 2003 and 2007. She serves on the Prison board, Election board, Metropolitan Planning Organization board and the board of Cedar Haven, and chaired the Assessment board during her first term as Commissioner. Since then, she also served on the boards of COLT, the Conservation District, Management Information Systems, Penn State Cooperative Extension, MHMR, Renova Center, The South Central Employment Corporation (chair), Tourist Promotion Agency, the Drug and Alcohol Commission, Lebanon Women's Commission; is liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, LV Economic Development Corporation, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and United Way; and worked with volunteers, House Representatives, Senators, and Governors on business development and preservation of farmland, Swatara State Park, Rails-to-Trails, the Union Canal and Governor Dick. Known as Corridor II, which sets a goal of providing passenger rail to Lebanon, Litz serves on the Modern Transportation Partnership. Finally, she chairs the South Central Assembly.

A graduate of both Lebanon Valley College and Kennedy Western University, when it comes to technology, she earned a reputation as one of the hardest working, most knowledgeable members of the commissioners by developing the first web site that keeps both employees and the public informed of County business--on topics ranging from droughts to foster parents-http://www.mbcomp.com/LitzonLebanon. In 2009, YouTube videos were added to the meeting highlights. She also earned a reputation as a commissioner who could be counted on to tirelessly serve the working people of this community. In summary, her experience as a county commissioner is invaluable. Litz Takes Action, and Gets Results.

For her leadership and diligent work in the community, small business, and the environment, she was:

• Named a PA Ambassador by Team Pennsylvania,

• Chosen as Outstanding Business Woman by the LV American Business Women's Association,

• Presented with the Athena Award by the Chamber of Commerce and Oldsmobile,

• Recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the Penn Laurel Girl Scout Council,

• Awarded national honors by the Daughters of the American Revolution, and

• Given the Anna Estes Strawbridge award by the PA League of Women Voters.

Upon completion of the Academy of Excellence in County Government, former Governor Tom Ridge recognized Jo Ellen Litz's leadership on behalf of the people of Lebanon County. In 2006, Litz completed Advanced Academy Certification. In 2007-08, Litz was appointed to chair the Academy for Excellence in County Government Advisory Board. The Board's responsibility is to establish and review the academy's curriculum, faculty, administration, and marketing in regard to meeting the educational needs of the greater CCAP membership.

Litz also serves on CCAP's Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee as well as on the board of DEP's Storage Tank Advisory Committee and Low Level Radioactive Waste Advisory board. In March 2008, Governor Rendell appointed her to the State Conservation Program on farmland preservation. In 2009, Litz was elected to serve as CCAPs 2nd VP.

Jo Ellen also served as a peer-to-peer presenter for the National Association of Counties.

She was a speaker at the dedication of the new Veteran's Memorial at Fort Indiantown Gap; at the kickoff of Watershed Awareness month in the State Capital; and at Watershed Conferences, training sessions, and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.