Candidate for
State Representative; District 97

Francis Patrick O'Keeffe was born in 1961 in Aliquippa, a small steel town on the Ohio River in Western Pennsylvania. He grew up in the simple working class neighborhood of Sunset Hills. In his youth he participated in Scouting programs and became an active volunteer with the local Conservation, Fishing, and Hunting organizations.

After high school, Pat followed a family history and attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. Combining a passion for food, and an aptitude for computers, he went to work for Dobb's Inflight Catering, which provided meals for the airlines.

While working in Philadelphia, Pat met his wife, Marianne Eichmann, on a blind date. March 24th of this year marked their twentieth wedding anniversary. Their son Jack is going to Clarion University to major in Theater. Their daughter Mary is a sophomore at Warwick and enjoys drawing, art, and writing. Marianne works part-time at an agency that finds work for adults with developmental disabilities.

Currently, Pat is Director of Food Nutrition Services for a senior community. He understands well the problems and needs of senior citizens. He understands the problems of working families attempting to balance budgets with obligations for mortgages, college education, medical costs and everyday expenses. He understands the need to provide children with quality education and health care.

Pat O'Keeffe is a Democrat. In 2009, Pat ran for a position on the Lititz Borough Council. The campaign was unsuccessful in winning the seat, but very successful in building the party in the Lititz area.

With the encouragement of the Manheim Township and Warwick Democratic Committees, he accepted the nomination of the Party to the 97th district seat for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Both district committees and the Lancaster County Democratic Party have endorsed him.

Pat O'Keeffe believes that good government is government of the people, by the people, and for the people. He believes that candidates and elected officials must represent the people and not special interests.