User:Nanciejeanne/Mark Critz

Mark Critz (pronounced /krItz/ born January 2, 1962, Irwin, Pennsylvania) is a politician from the State of Pennsylvania.

Critz served as District Director for Congressman John P. Murtha in Pennsylvnaia's 12th congressional district until the Congressman's death in February, 2010. Murtha was Pennsylvania's longest serving Congressman.

On February 23, 2010, Mark resigned his position with the 12th congressional district in order to enter the race for the open congressional seat. "No one in the field of announced candidates knows this district and its people like I do,” Critz said in a statement. “More important is that I have an intimate knowledge of the needs and the ongoing projects in the district that is only gained through experience.” Critz also said he has worked closely with legislative and appropriations staff. “As the Congress gets back to work, there are many important issues that are critical to our region,” he said. “This district needs someone who knows where our citizens stand.”

The late Congressman's wife Joyce was initially speculated to be a possible candidate for the seat, which she declined. Critz acknowledged that he waited to announce his intentions until Joyce decided to not enter the race. “I kept my aspirations private to afford her the time she needed to make this very difficult decision,” Critz said.

Soon after entering the race, Critz received the support and endorsement of the late John Murtha's wife, Joyce. “Mark has always displayed the utmost professionalism and concern for constituents, and it is for this reason that I am declaring my full endorsement of his candidacy."

Another high-profile candidate for the race, former Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel dropped his bid for the seat and instead decided to endorse with Critz. Singel said in a statement. “Mark Critz has already been serving the people of the 12th Congressional District behind the scenes for 12 years through his work in the congressman’s office, and no one knows the district better. He is by far the most qualified candidate in the field.”

Mark graduated from Norwin High School in 1980. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems in 1987 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

In 2008, Mark received the Patrick Henry Award from the National Guard Association of the United States. The NGAUS Patrick Henry Award The Patrick Henry Award is designed to provide recognition to local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard or NGAUS.