The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for Melissa Brewer.
It was about a month ago when the Oley Township resident said she first learned that state Rep. David Maloney would be stepping away from his 130th Legislative District seat following 16 years of service.
Brewer said it made her think about her legacy.
“I have had a long career as a professional educator working in the public school system for more than three decades, but when I heard about this opening I felt like this was an opportunity to lead this district forward,” she said. “This is a new role that I will embrace with enthusiasm and passion.”
Brewer has announced she will seek the Republican nomination to represent the district, which includes communities in central and eastern Berks County.
Melissa Brewer
She said her experience serving in various administrative posts at several school districts throughout the county give her a unique perspective on what it takes to be a good leader, balance budgets and collaborate with community partners.
“I know what I care about, I know what I will fight for and I know how to interact with people regardless of whether their views are aligned with mine,” the 57-year-old said. “I meet people where they are to engage in those tough conversations without getting bitter or angry about the differences that we may have.”
Brewer said that if elected to the post, she will lead the district forward by promoting conservative values and represent its constituents with conviction.
She said she would advocate for the establishment of a commission to uncover and purge fraud at the state level to ensure tax dollars are being spent wisely, fight for the passage of voter ID requirements, support Second Amendment rights and back legislation that focuses on improving services for the elderly population.
She would like to play a role in property tax reform.
“Property tax reform is a complicated issue,” she said. “Eliminating property taxes is not that simple because I know all too well that school districts — especially here in Berks County — rely heavily on that money.”
But, she said, she would push for the creation of a special commission that explores the issue by taking a serious look at how schools are funded and how they might be better reorganized to reduce expenses.
Brewer will be running against Mitch Micale, an elementary school teacher in the Wilson School District, for the Republican nomination in the May 19 primary.
Meet the candidate
Candidate: Melissa Brewer, 57, Oley Township.
Position sought: State representative for the 130th Legislative District, which includes Bally, Bechtelsville, Boyertown, Fleetwood, Lyons and Topton boroughs, and Alsace, Colebrookdale, District, Earl, Hereford, Longswamp, Maidencreek, Oley, Pike, Richmond, Rockland, Ruscombmanor and Washington townships.
Current salary for position: $113,591.
Background: Brewer has spent more than 30 years in public education. She has been a superintendent, assistant superintendent and principal in the Antietam School District. She most recently served as director of human services in the Schuylkill Valley School District.