Candidate for
State Representative; Pennsylvania State House of Representatives; District 5; Republican Party

My name is Joe Rudderow. I live in Maidencreek Township with my wife Claudia, our six children and our Basset Hound. We are raising four sons and two daughters, ranging in age from 6 to 21. From kindergarten to college and everything in between, our family is in a constant state of motion. As parents, Claudia and I know the many challenges that face families in Berks today. We see the rising cost of running our household as energy and food costs continue to climb, along with a steady rise in fees and taxes. We see the ongoing struggle with the cost of education in private and public schools, as well as college. As parents, we know the importance of budgeting expenses so we do not live outside our means. Most of all, we want our children to be able to enjoy their life, liberty, property and pursuit their happiness in Berks County.

My grandfather farmed in Mt. Laurel, NJ from the 1920s through the 1980s. He owned and operated a 250 acre "truck farm", while his brother owned and operated a dairy farm a few miles away. My Father was born and reared on the truck farm, along with my uncles and aunt. The farm produced a variety of crops over the years, most notably sweet corn, tomatoes, carrots and soy beans. As a boy growing up next to the farmstead, I would ride on the tractor with my grandfather in the field, or I would accompany him in the truck headed to Camden with a load of tomatoes for Campbell Soups. As I got older, I worked a summer or two on my grandfather's farm helping out wherever I was needed. I enjoyed my experience while it lasted. Eventually, we moved to Pennsylvania where I spent a summer during High School working on a farm in Lehigh County. In 1983 I attended the University of Delaware enrolled as an Agricultural Business Major. As the years went on, my grandfather sold his farm and I changed my career path. Although I never had the opportunity to earn a living farming, I do hold close fond memories of an earlier time in my life where I was able to experience life on the farm.

Joe Rudderow's FamilyIn 1989, my father and I decided to get into the Hardware Business. We bought Bell Hardware in Trexlertown. It was an opportunity to own and operate a small business. My father retired in 2001. I am quickly approaching my 25th year in the hardware business. Over the years, I have learned how to manage my business through good economies, as well as bad. I have learned to adapt to the pressures of competition brought on by the big box stores and the internet. I understand the consequences of not having a balanced budget and know the importance of meeting payroll, because it affects the lives of my employees. Most of all, I know the importance of serving my customers; they are responsible for my success.

In 2002, I decided to get involved in my community by serving on the Maidencreek Township planning commission. In 2006 I was elected to Auditor and in 2008, I was elected to The Maidencreek Township Board of Supervisors. I have learned a lot about our community and local government during my years of service to the township. I understand the importance of private property rights and the proper role of government in our communities. I understand the importance of being a good steward of the taxpayers' money. I understand the importance of listening to our residents, learning about the issues, leading the charge for resolution and lastly, legislating if necessary.