Education
Wilkes University; Pennsylvania State University.
Wilkes University; Pennsylvania State University.
His district includes Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre Township, Ashley, Plains Township and two wards in Hanover Township, all in Luzerne County. Pashinski earned a bachelor"s degree in Music Education at Wilkes University and a Master"s Equivalency at Penn State University. During college, he was involved in a band called The Starfires, income from which helped pay his tuition.
After college, Pashinski began teaching at the Greater Nanticoke Area School District.
He served for 35 years as a teacher, choral director and teachers" union leader. He is of Polish descent.
After retiring, Pashinski ran for the seat of Republican Kevin Blaum, who was not seeking re-election.
Pashinski prevailed over a field of three candidates in the 2006 Democratic primary election with 34.1%., overcoming a strong fundraising led by optometrist Brian O"Donnell.
In the 2006 general election, he defeated Republican Christine Katsock with 64.9% of the vote.