SCRANTON — Jeffrey Lake made what he called “a pivotal decision” to run for the Pennsylvania Senate because he said he believes that the hardworking people of the community deserve full transparency and real accountability from their leaders.
Lake, 35, of Clarks Summit, announced that he is a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 22nd Senatorial District — the seat currently held by Sen. Marty Flynn, D-Scranton. This week, Sen. Flynn hinted at a potential run for Congress in the 8th Congressional District.
Lake said he is the Founder of The Lake Foundation. He has a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Marywood University. Lake has one son, age 4.
“No family should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table,” Lake said in a news release. “I will increase affordable housing stock, scale permanent supportive housing, and grow eviction prevention funds that keep families housed, because housing is a human right and affordable, stable housing is as much a public health intervention as it is common sense housing policy.”
Lake said he will not allow “Big Tech” to bring data centers to neighborhoods to deplete the water supply, drive up utility costs, pollute the air, and clear local forests for a handful of permanent jobs.
“Instead, I will work with municipalities, school districts, and local organizations to re-purpose vacant buildings into community centers that give our youth, and our whole community, safe, welcoming places to gather,” Lake said in the news release.
As a mental health professional, Lake said he knows how important early intervention is, and schools that prioritize mental health with trained professionals who can meet students where they are can prevent crises and keep kids learning.
“Furthermore, the cost of childcare is crushing working families,” Lake said, adding that he will implement free childcare for every Pennsylvanian until the start of kindergarten, ensuring high-quality early learning and care for all families. He said he will also raise wages for childcare workers and public school educators, many of whom currently live in poverty.
“NEPA is facing a cost-of-living crisis, and data centers are threatening quality of life, but I believe government can and must solve these issues,” Lake said. “I will fight in Harrisburg to make living in NEPA more affordable, expand access to mental health services, and restore hope and opportunity to this community.”
Lake has plans for announcement events in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
Lake will host an event from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Voodoo Brewing Co., 820 S. Washington Ave., Scranton.
He will host another event from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec., 13, at Rodano’s, 53 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre.
He said they will be asking for a $22 donation (for the 22nd District) or a donation to the cold weather drive.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.