DORRANCE TWP. — Bill Jones, a longtime nonprofit executive and community leader, has announced his candidacy for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in the 117th Legislative District.
Jones, 62, and his wife, Janet, are residents of Dorrance Township. They are the parents of two adult daughters and have deep roots throughout the district.
A Republican, Jones is expected to challenge incumbent Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, in the primary.
Jones brings more than four decades of service across the private, nonprofit, and volunteer sectors, with a record defined by results, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community.
For more than 25 years, he has led nonprofit organizations that support children and families, veterans, seniors, low-income mothers and children, the homeless, and individuals living with mental health and intellectual disabilities.
Most notably, for 12 years, Jones served as president and CEO of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, where he said he led a transformation of the organization to address the growing challenges of childhood poverty and to strengthen the network of local agencies serving those most in need.
“Pennsylvania needs leaders in Harrisburg who know how to get things done,” Jones said. “I’ve spent my career bringing people together, solving problems, and delivering real results for our community. That’s the same approach I will take to the State House.”
A graduate of Lake-Lehman High School and Misericordia University, Jones also holds an MBA from Wilkes-University, is a graduate of the prestigious Stonier School of Banking, and completed a two-year executive development program through the University of Notre Dame. He serves on Misericordia University’s board of trustees.
Before Jones became a nonprofit leader, he spent 15 years in the banking industry and has a great deal of experience in financial management and community development — experience he says is essential at a time when taxpayers expect fiscal responsibility and accountability from state government.
Community service has been a way of life for Jones. He has volunteered for 25 years with the Dorrance Township Fire Department and has served on numerous local and regional nonprofit boards, including Habitat for Humanity, the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, the Wilkes-Barre CYC, the Holy Redeemer School Advisory Council, the Luzerne Foundation, and others. In 2017, the Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons of St. Patrick honored him as “Man of the Year.”
Jones is a lifelong Republican whose values were shaped by his family’s tradition of public service. His father, the late “Red” Jones, served as a long-time Lake-Lehman School Board member, Luzerne County Commissioner, and Chairman of the Luzerne County Republican Party.
Jones’ campaign will be chaired by Slocum Township Supervisor and well-known small business owner, Norb Dotzel, and co-chaired by John Oliver, Dallas Borough Council president and former principal in the Lake-Lehman School District.
“Our district and the state face a number of serious challenges, and we need thoughtful, steady leadership in Harrisburg,” Dotzel said. “Bill has distinguished him as someone who understands and cares about the community. He is a conservative with the experience, temperament, and common sense to represent us well.”
Oliver, who has known Jones and his family for more than 50 years, echoed similar comments.
“One of the greatest joys as an educator is to see your former students succeed,” said Oliver. “Bill has touched a lot of lives and did a lot of good throughout his career. I believe he will be an outstanding legislator, and I couldn’t be more proud to support his campaign.”
A campaign kickoff event will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 17, at Edgewood in Drums.