(Harrisburg) -- State Senator Jeffrey Piccola (R-15) has issued a statement saying he will not seek re-election in 2012.  Piccola is known for being the architect of state takeover legislation aimed at debt-saddled Harrisburg.  Republicans in charge of redistricting recently proposed shifting Piccola's 15th district away from the city of Harrisburg, and instead including portions of Dauphin, Perry, Cumberland, Adams and York counties.  Critics say the move was intended to ease Piccola's re-election chances. 

The full text of the statement from Sen. Jeffrey Piccola is below:

"I hereby announce that I will not be a candidate for re-election to the 15th Senatorial District in 2012.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my service in the state legislature, and I count as one of my many blessings the privilege of representing the citizens of Dauphin and York Counties in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.  I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their support."

"During the year remaining of my term, I will work as Chairman of the Senate Education Committee to advance measures to reform and improve the Commonwealth's educational system and continue to strive to best represent the people of the 15th Senatorial District."