John C. Bear
John C. Bear is a former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 97th District. A Republican, Bear served from January 2, 2007, through January 1, 2013. He originally sought reelection in 2012 winning the Republican primary, but he later decided not to seek another term and withdrew from the race before the general election. Republicans chose Steven Mentzer to replace Bear on the general election ballot. Mentzer was unopposed in the general election. Bear grew up in Lititz, PA and is a graduate of Warwick High School. He received a B.A. with Honors in  Political Science from Temple University and a Master's of Governmental Administration (MGA) from the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a graduate of the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems at Georgetown University. While in college he interned for Congressman Robert S. Walker. He also served as Borough Councilman in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Bear also worked for an international management and technology consulting company, BearingPoint, for 9 years. In 2021, Bear re-entered local politics after winning one of four spots in the Republican primary for Manheim Township commissioner. His stated campaign goals include low taxes and better  government transparency. Following the 2021 Municipal Elections in Pennsylvania, Bear was elected one of four contested seats on the Manheim Township board of commissioners as part of a red wave retaking control over the local Democrats.