Thomas Baldino, retired professor of political science at Wilkes University, and co-author Paula Holoviak, professor of philosophy and government at Kutztown University, will hold a book signing and Q&A for their book, Pennsylvania Government and Politics, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Barnes & Noble in the Arena Hub Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township.
Pennsylvania Government and Politics, published by Penn State University Press, covers a period of more than 300 years of political history in the Commonwealth. The book examines Pennsylvania’s culture and geography, interactions between office holders and the media, the creation and enforcement of laws and political upheaval resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 presidential election. Readers can also find practical appendices and interviews with current and past office holders, bureaucrats, party leaders and political journalists.
Pennsylvania Government and Politics serves as a helpful reference for high school and college students, professionals, journalists or anyone interested in learning about politics in the state. “We believed that a book like ours was needed not only to educate students but also the public,” said Baldino.
The book also fills a publication gap. When Baldino and Holoviak started the project eight years ago, the last comprehensive book written about Pennsylvania’s government was published in 1933. “Pennsylvania has a long and storied history in the development of democracy in the United States,” said Holoviak. “The Commonwealth continues to be a vital contributor to the U.S. economy and the ongoing dialogue on the future of American politics.”
At the Barnes & Noble event, Baldino and Holoviak will present insights gained during the research and writing process, answer questions from the audience and sign copies of Pennsylvania Government and Politics. They’ll also share their optimistic view of state politics in the face of recent upheaval. “As one of America’s first colonies, Pennsylvania has survived many challenges and has always emerged stronger.
