ST. MARYS — Elk County Coroner Lou Radkowski announced Thursday that he’s running for the 5th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. John Peterson, R-Pa.

A St. Marys resident, Radkowski will appear on the Republican ballot in the upcoming April 22 primary election.

Radkowski said the decision to run was easy.

“For the past 30 years, I have worked to make my local community a better place for everyone,” Radkowski said. “My dedication and loyalty to the community extends to the entire Fifth District of Pennsylvania and our nation as a whole.”

Radkowski said he will look to build upon the foundation laid by Peterson, including his efforts in health care, technology and education.

“I wish Congressman Peterson all of the best in his retirement and will continue to build upon his incredible legacy and work with the rural caucus, developing jobs within the district, improving the quality of health care in rural America, and investing in technology to enhance our children’s education and improve our infrastructure.”

Radkowski said “we also need to maintain the balance of natural beauty throughout the Fifth District.”

Meanwhile, Radkowski said he’s dedicated to helping families improve their quality of life and ensuring that individuals have ample access to educational and economic benefits.

“I want to make sure that all citizens of the Fifth District can take advantage of the diverse opportunities and wonderful resources throughout our region,” Radkowski said, adding former President Ronald Reagan said “The family is the basic unit of our society, the heart of our free democracy.”

For the past 20 years, Radkowski has served as Elk County coroner and is the current president of the Pennsylvania State Coroner’s Association. He owns and manages the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home Inc. in St. Marys and is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and a member and past president of the Warren, McKean, Elk Counties Funeral Director Association.

No stranger to community-building and civic service, Radkowski has also been actively involved with many area organizations, boards and committees, including the St. Marys Hospital Board, St. Marys Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Sacred Heart Parish Finance Committee, Footlighters of Elk County and the Lions Club.

Radkowski is also a past president and member of the St. Marys Area United Way. He is the founding member of the St. Marys Chamber of Commerce.

To that end, Radkowski said he will be traveling the district in the coming weeks.

“During the next months I will be traveling throughout the district, meeting with various constituents and groups,” Radkowski said. “It is important I personally hear and respond to the ideas and concerns, as well as the hopes and dreams, of all of our citizens.”

Radkowski and his wife Monica have six children and three grandchildren.

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