Parke H. Wentling (born May 14, 1972) is an American politician and current member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 7th District since 2023. A Republican, Wentling previously represented the 17th District from 2015 until 2022.
In 2019, Wentling was chosen to chair the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee.[4] a body he has served on since 2017.[2]
In 2021, Wentling, a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, penned an op-ed where he denounced historical markers falling victim to "revisionist history driven by woke cancel culture." He contended that the Commission's implementation of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access led to markers getting removed for ideological reasons, comparing the Commission to the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984. Wentling also blamed "unelected bureaucrat far-left ideologues within [Governor Tom Wolf's] administration using their positions to implement a belief system they cannot enact through legislative means." and suggested privatizing the erection and maintenance of historical markers.[5] A spokesman for the Commission partially pushedback on Wentling's assertions, stating that any markers that were removed were done so because of "outdated cultural references" written by the Commission's predecessor body. The spokesman also said any removals or replacements were done with the cooperation of historical experts.[6]
Personal life
Wentling lives in Greenville, Pennsylvania with his wife Jennifer and their two children. They attend Zion’s Reformed Church in Greenville where Wentling also serves as a deacon.[1]
Electoral history
2014 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Republican primary election, District 17[7][8][9][10]
