Haudenshield, George K., 1920-2011
biographical statement
George K. Haudenshield served Allegheny County as a Republican Member in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1959-1970. Legislatively, he focused on the Consumer Protection Bill, the Motorcycle Helmet Law and numerous Education bills. Born, June 11, 1920 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Haudenshield was educated at Rossyln Farms Elementary School and Carnegie High Schools. He attended Allegheny College and received his BS from the University of Pittsburgh and his DDS from the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Reserves in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He practiced dentistry in his community for 15 years before his election to the House of Representatives. John R. Haudenshield, George K. Haudenshield’s uncle, served the House of Representatives from 1939-1940 and again from 1943 until his death on July 28, 1959. A November 22, 1989 newspaper clipping states that “he became famous for his untiring efforts in striving for better mental hospitals and an uncanny knowledge of the state and area history.” After his death, a special election was held for the 15th Legislative District and George K. Haudenshield was nominated by the Republican Party to run. On November 3, 1959, he won the election and continued to serve for a total of six sessions. During his tenure as Representative, Haudenshield served on the Professional Licensure Committee, the Education Committee, the Committee on Cities and Counties, the Appropriations Committee, the Committee on Committees and the State Government Committees. On February 19, 1970, he announced that he would not run for reelection in the 1971 primary. The Pittsburgh Press article (February 19, 1970), notes that Haudenshield was frustrated by the deadlock regarding budget and taxes and believed that a reduction in the size of the General Assembly was necessary in order that the position of the legislator be full time. After retiring from the legislature, Haudenshield returned to working full time as a dentist. The November 22, 1959 newspaper clipping (Newspaper unknown) states that Haudenshield was “inspired by his late uncle,” and, indeed, he carried on his uncle’s efforts for better mental health hospitals. In 1968, Haudenshield introduced a House Resolution calling for a study of an administrative decision to discontinue all farming operation at State Mental Hospitals by January 1, 1969. Haudenshield passed away on February 19, 2011 in Scott, Allegheny County, Pa.