His campaign signs stationed on the stairs of a school in his hometown of Hazleton read "People not Politics."

And there he stood next to them Mike Marsicano, another Hazleton native and former city mayor vying to represent the public in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District come the 2016 election. The seat is now held by Lou Barletta, a Republican, who also served as Hazleton's mayor.ON Sunday, Marsicano, a Democrat, officially announced his intention to run for Congress with the Hazleton Elementary/Middle School, also known as the "Castle," as his backdrop.He promised to listen to constituents' needs and to repair what is broken in government if elected.Marsicano chose the school as his backdrop for a purpose. The one-time Hazleton mayor said he refused to allow the landmark building, formerly Hazleton High School, to be demolished when he was in office in the 1990s. It was later renovated and used as a school and community performing arts center.He said the school was once like Congress today in need of repair. Congress has become "partisan" and "dysfunctional" and people have lost trust in politicians because of that, the candidate said."I am here today to remind everyone that some things that have become broken can be and must be fixed," Marsicano said, and it won't be accomplished without taking on the doubters and negative thinkers, and without forming partnerships between Republicans and Democrats to better serve the people.Just like the school, Marsicano said as he motioned to the building behind him, Congress can be repaired.He vowed to fix Congress in three steps listening to those in the district; using a new, common-sense and bipartisan approach to offer solutions for middle class struggles; and by refusing to engage in negative campaigns.Marsicano said he isn't running for selfish reasons but because he believes in protecting and preserving the ideals that make America a great place to live.He supports term limits in Congress to prevent "lifetime politicians," and if Congress fails to act on reasonable limits, said he will act on his own to limit his time in office.Though he spent most of his life as a Democrat and was elected and served as Hazleton's mayor as such, Marsicano said, he changed his party allegiance several years ago to support Republican candidates he believed were qualified, but he never thought of himself as anything but the "blue-collar, traditional Democrat" he is today.He said he plans to listen to both Democrats and Republicans, and will support the best ideas that benefit constituents, especially the middle class.He closed his speech with a quote from Alexis de Tocqueville, author of "Democracy in America," who said, "The greatness of America lies in her ability to repair her faults." He added that with the "grace of God" and people's will, it can be done.Friends of Marsicano also spoke during the roughly 20-minute event.Al Senape, Sugarloaf Township, said his and the Marsicano's family friendship that began on the northwest side of Hazleton goes back three generations to when their grandfathers moved from Italy to America and became friends. Later Senape and Marsicano's fathers, Jimmy and Paul, would forge a friendship, too. "Mike says what he means and means what he says."Joe Zeller, Butler Township resident and planning commission member, said he has been friends with Marsicano since they were teenagers and that he, too, supports his bid for Congress. Alyce Nicholas, campaign spokeswoman, introduced the speakers and closed the event.The Rev. Thomas Cappelloni offered an opening prayer and led the crowd gathered around the Castle in "God Bless America," before offering a "Go Mike!" to the crowd near the event's end.Marsicano graduated from Hazleton High School in 1966 and enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard before being honorably discharged three years later.In 1971 he entered the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and during his service became a helicopter pilot. Retiring in 1981, he then flew private helicopters and corporate jets and, in 1984, began a career with Continental Airlines, which later became United, and he retired in 2005. Before serving as Hazleton's mayor for one four-year term, Marsicano served on city council. He also had numerous business ventures.A news release sent via email after the event stated that he plans to begin his campaign by knocking on doors in the 11th District and will start in Carbon County soon.