Biography

02/13/1936 -

Adams and York Counties (1975-1982), Adams County (1983-1992)

COLE, Kenneth J., a Representative from Adams and York Counties; born in Gettysburg, Adams County, Pa., February 13, 1936; graduated, Delone Catholic High School; attended, Gettysburg College; served, United States Navy (1954-1958); member, Democratic State Committee (1964-1968); president, Adams County Young Democrats; unsuccessful campaign treasurer, Adams County (1965); land procurement officer, Memphis, Tn. (1965-1971); Pennsylvania Congressional aide, 19th District; employed, Pennsylvania Bureau of Lotteries (1971-1974); elected as a Democrat to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 1975 term; reelected to serve 7 consecutive terms thereafter; appointed, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (1976-1986); appointed, Select Committee on Three Mile Island (1979); appointed, Select Committee on Safe Drinking Water (1984); appointed, Select Committee on Seasonal Farm Laborers (1984); appointed, Chesapeake Bay Commission (1986-1992); unsuccessful campaign for reelection to the House (1992); assistant to the Speaker, Democratic Caucus, Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1993); chair, Susquehanna River Basin Commission (1994-1996); United States Federal Commissioner, United States Department of the Interior (1994-1996); elected, alternate delegate, Democratic National Convention (2000).