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Cal U. student enters House race

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CALIFORNIA – A 23-year-old graduate student at California University of Pennsylvania has entered what is becoming a crowded race to win Democratic nomination for the state House 49th Legislative District seat in the April primary.

Brendan Garay of California, who is finishing his master’s degree in business administration at Cal U., said he was inspired to run for the office because of the state budget impasse that left many students without state tuition grants this term.

“A lot of kids couldn’t come back,” Garay said, referring to students from across the State System of Higher Education whose grants didn’t come through, excluding Cal U., which provided its students with the grants they have been promised until the state money arrives.

“The budget impasse has taken its toll on grants that are so critical for all of our students,” Garay said.

He will face off in the primary against three other Democrats: Donn Henderson of Fallowfield Township; Charleroi attorney Alan Benyak; and Mark Alterici, a Charleroi businessman and former member of borough council.

Garay said he has worked with students at the 14 state schools in his role over the past 2 ½years as Cal U.’s student government president. He currently works as building manager at the university’s student union.

“I am now ready to serve the public at a higher level,” he said, adding that he will complete his education in December.

Two Republicans also have entered the race for the seat to become vacant upon state Rep. Peter J. Daley’s retirement this year. They are North Belle Vernon businesswoman Melanie Patterson and Donald “Bud” Cook of West Pike Run Township.

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