Kenneth Ruffing
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kenneth W. Ruffing (born February 24, 1967) is a former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represented the 38th legislative district from 1999 through 2006.
Kenneth W. Ruffing | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 38th district | |
| In office January 5, 1999[1] – November 30, 2006[2] | |
| Preceded by | Richard D. Olasz |
| Succeeded by | Bill Kortz |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 24, 1967 Homestead, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Karen |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Robert Morris College |
Ruffing graduated from West Mifflin High School in 1985 and earned a degree in business administration from Robert Morris College in 1990.[3] Prior to elective office, Ruffing worked as a licensed insurance agent. He was a member of the West Mifflin Borough Council for seven years and served as its president for two.[4]
In the lead-up to the 2006 primary election, Ruffing faced criticism stemming from his vote in favor of the controversial 2005 legislative pay raise.[5] In face of this criticism, Ruffing claimed that he donated his pay raise to an unnamed "autistic charity."[6] Ruffing garnered 26.2% to place third in the three-way race against C.L. Jabbour and eventual winner Bill Kortz.[7]
Following the election, Ruffing admitted that he used the money to pay tuition for his autistic son to attend St. Colman's Catholic School in Turtle Creek.[8] In August 2006, Ruffing was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after failing two field sobriety tests and registering a BAC of .346, which is four times Pennsylvania's legal limit.[9][10] In 2007, it was revealed that Ruffing, as a lame duck legislator, attended legislative training trips at the public's expense after his defeat.[11]
