Andrew FlynnGovernment · Finance · Civic Institutions

August 14, 20252 min readEffective Government

Focusing My Service Here at Home, and Supporting Jen Mazzocco

After a lot of reflection and conversations with my family, I’ve decided that, assuming the seat opens up, I will not be pursuing a run for the State House this year.This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one for me because there’s important work to be done right here at home. Mt. Lebanon is in the midst of major transitions. We have significant infrastructure projects underway, governance and accountability reforms moving forward at MRTSA and SHACOG, and two long-serving Commissioners

After a lot of reflection and conversations with my family, I’ve decided that, assuming the seat opens up, I will not be pursuing a run for the State House this year.

This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one for me because there’s important work to be done right here at home. Mt. Lebanon is in the midst of major transitions. We have significant infrastructure projects underway, governance and accountability reforms moving forward at MRTSA and SHACOG, and two long-serving Commissioners stepping down at the end of the year. This is a moment of real change, and I want to help ensure continuity, stability, and momentum through it.

At the same time, I’m proud to support Jen Mazzocco from Dormont for the State House seat. I’ve worked with Jen directly and have seen her in action: she’s thoughtful, effective, and forward-thinking, exactly the kind of leader our region needs. Whether advocating for pedestrian safety, improving local governance, or building partnerships across communities, Jen combines vision with follow-through. She leads with integrity and heart.

Jen Mazzocco

Jen Mazzocco

Jen’s record speaks for itself. A public-school teacher for 14 years, she has coached Debate and Quiz Bowl, served as President of the Allderdice Staff Association, and taken on leadership roles in the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers. As a Dormont Council member since 2017, and now as Council President, she’s delivered on policies that make streets safer, workplaces fairer, and communities more inclusive. Under her leadership, Dormont has become a stronger, more vibrant community, and our municipalities are working more closely together than ever before. That kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident—it happens because of leaders like Jen.

Jen’s dedication extends well beyond council chambers. She serves on the Dormont Community Development Corporation board, co-chairs the Dormont Free Pantry Advisory Committee, and helps plan Dormont Pride in the Park. She’s a proven collaborator and tireless advocate, and I believe she will be an outstanding representative in Harrisburg.

I’m grateful for all the encouragement and conversations over the past few months. I’m not stepping back from public service, I’m focusing my energy where I can be most effective right now. And I’m looking forward to working to get Jen elected to the State House.

The author

Andrew Flynn is a Commissioner in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, a municipal advisor working in public finance, and a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He writes about whether public institutions can still do what we ask of them. More about Andrew.

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