Libertarian running to represent 8th District in state House
A Libertarian Party candidate running to represent the 8th District in the state House of Representatives said he supports school choice and legalizing marijuana and opposes gun control laws.
Derek Scott, of Center Township, is challenging incumbent Republican Aaron Bernstine in the Nov. 8 general election. No Democratic Party candidate is in the race.
Scott said his opposition to government-ordered closings and restrictions that were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic motivated him to make his initial run for office.
He said he supports the party’s overarching support of individual rights and opposition to government involvement in people’s everyday lives.
“ I want to have a more-free Pennsylvania for people to do what they want to do without any government interference,” Scott said. “If we have to take baby steps to start — OK.”
School choice is among the freedoms he supports.
It should be easy for parents to send their children to a school “where they can get taught what they want taught,” Scott said.
He said he wants to legalize marijuana and end the war on drugs. He said too much effort and money is spent enforcing drug laws.
Scott said he is pro-Second Amendment and against any gun control legislation.
In addition, he said he supports doing away with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and allowing private enterprise to sell liquor.
“I’m willing to work with anybody as long as the end result is bringing more freedom to Butler and Lawrence county residents,” Scott said.
He said he has lived in Butler County since he was a child and graduated from Butler High School and Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School.
After working as a machinist for seven years, he said he moved into sales of CNC machines and now works in sales for Levin Furniture and Mattress. A CNC machine cuts or moves material as programmed on a controller.
The 8th District encompasses Harrisville, Portersville, West Liberty and West Sunbury, and Brady, Center, Cherry, Clay, Franklin, Marion, Mercer, Muddy Creek and Worth townships, and part of Lawrence County.
