Biography
A dedicated public servant, a devoted family man and an avid sportsman, Rep. Dick L. Hess reflects the conservative views and values of the south central region of Pennsylvania that he represents.
 
Now in his 11th term serving the people of the 78th legislative district, Hess represents a sprawling, rural area that includes all of Fulton County, as well as the Bedford County townships of Bedford, Bloomfield, Broad Top, Colerain, East Providence, East St. Clair, Hopewell, Kimmel, King, Liberty, Lincoln, Mann, Monroe, Napier, Pavia, Snake Spring, South Woodbury, Southampton, West Providence, West St. Clair and Woodbury; and the Bedford County boroughs of Bedford, Coaldale, Everett, Hopewell, New Paris, Pleasantville, Rainsburg, Saxton, Schellsburg, St. Clairsville and Woodbury.
 
The 78th also includes the Huntingdon County townships of Carbon and Todd; and the Huntingdon County boroughs of Broad Top City, Coalmont and Dudley.
 
During the 2009-10 legislative session, Hess serves as chairman of the House Commerce Committee, which has oversight of banking and economic issues. He also serves as the ranking member of the Transportation Committee, a member of the Committee on Committees and the House Rules Committee.
 
Prior to being elected to the General Assembly in 1986, Hess served for 15 years as Bedford County’s Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts. He began his career in public service in 1964, as chief clerk to the Bedford County Commissioners, a position he held for seven years.
 
When not in Harrisburg, Hess is active in his district. He’s a member of the Bedford County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, the University of Pittsburgh--Johnstown Advisory Board, Bedford United Methodist Church Finance Committee, and the Broad Top Home Nursing Advisory Board.
 
Hess is a lifetime member of the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company. He also belongs to the Everett Area Republican Club, Bedford Elks Lodge, Bedford Moose Lodge, Bedford American Legion, Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, Fulton County Chamber of Commerce, Bedford County Farm Bureau, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Yardley Woodside Fish & Game Association, Safari Club International, the Federation of Sportsmen, and the National Rifle Association.
 
 A 1958 graduate of Saxton Liberty High School, Hess resides in Bedford with his wife Shirley. The couple has one son, Jeff, wife Lizette, and three grandchildren, Erika, Zachary and Haden.

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