Everett captures House seat

The November 8, 2006 Williamsport Sun-Gazette reported on LLA member Garth Everett's election to the General Assembly:

Everett captures House seat

By NATALIE TORENTINOS

Two campaigns, characterized by many as clean and issue-driven, ended with gracious victory and defeat Tuesday night.

The Republican candidate for the 84th Legislative District seat, Garth Everett of Muncy, defeated Democratic opponent Thomas Paternostro of Unityville by a 63-37 percent margin.

Everett celebrated with friends and family at Orlando’s Restaurant in Muncy. He told the Sun-Gazette that his grass-roots, one-on-one campaigning paid off.

‘‘I knocked on thousands of doors and made thousands of phone calls,’’ he said. ‘‘People said they had never had a candidate knock on their door before.’’

Election Day was no different for Everett, who appeared at polls in Wolf, Porter and Limestone townships before watching poll results.

As a partner in the law firm of McNerney, Page, Vanderlin and Hall and as solicitor for various boroughs and townships, Everett said he is ready to make the transition to Harrisburg, but not before some relaxation time.

‘‘This weekend, I fly to California,’’ he said. ‘‘My friend is getting married.’’

Everett gave credit to his opponent for running a campaign based on issues and not negativity. He said he and Paternostro shook hands after the primaries, promising not to attack each other on a personal level.

‘‘The 84th is predominantly Republican — Tom knew that,’’ he said. ‘‘Conventional wisdom is to bring somebody down. I heard from at least 25 people today that it’s refreshing that we ran on the issues.’’

Paternostro watched election results at his campaign headquarters in Hughesville. He said he traveled almost 300 miles around the district Tuesday visiting polling places. He thanked his family and friends for their support and wished the best of luck to Everett.

Paternostro said he held no illusions about a seat held by Republicans since 1972, adding that campaign spending is an important variable to winning. According to Campaign Expense Report records, Everett outspent Paternostro by more than $35,000.

‘‘Spending is a determination as to how far and how loud a candidate gets the message out,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s hard for Democrats to raise money in this area.’’

‘‘It’s crucial to energize our democracy. Even going against the odds, you have to have competition.’’

Despite losing the state House seat, Paternostro said he would continue to be actively involved in public debate and said his attitude is positive.

‘‘I’ve always looked at defeat as the first step for the next opportunity,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m not disappointed. You have to turn your eyes to wonderful things. I’m healthy and I have a great family."