pennsylvania primary

Inquirer endorsements

2006-05-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senate
Lt. Governor
Philadelphia ballot questions: Ethics board Anti-crime CCTV proposal
12th State Senate
26th State Senate

8th Congressional District

6th Congressional District

10th State Senate - Republican

10th State Senate - Democrat

19th State Senate Special Election

State House 31st District: Democrat Douglas Platz

2006-05-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Race: Democratic primary; winner to oppose incumbent David J. Steil.

Opponent: Michael Diamond

Name: Douglas J. Platz

Party: Democrat

Town: Lower Makefield

Website: http://www.dougplatz.com/

Credentials: As a lifetime resident of Bucks County I love our community, but I believe it can be even better. I am a graduate of Pennsbury High School and remain an active member of the community through my work with the Pennsbury Speech and Debate team. I know the issues that confront the voters of this district, and I know what needs to be done. I have had a wide range of work experience in many different environments, from retail and restaurants to politics, both in the mayor of Boston’s press office and local races in Bucks. I’ll soon be graduating from Emerson College, where I was the Assistant News Director of the top-rated collegiate news station. Through all of my experiences, I have prided myself in getting things done in the best possible way.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

We need an entire new set of laws guaranteeing the openness and good faith operation of the legislature. We need a lobbyist registration law so we know who is influencing our representatives. We need to shift the burden of proof in our Freedom of Information laws so that the government is required to quickly release information. Lawmaker’s benefits and perks should be cut and the “Walking Around Money” fund maintained by legislators must be immediately dissolved and the money returned to the State’s general fund.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

We should abandon all attempts to raise the sales tax, or any other tax, in an effort to reduce property taxes. Shifting the tax burden from one group to another is not a solution to this problem. The best compromise between immediate relief and a long-term solution is the original Democratic proposal for as much relief as possible from gaming funds immediately, and an increase in relief as gaming revenue to the State increases.

Q. Pennsylvania suffers a “brain drain” of some of its brightest students from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.

I would tell a young graduate about Pennsylvania’s beautiful suburbs and strong school systems. I would explain how the State Legislature should be focusing on new policies to make our cities more vibrant and to attract new jobs in high tech industries, for example, in the energy and biotechnology fields. I believe that strong cities make strong suburbs, and while young college graduates may not be looking for a suburban lifestyle immediately, they should be enticed to Pennsylvania’s cities, knowing that they can choose to raise a family in our suburbs.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

Absolutely, yes. The biotech industry plays an increasingly important role in the American economy, and encouraging a strong base for biotech in Pennsylvania will bring lucrative new jobs to the state, and attract more business and residents. I believe stem cell research should be included, because this area of research offers many potentially important medical advances that should not be denied.

I do not see any real conflict in the relationship between district, party, and region. The Democratic Party is working to make Pennsylvania a better place, and I identify with the Party because I share the same goals in issues like education and health care, which are central in my campaign. However, when I disagree with the Party, I will use my office and my voice as a legislator to advocate my position, as well as the concerns of my district. I am a member of the Democratic Party, but my vote does not belong to it. I also believe that a strong Philadelphia means a strong Bucks County, and working with greater Philadelphia’s representatives can only help make my district a better place to live. In any case, my first responsibility is to my district as their representative.

Q. Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slots casinos don’t spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table games in casinos?

I am not confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place, and I would like to see strong and proactive programs developed to ensure that casinos have only positive effects on our state. I would support a proposal for table games, because the types of games offered in the casino do not impact crime and other problems, but can only increase the state’s revenue.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

No. The State needs to raise the level of funding for schools across the board. We must match our constitutional requirement of funding 50% of all education costs in the State, and especially take over variable education costs from the districts. The amount of funding per student for public education in some districts is too low, and should be raised through targeted funding. Higher education costs must be made more affordable, which will help to attract young people to our schools and persuade them to stay.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

We must take strong immediate steps to increase accessibility of Health Care options, modeling after other state’s successes. This means permitting individuals and small businesses to bind together to bargain for better coverage and allowing access to existing health care systems through your workplace rather than through welfare offices. With respect to Massachusetts’ program, there are definitely elements that can be applied to Pennsylvania successfully, but a close review of the programs’ successes and difficulties in Massachusetts is warranted before committing ourselves to the new plan.

Index to candidates' response

2006-05-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

(Every candidate in a contested race in Southeastern Pennsylvania was mailed a questionnaire. Following are the responses of candidates who returned the questionnaire - a group that represents about one of out every two candidates seeking nomination on May 16.) Read Inquirer endorsements here.

Answers to questionnaire:

State House 13th District: Republican John Lawrence

State House 31st District: Democrat Douglas Platz

State House 188th District: Democrat Devon Cade

State House 182nd District: Democrat Larry Farnese

State House 142d District: Republican Matt Wright

State House 142nd District: Democrat Larry Lefkowitz

State House 142d District: Republican Eddie Reeves

State House 152nd District: Republican Thomas Murt

State House 149th District: Republican Monica Treichel

State House 167th District: Democrat Anne Crowley

State House 167th District: Democrat Bill Holmes

State House 175th District: Democrat Mike O'Brien

State House 175th District: Democrat Terry Graboyes

State House 175th District: Democrat Anne Dicker

State House 178th District: Republican Scott Petri

State House 178th District: Republican Bill O'Neill

State Senate 10th District: Republican Joseph P. Schiaffino

State Senate 10th District: Democrat Chris Serpico

State Senate 10th District: Democrat Robin Rosenthal

State Senate 12th District: Republican Stewart Greenleaf

State Senate 12th District: Republican Kathy Mendla

State House 140th District: Democrat John Warenda

State House 13th District: Republican John Lawrence

2006-05-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

The race: GOP primary in Chester County House race.

Opponent: Arthur Hershey

Name: John Adda Lawrence
Party: Republican
Town: Landenberg
Web site: www.Lawrence2006.com
Credentials: Lifelong resident of Chester County, Graduate of Penn State University, Currently a Senior Account Officer at JPMorgan Private Bank

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?
A. Require future legislative pay raises be subject to a voter referendum.
Our legislators have proven that they cannot be trusted to dictate the terms of their own compensation. The voters of Pennsylvania should decide if their legislators deserve any future pay raises.
-Enact a ten day “cooling off” period between the introduction of a bill and voting on it to give the citizens of this state a chance to review proposed laws.
Controversial legislation, such as the Pay Raise Bill and the Gambling Bill, were enacted in late night sessions with no debate. Even the legislators themselves had not read the bills prior to voting on them. I will work to give the public and the press a chance to review proposed legislation to promote an honest debate on the merits of each bill.
- Enact a lobbyist disclosure law to end special interest giveaways to our legislators.
Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation without lobbyist disclosure. I will work to eliminate special interest handouts to government officials.
- Reduce property taxes to provide real relief to farmers and homeowners.
There needs to be a complete review of the Pennsylvania tax code, starting with property taxes. There is much that can be done to bring down skyrocketing school taxes while ensuring our schools are well funded. I would support impact fees on new development, and consider shifting some of the burden to a sales tax. I will work to bring property tax reform to all homeowners.
- Enact term limits to prevent stagnation and to bring in new ideas.
Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.
A. Barring a repeal of the law, all gaming proceeds should go directly to education. In particular, funds should be used to offset property taxes and fund new school infrastructure. We must provide tax relief to all homeowners; seniors are being forced from their lifelong homes, families are being squeezed to the breaking point, and young people can not afford to stay in the state. The property tax situation is a real crisis that must be resolved.
Q. Pennsylvania suffers a "brain drain" of some of its brightest students from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.
A. Pennsylvania has all of the resources needed for success – a great location, beautiful scenery, plentiful resources, and hard working people. That being said, the business and tax climate in this state discourages entrepreneurial minded graduates from staying here. We need to reform the tax code and foster a business friendly environment to retain the best and the brightest.
Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.
A. Pennsylvania needs to revamp the tax code to foster business development in general. Much of Pennsylvania is suffering from a real lack of new business development, and the State should relentlessly encourage small and big business to make Pennsylvania home. I would oppose any effort to fund embryonic stem cell research, however I fully support efforts researching the benefits of umbilical and adult stem cells.
Q. If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflicts among those allegiances, and how will you resolve them?
A. My district entails much of Southern and Western Chester County. I look forward to working towards real property tax relief, improving the local infrastructure, and enacting badly needed reforms in Harrisburg. These are not partisan issues, but instead are issues that affect all residents of our state. I look forward to working with people from both parties to solve these pressing issues.
Q. Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slots casinos don't spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table games in casinos?
A. The ill-conceived legislation enabling the creation of a gambling empire in Pennsylvania does not adequately address the concerns of millions of residents. I would support the full and immediate repeal of gambling in Pennsylvania, and I would vote against any expansion of the current plan, including table games. If there are not enough votes to repeal gambling, I would push for stricter controls around who can obtain casino licenses, and include full police background checks on all executives and employees involved in the operation of any gaming parlor.
Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?
A. Educational spending needs to be addressed in several ways. First, the state needs to live up to its responsibility to fund education at a proper level. Second, voters must be given the opportunity to veto excessive spending increases via a referendum vote. Third, we need to focus on our students by ensuring every student has access to a challenging education.
Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?
A. Pennsylvania has a real and growing health care crisis – hundreds of doctors are leaving the state, and new doctors are not coming to Pennsylvania due to skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums. Without a doubt, real tort reform is the number one item that must be addressed to bring the cost of health care in line with inflation. Meaningful tort reform must be enacted to cap pain and suffering judgments at a reasonable level. This basic reform would do much to bring down health care costs, and make health insurance more affordable for individuals and businesses.

State House 188th District: Democrat Devon Cade

2006-05-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

The race: Democratic primary in Philadelphia House district.

Opponent: James R. Roebuck

Name: Devon Cade

Party: Democrat

Town: Philadelphia

Web site: www.pacleansweep.com

Credentials (briefly):

Former Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily news Mailer; former School Police Officer, former Executive Director/Arbitration Judge for Phila. Teen Court

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. The legislature needs to be held accountable. Also create a ethical board elected by the public.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Use 40% of casino revenues to give to relief to tax payers

Q. Pennsylvania suffers a "brain drain" of some of its brightest students from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.

A. Pennsylvania a place to come work, live, and invest in your future.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.

A. No

A. I as an elected official will represent my district first, I don't see where there would be conflicts between the democratic party and my district.

A. Casino owners need to have a city casino board to oversee these issues

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A.Yes

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. We should have a universal health care system. With the Massachusetts model it seems adequate.

State House 182nd District: Democrat Larry Farnese

2006-05-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Opponent: Babbette Josephs

Name: Larry Farnese

Party: Democrat

Town: Philadelphia

Website: www.farnese2006.com

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. Clearly, the pay raise was a wake-up call. The power we give to our legislators is too easy to exploit. I will propose that we cut out ethical loopholes, like un-vouchered expenses, which lawmakers pocketed even after they voted to repeal pay raise. I will also propose stricter limitations on legislators' franking privilege, which is their ability to send materials through the mail or do TV commercials on the taxpayers' dollar. Too often these communications are just thinly-veiled campaign material. My opponent, Rep. Josephs has, in addition to the mailers and TV ads, even taken to mailing birthday letters to constituents on taxpayer dollars. These costs add up. Over the years such wasteful practices translate into ten of thousands of dollars that aren't going to our schools, our police, etc. And that's just in one district.

As far as enforcing the ethical rules currently on books, recent scandals in PA, like the “book bill” expenses, are an embarrassment to our city and state. These and the other scandals on the national stage, shine a spotlight on the need for a change of attitude in Harrisburg towards how strictly these rules are monitored and enforced. They need to remember that legislators work for the people, not vice versa. Unfortunately we currently seem to be a lacking a simple sense of the principals of good government.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Its very likely that the projected casino revenue won't start flowing into Harrisburg until some time after the casinos are open. A look at the Atlantic City casinos showed that it took 22 years to get 3 billion in revenue. So, while planning for casino revue use is wise, we should take care not to enact to deep a tax cut until we realize the actual dollars.

I think using the money, when it is realized, to reduce the property tax burden in Pennsylvania will be a welcome move.  Having said that, I strongly support Governor Rendell’s other suggested ideas on how to reduce property tax including;  enabling school districts to impose or shift to a Personal Income Tax, increasing the income threshold for seniors and others eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to $30,000, ensuring the appropriate application of the back-end referenda for school districts that cross county lines, establishing the date that the act becomes law as the date certain for school districts not currently participating in Act 72 to have issued debt that is permissible without referenda consideration and increasing the flexibility offered to school districts to permit taxes to be paid in installments rather than lump sums.

I think it was a smart move to call a special session to deal with this issue, and it is an outrage that Speaker Perzell refuses to participate while the Republican legislature stalls, just so that the Governor will not have a political victory to campaign on.

A. Never in American history has an area coming back to life sat on a goldmine of potential like PA does right now. In the last three years Pennsylvania has outpaced most other states in job growth. We are seeing exciting new industries emerging in the state, ranging from film and television production to biotech and non-profits. Cosmopolitan Pittsburgh has been consistently labeled one of the nation's most livable cities and Philadelphia, with its burgeoning restaurant, arts, music scene, and historical tourism will soon be in position to rightfully call itself one of the premier cultural capitals of the nation.

I think any young individual would prosper from staying in Pennsylvania after graduation or moving to Pennsylvania for a variety of reasons. We rank in the top half of states in terms of average income, with Philadelphia ranking in the top 10% of metropolitan areas. At the same time housing expenses eat up a significantly lower percentage of the average paycheck. For instance Philadelphians spend 31% of their income on housing, whereas other east coast cities, like Boston (60%+) and New York (72%), have a significantly higher cost of living. A large number of industries are booming in our state. To name a few: investment banking, biotech, arts and entertainment, pharmaceuticals and legal services. Our multitude of world class colleges and universities will ensure we have the people and training to continue to be on the cutting edge of technology and all industries for the future.

Over the past 10 years our City and the State of Pennsylvania has seen re-birth, and with proper management and a projected reduction in taxes we can expect this unprecedented renaissance to continue.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

A Yes, investing in biotech is just that—an investment, not an expense. Biotech is very obviously an important growth industry, and our economic standing as a state and a region depend on our ability to attract and help develop firms in this sector. Given the number of world class colleges and universities here, along with our proximity to both Wall Street and Capitol Hill, Greater Philadelphia can—and should—be to biotech what Silicon Valley was to microchips in the 90's.

It is for that reason that I support the economic-stimulus proposal to invest more than $2 billion in government grants, loans and guarantees to generate an additional $5 billion in private sector investment and to give biotech firms the right to sell or trade unused tax credits to profitable companies. Since biotech and other research intensive firms often take a few years to start earning a profit, I support abolishing or at least increasing the limit on the amount of net operating losses companies can carry forward for tax purposes. The current cap of $2 million is arbitrary and counter-productive when dealing with this specific type of industry.

I respect the moral objections some people have towards stem-cell research, but I disagree with them and think it would be a great loss to our city and region not to support this industry. The fact of the matter is that stem-cells are the byproduct of certain types of fertility treatment, so they are not "created just to be destroyed" as some on the right say. I think it would far more immoral to simply throw them away and forgo the opportunity to improve people's lives.

Q. If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflicts among those allegiances, and how will you resolve them?

A. As the question stated I will represent the district and the people who actually elected me first and foremost. All PA democrats have to deal with these types of tensions.

First, my progressive positions on social issues are clear and not up for compromise. Sometimes the order of the day must be respectful disagreement, otherwise nothing gets done. In addition, it wouldn't hurt to remember that many of these social issues are raised by the GOP, solely as wedge issues for the purpose of inciting division and keeping themselves in power

While the 182^nd district does encompass some of the wealthiest parts of Philadelphia, there is really no reason to worry that my votes in Harrisburg won't be beneficial for Philadelphia as a whole. On issue after issue – handgun control, small business initiatives, making healthcare more affordable and accessible, etc - my positions are no different than they would be in any other part of the city.

Divisions in the party can be varied and are usually unique to each situation. At the end of the day we are from the same party and need to focus on the beliefs that unite us. However I believe differences of opinion, even in our party, are to be cherished as we search for answers to the challenges we face for our city and state.

Q. Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slots casinos don't spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table games in casinos?

A. No, these casinos need to be placed under stronger local control. There is simply no way politicians in Harrisburg – many with no ties to this city – could effectively deal with the problems casinos generate "on the ground". My opponent voted against Senate Bill 129. This bill was a double edged sword. While it restricted the control of these casinos to the state level, it also was written to prevent any state officials from owning interest in these casinos to prevent corruption. I think to prevent widespread corruption problems we needed to stop officials from holding a financial interest in these casinos. While local control has not been granted I think it is extremely important that provisions be made to allow for at least local review of the casinos, especially in light of the impact these can and will have on our neighborhoods – not just here, but throughout the state. Some type of localized oversight, including on site management and community interaction, should be provided before these casinos are allowed to start running.

I think we should not be voting to expand gaming anytime soon, if ever, through table games. While they would generate more tax revenue, anyone who has ever been to a casino knows that they change the nature of the establishment to a significant degree. Many of the potential problems that our communities are bracing themselves for could be amplified, including crime, traffic, and addictions. In the interests of being reasonable, if years if years down the road these problems had not developed, and a plan was put in place to slowly introduce these types of games in test phases (with careful monitoring), I might consider supporting that move. However, it is important to say I would not support any such measure in next several years and even after that time I would be very hesitant to support such an addition to our gaming industry.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. Coming from a family with a strong background in public schools I am a huge advocate of increased levels of support to education. While the current administration has managed some record setting increases in areas like Community College funding, we can do more.

First the current tax system places an unfair disadvantage on schools that come from areas with lower property values and does not share the burden equally throughout the state. We need to have a much greater portion, if not all, of the tax money that is collected for schools spread equally among districts. I do not advocate state control of the schools, only a tax system that would erase the overwhelming inequities we see throughout the state today.

Secondly I think we have evidence of programs that can be productive in our schools and we need to get the funding to make these a larger part of our solution to educational challenges. For instance smaller class sizes, after-school remedial programs and full day kindergarten have all been shown to have a positive effect on student’s performance. Why aren’t we working to institute them more readily statewide? During my campaign I have helped fundraise for PhiladelphiaReads, a program that partners with public schools to make sure they have plenty of books for the students and that also had adult mentors reading to students. Studies showed that the more a child was read to the more likely they were to be proficient at reading. A program was put it place and it has been tremendous. Why aren’t we doing this with other programs on the state level?

I am also a supporter of a program that would expand the teaching of trades and job skills into all public high schools, not just the specialty trade schools. I think that we should encourage and help prepare every single student for college; however, the reality is that not all students will be able to go to college. Therefore, we need to show these students that they also have a viable future, and it is our responsibility to help get them on track to that future. We can institute programs that in addition to academics, teach a student a trade so that they can be prepared to enter a job or pass an apprenticeship exam upon graduation.

Public schools, and education in general, should constantly be one of, if not thee, number one issue – our state and our city’s future depends on it.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. While our two states share many demographic similarities, the final program signed into law by Gov. Romney is not right for the needs of all Pennsylvanians. I applaud Massachusetts for actually taking action on behalf of the overwhelming number of Americans that do not have health coverage. I must say, however, that while the approach is moving in the right direction the Massachusetts plan has things a bit backwards. Rather then recognizing that all citizens should have a fundamental right to basic health care, they mandated that all citizens should have to buy health care. In the short term the influx of participants in their statewide healthcare programs, as well as the subsides and tax breaks offered, will help health care costs for those participating, but in my opinion it only really helps a portion of the currently uninsured. Those who are helped are those that couldn’t afford the program before, but now that costs are lowered for the time being can afford it with subsidies. Another words, people who were close to being able to pay can now pay with some government help and cheaper programs. What about those who cannot pay or who are not close enough? The program offers subsidies to low income families, but what about all the young people who we were talking about in the “Brain Drain” question? A large percentage of that age demographic currently makes up the millions of uninsured Americans.

I believe Massachusetts is heading in the right direction, and that they have an interesting idea. Making everyone participate in the health care program helps drive down costs and then subsidies and tax breaks both encourage and help businesses cover the cost for employees. This program lowers the costs for businesses that already pay healthcare for employees, which is good, but the problem is the large number of people still slip through the cracks.

Your question asks “should [PA] adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?” Not to split hairs - but it depends what you mean by “model.” I think that the idea of full participation in a program, subsidies for low income families and tax breaks for small businesses that cover their employees are all pieces of the solution to our health care crisis. However, I do not believe a wholesale importing of this program is the right answer for our State. We cannot address the high cost of health insurance without talking about insurance companies that squeeze both doctors and patients from both ends to the tune of billions of dollars in profit. That would be analogous trying to talk about gas prices and energy solutions without taking about the profit of the oil companies

State House 175th District: Democrat Anne Dicker

2006-05-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

The race: Three Democrats are squaring off for the nomination to replace departing Democrat Marie Lederer.

Opponents: Mike O’Brien, Terry Graboyes

Name: Anne Dicker

Party: Democrat

Town: Philadelphia

Web site: www.annedicker.com

Credentials:

Co-Founder and First Chair of Philly for Change

Founder of Pennsylvania for Democracy

Field Director, Patrick Murphy for Congress, 2005-2006

Statewide Volunteer Coordinator, PA League of Conservation Voters, 2004

Graduate, Middlebury College, 1995, B.A. Economics

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. In order to make real changes in the State Legislature, I would propose reducing the number of elected representatives, introducing term limits and curbing unreasonable perks like per diems and car allowances. Serving as a member of the General Assembly should be borne out of a desire to improve the common good, not for personal or organizational gain.

Making these substantive changes, in addition to measures like increasing transparency on legislation, following Sunshine Law rules, and more, will make Harrisburg a more ethical place to do the people’s business.

The most lasting change I can help inspire in Harrisburg is to bring a sense of accountability to elected office. In the race for the Democratic nomination for the 175th, I am best suited to do that as a former leader of the grassroots organization Philly for Change. My interest in public service comes directly from my role at Philly for Change, finding consensus from a group of very diverse voices and opinions. If elected, I plan to bring this attitude with me to Harrisburg and help members of the Democratic caucus see themselves as the messengers of the people, devoted to making Pennsylvania a better place to live for all of us.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Casino revenues are an attempt at a quick-fix for much larger cash flow issues in the state. The reality is that with the decline of Pennsylvania’s industrial base and a shrinking and aging population (a problem far worse outside of Philadelphia than inside), Pennsylvania’s tax base is less secure than ever before. Without addressing the need for a sustainable revenue system, Pennsylvania will never be able to address its problems creating high-wage jobs, quality public education, and flexible and sustainable economic development.

The real solution is a complete revamp of the state’s revenue collection. If elected, I would join Rep. Levdansky and Veon, in an effort to amend the state’s constitution to allow for a graduated state income tax, an end to corporate tax loopholes, and an end to the exemption from sales tax for business services, such as those provided by consultants, lawyers, and accountants.

Pennsylvania needs a modern tax code that places the burden of taxation fairly on all Pennsylvanians. Meanwhile, I will fight to stop casino development in my district and in other parts of the state before residents have had a chance to fully assess the impact of their new neighbors, while also working to improve the rest of the tax code.

A. The key to maintaining and improving our ability to hold on to college graduates, especially those who are not from here, is to continue to work from our strengths. In a period of rapid development, we must make sure to maintain a quality, affordable rental and housing purchase market. Young people will stay in Philadelphia after they graduate if there are good jobs to be had, a diverse and interesting social scene, affordable housing, and lots of different kinds of neighborhoods for college graduates to settle into.

The challenges for stemming the flow of brain drain at the state level are more complex. However, all problems in Pennsylvania begin and end with the decline of Pennsylvania’s industrial base and a shrinking and aging population. Pennsylvania needs a plan for sustainable economic development that can provide good jobs and a secure future for many more Pennsylvanians, especially younger Pennsylvanians. The result of such a plan would be more jobs, and more fiscal flexibility that the state could employ to make Pennsylvania a more attractive place for young people to live.

As the only candidate in the race for the 175th who moved to Philadelphia after I graduated from college, I can say with some authority that affordability, access to work and a love of city living are why I chose to stay in Queen Village. I would like to apply my first-hand knowledge to this problem and help the state move forward.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

A. Pennsylvania needs a comprehensive economic development plan. A good plan could analyze Pennsylvania’s strengths and weaknesses as a player in a national and global economy and then prioritize economic development dollars toward the cluster if industries in which we are most likely to be successful. Success is defined as an economic development plan that rises median wages for all Pennsylvanians, increases access to healthcare, improves the average Pennsylvania’s ability to plan for retirement, increases home ownership rates, improves our environment, and reduces sprawl.

As such, the biotech industry in Pennsylvania, particularly Southeastern PA, could very well be a major part of a comprehensive economic development plan for the state. However, to only look at one piece of the plan puts us back in the position we have been in for far too long of making special deals and spending economic development dollars blindly.

A. I will always put neighborhoods first! However, the struggles of the residents of the 175th to find decent jobs, healthcare, affordable housing costs, good education for their kids, and guaranteed civil rights are struggles that all Pennsylvanians face.

Pennsylvania is a very large state. From the coal mines in Scranton, to the steel mills in Pittsburgh and Johnstown, to the textile mills in Philadelphia, industry used to shape the political and social culture of different regions. Now, as those industries continue to shrink, the state of Pennsylvania has an opportunity to unify its different residents and communities around a bold, progressive economic development agenda for the 21st century that will leave no Pennsylvanian behind. I will work hard on behalf of such a vision serving my district and my state well.

As an independent Democrat, free from the squabbling and in-fighting that other members of my party engage in here in Philadelphia, I will be faithful to my vision and goals.

A. We need to give the neighborhoods final say over whether or not they get a casino. We need to extend the licensing period until we have studied all the possible impacts—environmental, economic, and social. We need to make the gaming board listen to our voices and take them seriously. The way the gaming board has conducted itself so far has been high-handed, self-interested, and disrespectful. If we don't stand up to them now, our neighborhoods will pay the price. I know what casinos look like when they're done the wrong way. I used to work in Atlantic City, where the bright lights of the casinos on the waterfront have done nothing for the neighborhoods a few blocks back. We have to make sure the same thing doesn't happen in Philadelphia. Similarly, if casinos are developed in Philadelphia, the neighborhood should have a say in what types of gaming will occur at the location to minimize any possible problems in the neighborhood.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. When I’m elected, I will fight to increase school funding, because all children deserve decent schools regardless of where they live. Funding inequities amongst districts are unacceptable. In the district I hope to represent, we already experience terrible transiency because many families feel compelled to leave the neighborhood when their children reach school age. Philadelphians, and all Pennsylvanians, should be able to live where they want with the guarantee of quality public education nearby. By closing corporate tax loopholes and installing a progressive income tax, we can increase funding for public education. Then, the districts with the greatest need could reduce class size, improve early childhood education, and offer tutoring. We should never gamble on our children’s future by depending on gaming revenue.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. I would strongly advocate for universal health care for all Pennsylvanians. While the Massachusetts program is admirable in its scope of covering the uninsured, I would advocate for a single-payer plan that provides full coverage for all Pennsylvanians like several other states have proposed. While fighting for universal health care, I also recognize several initial steps that need to be taken to expand access to healthcare immediately:

First and foremost, I would lobby for an increase in adultBasic funding which provides low-cost insurance to low-income families and singles that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. Currently this program is funded by tobacco funds only and offers less than 100,000 slots statewide. I would like to see this program available to ALL Pennsylvanians who are eligible.

Like the Massachusetts plan, I would propose a bill mandating that larger businesses pay their fair share of healthcare costs. However, I would advocate for stronger penalties than the $295 annual penalty in the Massachusetts plan for employers that do not cover their employees. I would also like to work with DCED to see if a minimum standard of healthcare coverage can be a requirement for companies and corporations to receive economic development grants or tax breaks.

Lastly, I would like to work to make Medicaid more efficient and responsive. Full funding of Medicaid must be maintained and new initiatives like automatic enrollment in Medicaid, CHIP and adultBasic must be implemented.

State House 142d District: Republican Matt Wright

2006-05-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

The race: Both parties are nominating candidates to vy for this seat in Bucks County held by incumbent Matthew Wright.

Opponent: Eddie Reeves

Name: Matthew Wright

Party: Republican

Town: Langhorne

www.repwright.com

(215) 805-8407

Credentials: Current State Representative for the past 15 years. Life long resident of the 142nd House district. Married with 2 daughters. Neshaminy, Bucks Community College and bachelors degree in Business Administration from Trenton State College. Former small business owner and manager for a large chain. Specialize in budgetary issues, strong community and constituent service, very active in state and local organizations, works well with others to resolve problems.

Q. Reform government?

Need to repass lobbyist disclosure, which was overturned by the Supreme Court. We will resolve the lawyers problems with lobbyist disclosure and implement a workable solution that identifies lobbyist, who they work for, whom they are lobbying and how much money is being spent lobbying.

Make state government more accessible by cable and records easily accessed over the internet.

Make voting handicapped accessible, take the intimidation out of voting polls, reduce voting fraud and give our military over seas greater access to voting.

Q. School Property Tax Reform?

The state needs to increase it's proportion of funding towards local school district budgets.

Gambling proceeds need to be used for school property tax reduction.

School districts must "shift" some of the property taxes towards other revenues.

There must be spending control at the school district level.

Q. Brain drain?

A strong economy which provides good jobs with benefits will keep our young here in Pa. Reducing state business taxes, providing targeted economic development tax incentives towards high tech and research related industries and promoting the excellence of our higher education system.

Q. Biotech industry?

The biotech industry is the fastest growing industry in Pa. Tax incentives need to be used to ensure the biotech industry remains and expands in Pa. There is a direct connection to our higher education research and the growth in this field.

Q. Representation in government?

I have always represented my district first, whether it was bringing funding for needy local groups and projects, increasing aid towards our local schools, purchasing open space, improving economic development, expanding our senior citizen programs, opposing tax increases and big spending government.

Q. Controlling gambling side effects?

Gambling is not perfect! While it does bring economic development, jobs and property tax relief; it does bring negative social problems. I believe the 4% gross tax on gambling will provide enough revenues to our local governments to combat and control crime, addiction and traffic problems that might develop.

Q. Support for Education?

While Pa has always given our public schools and higher education institutions more funding each year, it has not kept up with their spending. I have repeatedly voted to give them much more state funding. But funding is not enough. Our school districts must be accountable, control spending, direct more of their resources towards the classroom and work towards improving student performance.

Q. Improving health insurance?

While Pa is second to best for having residents insured, it is not good enough. I have been the leader in the creation of CHIP, Adult Basic and PACE expansions. There is no reason for any of our young or old to not have some form of health insurance. It is important that we find ways to reduce the cost of small group insurance and consider some form of mass insurance plans. Special attention must be given to control the escallating costs of prescription drugs.

State House 152nd District: Republican Thomas Murt

2006-05-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

The race: GOP and Democratic primary contests for this Montgomery County seat.

Opponent: Sue Cornell

Name:Thomas P. Murt

Party: Republican

Town: Hatboro

Web site: Google search

Credentials: B.S. Economics-Penn State, M.A. Education-La Salle University.

Upper Moreland Township Commissioner, 1993-2003, Chairman of Public Health and Safety Committee, Chairman of Parks and Recreation Committee, Member of Public Works, Budget and Finance and Community Development Committees; Charter Member, Upper Moreland Township Local Tax Review Board

Upper Moreland School Director, 1989-2003; Member, Joint Committee, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology; Republican Committeeman, Upper Moreland Township; Trustee, Upper Moreland Free Public Library; Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor;
Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World

Founder, Upper Moreland Historical Association; As Commissioner, I:

ü Spearheaded Historical Trail project
ü Established Brooks Street Park
ü Started ‘Kids Day’ tradition
ü Implemented door-to-door SantaClaus visitation program
ü Organized Holiday helping hands program for struggling families at Christmas
ü Personally conscripted and rallied volunteers to help families who were devastated by Tropical Storm Allison.
Member: Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Volunteer, Special Olympics, Religious Education Instructor

Coach: Upper Moreland Township Parks and Recreation Program, Upper Moreland Little League, St. John Bosco CYO, St. David CYO, Upper Moreland Soccer Club, Hatboro YMC
Employed full-time at Penn State Abington § Assistant Coordinator of Advising Center / Instructor of Business (I teach courses in Management Information Systems and Management)
§ B.S. Economics, Penn State
§ M.A. Education, La Salle University
§ Instructional I Teacher Certification: Gwynedd-Mercy College

Supplemental Information:
§ I was called to active duty and deployed to Iraq. I served in Iraq 2003 - 2004 with U.S. Army, 4th Infantry Division.
§ I served in Tikrit, Saddam’s hometown in northern Iraq.
§ I enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1990 when I was 30 years-old and when to Basic Training during Operation: Desert Storm.
§ Participated in many hazardous and dangerous missions into the Sunni Triangle. Was attached to a Civil Affairs mission and provided clothing, toys, shoes, school supplies, and medical supplies to Iraqi families.
§ Awarded Army Commendation Medal and nominated for Humanitarian Service Medal.
Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. The Legislature badly needs to enact full disclosure requirements for lobbyists in Pennsylvania. The people in the Commonwealth deserve to know how much lobbyists spend to influence legislators and lawmaking in Pennsylvania. If the culture in Harrisburg was more open to public viewing, we would see more integrity, honesty, and confidence in our state government.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Statewide tax reform should include consequential reductions in real estate taxes, coupled with tax revenues that are generated by income taxes, gaming revenues, and sales tax levies. This arrangement needs to crafted by the General Assembly. Senior citizens and disabled veterans should be the first two parties who obtain real estate tax relief in Pennsylvania.

A. I disagree that most of our best and brightest students leave the Commonwealth after graduation. The industrial centers of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia continue to attract talented graduates in an array of careers. For the ones who need persuading, I would say that Pennsylvania offers excellent opportunities for recent college graduates, and the opportunities are getting better. The economic climate, with the proper nurturing, fair tax system, and efficient government will improve, providing even more good-paying jobs and opportunities in communities where Pennsylvanians can live well and raise families.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.

A. There should be investment in the biotech industry in Pennsylvania. If the legislature desires to nurture this industry, the bulk of the support should be through tax incentives and partnerships between the biotech industry and higher education in Pennsylvania. Our colleges and universities already provide some some outstanding research opportunties. Yes, adult stem cell research should be included, but not embryonic stem cell research.

A. I will first and foremost, represent the people and the families who sent me to Harrisburg. My convictions about integrity and public service will never change, regardless of the issue or the debate. Differences in opinion by legislators will always occur. These disagreements can be worked out through respectful debate and compromise, and the desire to do what is best for the people of the District.

A. I am not confident that the required controls are in place to ensure that slots casinos won't spur corruption, crime, addictions, and other problems. Gaming will NOT produce the revenues that have been promised. A Special Task Force or Unit component of the PA State Police and the Attorney General's office are needed to ensure that organized crime does not become involved in the gaming industry. I would NOT vote in favor table games in casinos.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. Additional federal and state funding is badly needed to support education in Pennsylvania in areas such as the implementation of full-day kindergarten. In higher education and in vocational training, more funding is badly needed to enhance programs, provide access, and to update curriculum. Many of the buildings in the State System of Higher Education (SSHE) and the State Related System of Higher Educatrion (SRSHE) need updating to their physical plants in order to be able to educate our students and prepare them for the 21st century.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. Health insurance costs are skyrocketing in Pennsylvania. In the past four years, average healthcare costs in Pennsylvania have risen over 40% as employers and employees both are paying more for their coverage. For Pennsylvanians who are not covered by health insurance, this problem could be addressed by the implementation of the proposed 'Community Healthcare Networks' in Pennsylvania. These networks empower people and businesses to pool their buying power and purchase medical insurance at a discount. The Massachusetts program, which offers a sliding scale of affordability for health insurance, and whose cost is split among businesses, individuals, and government, warrants serious consideration, as well.

State House 149th District: Republican Monica Treichel

2006-05-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

The race: Republican primary in Montgomery County
Opponent: Joe Breidenstein

Name: Monica Treichel
Party: Republican
Town: King of Prussia, PA
Web site: www.votemonica.org
Credentials:

Monica Treichel Ph.D. is a professor in the Fox School of Business and Management at Temple University where she teaches entrepreneurship and strategic management. In her role as professor, Treichel champions entrepreneurship at the university and in the Greater Philadelphia region. Her research on small businesses and startups and her perspective as a CPA prepare her well to address economic issues facing Pennsylvania. Monica is a resident of Upper Merion Township, where is she is active in a number of community activities and organizations including Optimist International, Upper Merion Park and Historic Foundation, and Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?
A. We need increased transparency in the legislative process so that legislators will be held accountable for their actions. Mid-term pay raises cloaked as unvouchered expense reimbursements should not be allowed. The aggregious abuse of per deims and taking of excessive benefits are wrongful use of tax payers money. Serving as an elected official is a serious job and requires personal responsibility in both public and private life. In addition, lobbying reform is needed. I advocate the disclosure of substantial gifts by lobbyists to legislators. However, we must maintain access to legislators so that the voice of all constituents can be heard.
Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.
A. I favor the use of casino revenues to provide property tax relief especially to our senior citizens. I am concerned that the current plans will result in tax shifting rather than true tax reform.
Q. Pennsylvania suffers a "brain drain" of some of its brightest students from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.
A. As a professor at Temple University, I have the opportunity to see the many opportunities presented to my graduate and undergraduate students. Students are attracted to the region not only for the opportunity to learn at our institutions of higher education but also for opportunities to spend the leisure time including museums, parks, and restaurants. The state has a wide variety of industries and economic sectors including technology, tourism, agribusiness, healthcare, and education in which our graduates can seek employment. In addition, significant events in the history of the United States took place in Pennsylvania and citizens of our state played significant roles throughout the history of our country and the world. We must ensure that Pennsylvania continues to attract students and provide them opportunity. We can do so by strengthening our state�s economy. We need to spur the creation of businesses and retain established businesses both small and large, and so provide our graduates with job opportunities.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?
A. Yes. Investing tax dollars in biotechnology is an investment in our future. The amount of tax dollars to be invested should be based not only the effect the biotech industry has on our economy but also the benefit to our healthcare. Stem cell research appears to offer great promise. In investing in such research, we must consider the scientific questions that are raised as new discoveries are made.

Q. If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflicts among those allegiances, and how will you resolve them?
A. I promise to responsibly represent my district which includes voters from all parties. I will work in Harrisburg for my constituents and will work across party lines to better my community, the Philadelphia region, and the state at large. A strong Pennsylvania benefits

Q. Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slots casinos don't spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table games in casinos?
A. I am concerned about the potential corruption, crime, addictions, etc. that may ensue from slots casinos. We must put in place appropriate controls to protect against such problems. Because this is such an important issue to me, I am creating a panel of community leaders to study this issue and to make recommendations on appropriate controls.
Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?
A. Public education is a very important aspect of our state. It is an investment in our future. I am a graduate of public education: grades K-12 and a graduate of two state-related universities. While grateful for the quality education I received, improvements in our education system are needed. Two specific concerns I have are the allocation formula for public education funds and accountability of the use of taxpayer dollars.
Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?
A. The number of uninsured adults is too high. We need to provide access to health insurance for all Pennsylvanians. I am especially concerned about the high cost of insurance to small business and the difficulties small businesses face in insuring their employees. While there is merit to many parts of the Massachusetts program including the role of the health insurance connector, Pennsylvania should review plans throughout the country to determine what works and what does not work. We must also consider the specific demographics in Pennsylvania to create an effective program for our Commonwealth.

State Senate 10th District: Democrat Robin Rosenthal

2006-05-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

The race: Nomination to run for seat being vacated by Bucks County Sen. Joe Conti.

Opponent: Chris Serpico

Name: Robin Rosenthal

Party: Democrat

Town: Buckingham Township

Website: www.FriendsofRobin06.com

Credentials: Retail Manager, Real estate agent, small business owner, title company office worker and mother

Q. What changes need to happen in how the legislature does its business and
enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. Every legislator owes a solemn duty to his or her constituents to represent their interests and the public interest, and I take that duty very seriously. It is time for REAL campaign finance reform. We need to set up systems of accountability and transparency so that no legislator is tempted to act unethically. All members should be required to inform the public of any additional remuneration of any sort from outside interests. I support strict limits on funds spent by lobbyists with severe penalties for non-compliance. When I am in Harrisburg I will work to ensure that existing ethics laws are strictly enforced, and new laws are enacted where needed to plug each and every loophole.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to
further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Casino revenues need to be used to help those citizens of Pennsylvania who are most burdened by soaring property taxes – senior citizens on fixed incomes, and low income residents. Part of the reason that property taxes are soaring is that school budgets are largely funded by property taxes, taxes which disproportionately effect seniors. I propose that property tax increases for those citizens be capped, and that casino revenues be used to supplement school budgets to make up for revenue lost by the caps.

Q. Pennsylvania suffers a "brain drain" of some of its brightest students
from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would
give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.

A. Pennsylvania offers the winning combination of great quality of life and a wide, expanding range of employment opportunities for talented young graduates. All across the state you will find rich cultural offerings and a multicultural, diverse, sophisticated citizenry, along with the sheer green beauty of our farms and woodlands. Here in Bucks County, I am thankful every day to live in a place of such physical beauty, with numerous charming towns and communities, and to be so close to the beautiful, historic, culturally rich and diverse city of Philadelphia. However, the truth is, we do need to invest even more in the creation of a wide range of employment opportunities, most importantly in high tech areas. I want our young people to feel confident that we are doing everything we can to ensure they have ever-increasing economic incentives and opportunities to live and work in Pennsylvania.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech
industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

A. Biotech research is a natural for Pennsylvania because of the many medical, chemical and biotech facilities already located here. The educational infrastructure in Pennsylvania rivals any area of the country. Growth of the biotech industry should be undertaken as a public/private partnership of resources. Pennsylvania should provide tax credits and other incentives to businesses of the future who locate here. At the same time we need to maintain strict environmental controls over the industry. We will never endanger public health and safety for short-term economic development.

Most importantly, Pennsylvania must indicate its willingness to provide a growth environment by providing continuing educational grants and opportunities for qualified students and by continuing to support a top notch system of higher education. I believe that Pennsylvania should offer free tuition to the top 1 % of applicants to Penn State, to encourage more of the very top students to stay in state. This will help Pennsylvania keep more of its most precious resource – our most talented young people. This talent will make the state more attractive to emerging biotech companies; the companies that locate here will in turn make the state more attractive to our most talented young people.

I believe Pennsylvania needs reasonable guidelines that allow for the ethical use of stem cells in medical research. We should not turn our back on research that holds such promise to save lives.

A. My first allegiance will always be to my district. I see no conflict between vigorously representing my district and representing the ideals of the Democratic Party. Working in the interests of my party does not mean toeing a party line. The interests of my district, the state, and my party are best served by negotiation and willingness of all legislators to think independently, to stay informed and to listen with an open mind.
Q. Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure
that slots casinos don't spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for
their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote
on a proposal to allow table games in casinos?

A. I am not confident that we have currently such controls in place. But the plain fact is that slot casinos are coming to Pennsylvania, so now the key point is to maintain our vigilance against the wide range of potential negative outcomes. I will work to insure that gambling is continuously, carefully monitored. We must authorize continued scrutiny of the impact gambling has on social service agencies and we must act decisively to combat corruption, addictive behaviors, and increased crime.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public
education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. I would work to change the present funding approach that dictates local responsibilities while the legislature continually allows the state's share of funding to shrink. We must put more money into education on a statewide level, because education is the driving force that will entice new businesses to PA. At the same time we must find an even-handed formula for dispersing funds so all young Pennsylvanians can develop their potential to the fullest. The present system is becoming too expensive even for the richer districts in the Commonwealth. We need a united effort on the part of the legislature and governor. The State legislature must take its essential role in education seriously.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. Pennsylvania should address the health insurance problem by enacting a single payer, universal healthcare system such as the program defined in Pennsylvania SB 1085, �The Balanced and Comprehensive Health Reform Act" introduced by Senator Jim Ferlo. SB 1085 provides for comprehensive coverage of medical, dental, mental health and prescription drug benefits for every Pennsylvanian, with no deductibles, co-payments or caps. It is publicly funded and privately delivered, with patients choosing their own providers. It establishes a culture of wellness through a K to12 health education and physical fitness curriculum as well as programs for better health care practices and medical error reduction. It addresses the medical malpractice crisis through a no-fault system assuring fair compensation where appropriate while eliminating nearly all malpractice premiums.

The Massachusetts program does not provide equal access to quality health care for everyone. It is a plan designed by the insurance industry; an industry which is already the major source of inefficiency in delivering healthcare today, increasing its cost and reducing its affordability and accessibility. Like the Medicare prescription drug plan, which was designed by the pharmaceutical industry, the Massachusetts plan actually adds layers of complex bureaucracy and cost, but does not provide for quality healthcare for everyone in that Commonwealth. Therefore we should not use the Massachusetts plan as a model. Rather, we should pass a meaningful plan for Pennsylvania like the one currently proposed in SB 1085.

State House 167th District: Democrat Anne Crowley

2006-05-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

About the 167^th

The race: GOP and Democratic primary for Chester County seat.

Opponent: Bill Holmes

Name: Anne R. Crowley

Party: Democrat

Town: 167th District for the General Assembly

Easttown Township, Chester County, Berwyn

Web Address: www.annecrowley.org

Credentials:

In her first run for public office, Anne Crowley has been endorsed by the Chester County Democratic Committee: the Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign Fund; the National Womens Political Caucus - PA Chapter; and PA NOW. She is a member of the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee and the Executive Committee of the Chester County Democratic Committee. Anne holds two masters degrees, including one in government form the University of Virginia and the other in school psychology from the University of Dayton. Anne has extensive experience in business, government and education. Anne has been appointed to serve by the County Commissioners to the Chester County Board of Health and has served both as a Governor’s Fellow in the administration of former Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder and in the office of former Virginia U.S. Senator Charles Robb. Anne was raised in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, and has been a resident of Easttown for over a decade, along with her husband of 32 years, Jim, a retired Air Force Lt. Col., and their two sons. Anne recently left a position in sales and marketing of IT solutions to focus full time on the campaign.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A: Record amounts of money are flowing into Harrisburg to influence legislative activity. Public confidence in the political process has eroded to the point that a large majority of citizens have become highly skeptical of the ability of the government to promote the common good over special interests. While I applaud the Governor’s executive order this year to require lobbyists to register and report spending, I would vote for stronger reforms and support public funding for campaigns and an outright ban on gifts. History shows that in time influence-money eventually finds it way around even the most well crafted registration and disclosure regulations. Additionally, I believe PA should close the “revolving door” and increase the length of time from one year to five years before a former legislator can become a state lobbyist.

Q: The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us you ideas on how to break it.

A: An example of the legislative impasse being overcome is today’s announcement that a bill for tax relief will be signed by the Governor very shortly. With its passage Pennsylvania citizens most in need of tax relief – including seniors and low income wage earners - will receive that relief as early as July. I welcome this legislation and other attempts at statewide tax reform.

Q: Pennsylvania suffers a “brain drain” of some of its brightest students from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.

A: Our region is a wonderful place to live and raise a family because of its many distinct neighborhoods and communities. Southeast Pennsylvania has it all - urban, suburban, town and countryside. Our schools and healthcare facilities are ranked among the best in the nation. We are blessed with an abundance of beautiful outdoor recreation areas, cultural and sporting venues as well as historic sites. Not only can we access other east coast cites by rail, our housing and cost of living is affordable by comparison. In business our global reach is growing everyday because of our ports and transportation infrastructure and programs such as the World Trade PA. The Governor’s initiatives to make the business tax climate more favorable are succeeding as one sees the skyline of Philadelphia boasting many new additions. I would also support a state level summit gathering leaders from the legislature, the business world and academia to strategize on ways to attract and retain top talent. All of these factors add up to a high quality of life. In short, “Come home to stay PA”.

Q: Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem research be included?

A: The biotech industry is important to Pennsylvania, especially in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We should invest in appropriate ways to continue to foster a strong biotech industry. I support the creation of the Jonas Salk Legacy Fund that will oversee investment in research and commercialization activities. Appropriate investments include university research and education and stem cell research should not be excluded. Business incubators that follow models like the University City Science Center should be encouraged in biotech as well.

Q: If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflicts among those allegiances, and how will you resolve them?

A: I will be elected to represent all the people in my district. That mandate rises above party allegiance and above regional issues. However, it should be clear that interests of the district cannot be completely independent of the region. Take as an example the issue of open space. It makes little sense to pursue a strategy that focuses only on the district as this issue, like many others, must take place in a regional context. However, it is my job to ensure that the interests and needs of the people of my district are well represented in any such regional solutions. Party affiliation is important, but I feel strongly that more bipartisan efforts are needed if the Commonwealth is going to make progress on the big issues like health care and open space.

Q: Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slots casinos don’t spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table games in casinos.

A: Slots casinos are coming to Pennsylvania. Although I do not believe that gaming revenue is the best source of funds for public programs, Pennsylvania is among 48 other states that rely on gambling for funding programs. The viewpoint that we want to keep Pennsylvania gaming dollars in state to benefit our own citizens has some merit. Having said that, I do believe we do need to be careful that gaming regulations protect not only those who participate directly but the business and residential communities near the gaming establishments. I think that casinos can be operated in ways that minimize the negative impact on neighborhoods but strict regulation and monitoring of casinos will be essential. I do not favor expanding casinos to include table games.

Q: Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A: I believe the state needs to increase its contribution to local public school districts. Pennsylvania, unlike most other states, has a disproportionate reliance on local dollars for K-12 funding. As a former school psychologist and teacher, I support the Governor’s commitment to increasing the state’s contribution as well as the focus of state dollars on early childhood education programs.

The state provides support to higher education, but like many states, we risk losing ground as we depend more on tuition revenues. The trend nationally has been for reduced levels of state support relative to tuition revenue. We must ensure that Pennsylvania continues to provide adequate levels of state grant aid to ensure that we provide access to higher education to all residents of the Commonwealth. Our universities, both public and private, are crucial to maintaining the economic vitality of our region and Commonwealth. Research institutions in particular serve as an economic engine for our state therefore require our support in buying new equipment, building new facilities and attracting top students. A strong education is so important in a competitive world, as was made clear in the American Competitiveness Initiative announced at the federal level. Pennsylvania must remain competitive and our educational system is the key.

Q: Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A: It is essential that we have healthy population and that our citizens be able to enjoy a high quality of life. The Massachusetts model provides a general plan that Pennsylvania should study. The implementation details, such as the amounts that companies must pay, must be debated and set at appropriate levels for Pennsylvania, but the general approach of providing near universal health insurance is an idea we should consider. We are not so different from Massachusetts in the percentage of those without coverage, and so we should be able to learn from their experience. In addition, SB1085, (an act providing for a statewide comprehensive health care system) was recently introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate. This, too, warrants careful study and consideration.

State House 167th District: Democrat Bill Holmes

2006-05-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

About the 167^th

The race: GOP and Democratic primary for Chester County seat.

Opponent: Anne R. Crowley

Name: Bill Holmes

Party: Democrat

Town: Malvern

Web site: www.BillHolmesforPA.org

Credentials:

Currently employed as an IT Project Manager at The Vanguard Group.

Current Chair of the East Whiteland Democrats.

Current member of several environmental groups including the Sierra Club.

Current member of several volunteer organizations including the Red Cross and Christian Children’s Fund

Former member of the East Whiteland Environmental Advisory Council (EAC).

B.A., Computer Science, LaSalle University

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. Election and legislative reforms are the cornerstone of my campaign platform. I support the following proposed legislative reform measures that will improve the way that the state legislature does business. These reforms are supported by Common Cause PA.

• A 72-hour cooling off period between amending a bill and a vote on final passage by the House or Senate, so that lawmakers can fully comprehend the impact of a bill;

• Requiring that all floor amendments to a bill be posted and notice given at least 48 hours before lawmakers are asked to vote on them;

• Prohibiting amendments to bills on concurrence votes that would change the purpose of the bill;

• Solidifying every adult citizen's right to challenge legislation in court; and

• If a court finds that a law has been passed in violation of these standards, establish that it is null and void as if it never had been enacted.

To enforce ethical rules for state legislators, create a bi-partisan ethics committee with an equal number of representatives from each party. To ensure fairness, the members of the committee would be chosen by the opposing party.

Serious ethics violations would be tried in criminal court. Minor infractions would require the legislator to publish the ethics infractions on all campaign material if the legislator chooses to run for re-election.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

While some legislators may tout casino revenues as a type of tax reform, it is not a reform measure. It is a means to provide property tax relief through a rebate structure.

The legislature could pass substantive legislation today regarding the use of casino revenues. There is broad bi-partisan consensus on using the revenue to provide tax relief across the board as well as additional relief for low-income seniors. However, the legislation is being held up by those who wish to score political points by claiming they are doing more for one particular group or another.

The legislature should pass the bi-partisan legislation today and reassure Pennsylvanians that they will get considerable tax relief

A. Here is just one example where state investment can boost our economy, improve our quality of life and give these talented graduates the kinds of jobs - and the right reasons - to remain in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania was ranked #1 in college graduate net loss between 1995 and 2000. I support measures to make Pennsylvania an alternative energy technology leader. Developing clean alternative energy technology will require our best scientific and engineering minds. By doing so, we can stem the exodus of college graduates.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

Pennsylvania has already made great strides concerning its investment in the biotech industry. Since the passage of Act 77 in 2001, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDEH) has committed a significant portion of the state's tobacco settlement funds to fund biomedical-related research projects through the Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (CURE) program. The program provides formula and competitive grants to universities to support research priorities set by PDEH.

Because of the money already invested into the state’s biotech industry, Pennsylvania has a significant advantage over other states in this area. Without continued funding, other states that have recently pledged significant resources to fund biotech initiatives could erase our advantage in this industry.

I support Governor Rendell’s proposal to borrow $500 million to finance the Salk Legacy Fund which is a new bioscience research initiative named after Dr. Jonas Salk. The governor also proposes to use a portion of the state's share of tobacco settlement funds to repay the bonds.

If the request is approved by the legislature, the state will maintain its advantage and attract biotechnology companies that require a highly educated workforce and provide high-paying jobs. These companies also tend to draw other businesses into a region. Stem cell research also attracts companies that bring good jobs as well as sustained economic growth.

As with investment in alternative energy, the right type of state investment can properly position the Pennsylvania economy and Pennsylvanians for success in the future.

A. I have already taken the first step to showing my political independence by not seeking the party endorsement. One cannot stand for open and accountable government and then seek a political advantage by soliciting the blessing of a small group of party members. I took a principled stand that carried significant political risk to my campaign. My Democratic challenger did not. When making decisions, I will put people and principles first.

A. Until serious lobbyist reforms are enacted by the state legislature, elected officials will be vulnerable to the influence of Pennsylvania’s newest special interest group – gaming corporations.

One simple step to counteract the potential for corruption would be to pass the same lobbyist reform legislation that was passed in 1998. In 2003, the state Supreme Court removed the judicial obstacles that compelled the court to overturn this kind of legislation in 2002.

Current proposed legislation gives some gaming revenues to social programs, but only 0.01 percent of revenue is currently intended to go toward community programs. This amounts to the paltry sum of $1.5 million per year across the entire state. This is not enough money to create and maintain state programs that will be needed to address the increased number of problem gamblers.

Funding must also be provided to increase the number police officers that will be needed to control crime in areas where casinos will be located.

I would oppose proposals to allow table gaming until I was confident that the controls mentioned were in place.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

I would increase the levels of support that Pennsylvania gives public education.

First, I would increase the state’s share of funding our educational system. Other states that bear a significant portion of education costs have shown empirical improvement in test scores.

Second, I would outline state-level requirements for providing a quality education for each student and calculate the cost per student to meet these requirements.

Based on this per student cost structure, the state should move towards fully funding our educational system. Communities may supplement state funding with local funding - with certain restrictions.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. First, we need to take steps to make health care more affordable.

I support the following reforms to improve our health care and make it more affordable.

• Create programs to reduce medical errors based on standard protocols. Doctors and hospitals that adopt and enforce these protocols would be given insurance rate reductions and limited immunity from lawsuits.

• Adopt the Asheville Project approach that combines aligned incentives and community-based resources to provide health care services to patients with diabetes and offer a practical, patient-empowering, and cost-effective solution to escalating health care costs. This approach is now being considered for asthma patients and could be applied to other diseases and illnesses.

• Enact insurance reform legislation modeled after California’s Proposition 103. Proposition 103 includes a number of measures that establish a fair return standard for insurance companies and includes a rate rebate formula.

We have nearly 3 times the number of uninsured adults that Massachusetts does so it is questionable whether the Massachusetts model can be scaled to fit Pennsylvania.

The positive aspect of the Massachusetts model is that it encourages a partnership of the state, businesses and residents to achieve the goal of providing universal health care insurance. The downside is that the plan does nothing to reduce health care costs.

State House 178th District: Republican Scott Petri

2006-05-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

About the 178th district

The race: Republican primary in this Bucks County House district.

Opponent: Bill O'Neill

Name: Scott Petri
Party: Republican
Town: Upper Makefield
Web site: House Web page
Credentials:

Downington H.S. - 1978
Washington & Jefferson College - B.A. - Political Science and English, 1982
Villanova University - 1985 - J.D.

State Representative; 20-year law practice; Appropriations, Local Government, Urban Affairs and Liquor Committees; Life Science Caucus; Honorary Chairman of Business Advisory Council; former Planning Commission member; former solicitor to Planning Commission.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. Panels need to continue work in enforcing House and Senate Rules. Lobbyist disclosure should be re-enacted.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Creating a local option for tax reform best serves my district. Gaming revenue could then be utilized to enhance the rent rebate program for our seniors. Taxpayer accountability is important.

A. Good paying jobs will retain students who come here to be educated at excellent colleges and high schools. The state corporate net income tax at 9.9% is too high and must be reduced immediately in order to contain our existing economy and to attract new businesses. Better employment opportunities should be our number one long-term goal in order to reduce pressures on the state budget for welfare benefits.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.

A. No. Investment credits are not necessary as tax deductions. We already have one of the most successful bio-tech industries in the world. There must be a reduction in the State corporate net income tax, one of the highest in the country along with elimination of loss carry forward limits will continue the growth of this industry. I have offered a bill to reduce corporate net income tax.

A. My responsibility is to my district. While my district is part of the “Philadelphia Region”, much of Bucks County’s problems regarding growth and under-funding from the state budget are contrary to the needs of the City of Philadelphia. I represent my district first and foremost.

A. Pennsylvania has one of the strictest gaming laws in the country. Philadelphia Park already exists. The county and Bensalem will receive additional revenue to assist them. Gambling addictions are already present in our community and will continue to rise. The gaming control law sets aside money to assist county agencies with problems. There is a local share to assist with crime and traffic.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. The allocation of educational funds at the state level is not fair or adequate. Most of the schools in Bucks County receive +/-$1,000 per student from the state while there are other schools in the state that are getting $4,000 or $5,000 per student. This inequity must be addressed. The number of students must be counted in the funding formula.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. The insurance secretary signed off on an agreement which allowed a rate increase in exchange for providing insurance for uninsured adults; i.e., Adult Basic. The “excessive surplus” was not the property of the Commonwealth but that of policy holders. I believe the funds should have been returned to the policy holders so that employers could have provided employees’ health insurance. Government paying for uninsured workers will only lead to employers being less willing to pay for health insurance. It is a bad policy and one which will only increase the size of state government and state taxes. Massachusetts has different demographics and its plan will probably not work in Pennsylvania.

State House 175th District: Democrat Mike O'Brien

2006-05-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

About the 175th district

The race: Three Democrats are squaring off for the nomination to replace departing Democrat Marie Lederer.

Opponents: Anne Dicker, Terry Graboyes

Name: Mike O'Brien

Party: Democrat

Town: Philadelphia

Website: http://www.obrien2006.org/

Q. What changes need to happen in how the legislature does its business and enforce ethical rules for its members?

A. There must be full transparency. This can be achieved by establishing a database that cross references members’ names with the statements of financial interest filed with the state ethics commission to prevent a lack of disclosure by members when legislation pertaining to their business interests is voted on. Furthermore, there must be enactment of legislation that requires full disclosure by lobbyists of not only contributions, but also gifts and in-kind services.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenue to further statewide tax reform. Give us you ideas on how to break it?

A. The General Assembly has been struggling with meaningful tax reform since the Casey administration. I propose to take a common sense approach by first protecting tax payers against property tax increases that may result from shifting from assessed value to market value. I will introduce legislation to cap property tax increases to 5% per year and cap property tax increases for life at age 65.

A. Today’s economy requires you to be a life long learner. Regardless of what profession you choose, you will need continuing education opportunities. The Commonwealth system of higher education is second to none and provides limitless opportunities for continuing education.

Whether your profession is medical, legal, or in the emerging financial and tech community, Pennsylvania provides a high quality of life at a low cost of living and limitless opportunities for family sustaining wages.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

A. Pennsylvania should first and foremost remain true to the legislation passed in accepting the tobacco settlement. The General Assembly and Governor must stop raiding this fund to balance the general operating budget. In addition to those dollars already earmarked for the nurturing and development of the biotech industry, an increased and dedicated source of funding should be created to welcome and expand stem cell research.

Q. If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflict among those allegiances, and how you will resolve them?

A. After 12 years in service to the General Assembly, my reputation is best encapsulated by Colleen Puckett of Queen Village who described me as “...guts and determination.” This reputation has been earned by the simple belief that people come first, the city second and the Commonwealth third. Remaining true to this belief will serve the people, the region and my party affiliation.

Q. Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slot casinos don’t spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table in casinos?

A. I believe that the legislation meets standards established by other states and it is my hope that they prove to be adequate. A casino by its inherent nature is a place to gamble. Being selective on what games of chance are allowed is hypocritical. Yes, I would support a proposal to allow table games in casinos.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. As the husband of a Philadelphia school teacher who has spent tens of thousands of dollars of family income over the years to purchase books, paper, photocopies and other necessary education supplies not provided by the district, and as the father of two college-aged children who fail to qualify for PHEAA, I am keenly aware of the under-funding of education. I am also aware that fully half of the state budget is directed to education. I would seek new source of funding, but would first look to ensuring that existing dollars are directed to the classroom and not absorbed in heavy administrative costs.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt Massachusetts program as a model?

A. The Massachusetts plan, which requires employers pay a $295 annual fee per uninsured employee, creates a fair and equitable beginning point for providing health coverage to the working poor. Ultimately, for government it becomes a question of pay now or pay later. We can either take preventative steps or wait until minor issues become major illnesses.

State House 142d District: Republican Eddie Reeves

2006-05-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

About the 142d district

The race: Both parties are nominating candidates to vy for this seat in Bucks County held by incumbent Matthew Wright.

Opponent: Matthew Wright

NAME:Eddie Reeves

PARTY: REPUBLICAN

AGE: 48

Town: Langhorne

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

2000-2006 Law Offices of Edward V. Reeves: Environmental lawyer representing Workers regarding occupational exposure to hazardous substances including asbestos, benzene and toxic waste.

1992-2000 Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos: Trial attorney at various offices throughout Pennsylvania and in New York, NY and Baltimore, MD primarily representing Workers pursuant to their occupational exposure to hazardous substances.

EDUCATION:

1988-1992 Temple University School of Law –Evening Division. Attended evening law school while working full-time in the construction industry to support family and pay tuition. Juris Doctor Degree conferred and admitted to Bar 1992.

1980-1983 Pennsylvania State University-Administration of Justice, Law Enforcement & Corrections. Attended college full-time and worked at Central Counties Youth Center, Bellefonte, PA supervising incarcerated juveniles awaiting adjudication (trial) or disposition (sentencing). Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice conferred 1983.

MILITARY EXPERIENCE: 1976-1979 United States Navy - Operations Specialist.

PERSONAL: Single parent with one child, for whom I maintained shared custody during his minority. Pro bono representation of clients based on merit and need primarily for victims of abuse and senior citizens. Little League Baseball Sponsor/Coach. Disability Advisory Board.

1. Reforming government ethics in Pennsylvania: We need strict Lobbying Rules

PA is the only state in the nation without a law to regulate political lobbying. The legislature being proposed is very weak. Lobbyist would not be required to report personnel and office expenditures, the threshold reporting amount for money spent to influence legislation is $2,500 and there is no enforcement mechanism for non-compliance.

I would propose legislation that requires reporting of all money spent to influence legislation and all personnel and office expenditures without exception. I would propose progressive enforcement for non-compliance: First offense- $500.00 fine; Second Offense- one year suspension from lobbying; and third offense- absolute ban from lobbying.

2. Casino Revenues Regulation & Distribution:

I would look to the experience and laws of New Jersey in order to determine how to regulate the casino

industry and distribute proceeds. The proceeds should be distributed to Senior citizens, unemployed indigents and public education to pay for tax reductions, health insurance and drug prescriptions.

3. Solving PA brain Drain:

PA is committed to grow into a world class center for education, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and all

areas of professional science. PA is also deeply committed to encourage ethnic and cultural diversity within these disciplines. The work will be hard but the reward great. Join us in our journey to achieve this success.

4. BIOTECH Any investment of tax money to biotech industry should put to voter referendum.

5. BI-PARTISAN APPROACH : I will aspire to maintain a bi-partisan approach seeking the best resolution of problems rather than partisan politics.

6. CASINO CRIME: I am extremely concerned about corruption and organized crime here but see response to #2.

7. PUBLIC EDUCATION: Overall I give PA a B. I would use proceeds from casino gambling to help fund areas of need.

8. PA HEALTH INSURANCE: The Mass plan resulted from federal mandate and will probably fail. The only way we can effectively provide health insurance for all citizens is to control medical and insurance costs.

State House 178th District: Republican Bill O'Neill

2006-05-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

About the 178th district

The race: Republican primary in this Bucks County House district.

Opponent: Scott Petri

Pennsylvania Primary Candidate Questionnaire

Name: Bill O'Neill

Party: Republican

Town: Holland, Northampton Township, Bucks County PA

Web site: http://www.pacleansweep.com/ Click on candidates, then 178 - Bill "The Broom" O'Neill

Credentials (briefly): A born statesman with ten years as a political analyst/activist at all levels of local and state government, An engineer trained to solve the hard problems and a third time challenger for state representative.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. Vote out the Incumbents. Vote in O'Neill. The present form of State government seems like a two party gang fight. It is not ethical at all. When incumbents run for office, challengers like me are running against the might of the government itself which is unfair. I would agree to enforce the Two Year Term Limit for state representatives to stop some of the unfairness. Numerous studies confirm that Harrisburg is itself corrupt partly because each incumbent has millions in "Walking Around Money" to pass out to party favorites who are supported behind the scenes by the PAC's and the politicians. The present legislature is a cauldron of corruption. The legislature cannot enforce ethical rules because they have dysfunctional ideas about ethics. Let's call accepting campaign money the correct name: - a bribe. Let's bring back the idea of shame and apply it to the legislators who pay their political debts by re-distributing tax money like the million bucks my opponent handed over to his favorite township supervisors.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Who wants to gamble in a rigged game? Lottery money has ruined honesty in the Legislature and the Governor is connected with the soft money from the lobbyists. Casino money is really just "dirty money" laundered by a crooked process full of tricky laws. Slot Revenue is an unethical money hunt. Casinos are just businesses and Pa Government has been unfriendly to business which has caused steel and other major industries to leave the state. There are plenty of criminal laws on the books which can easily be enforced by the proper authority to control crime but my opponent has been soft on crime. I say keep sexual predators behind bars, not in our neighborhoods where we have to watch them. We need to support the police and prosecutors but there is no need for the additional levels of expensive casino regulating apparatus which does little to stop crime but does increase the tax load as well as the corruption. Let's vote out the present legislature, start with some fresh ideas and get hard on criminals.

A. The electors need to be persuaded to vote out the incumbents and replace them with bright, statesmen like myself who can solve these hard problems. No one should have to move because of failed government caused problems but the brightest know where their best interests lie and cannot be convinced to sacrifice their future in a corrupt state. It is well known that Pennsylvania has been hostile to business. PA has a high gas tax, a double cell phone tax, the highest in America which goes to pay for the additional layers of political hacks. Home business needs to be free to start-up. The Legislature has been unfriendly to business which caused the job flight and the brain drain. My business initiatives will jump-start business intelligently and with all possible speed. Cancel the double cell-phone tax and the gas taxes. Get government off the back of business. Encourage Home business start-ups. The Brain Drain will stop. The jobs will return. Problem Fixed.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

A. No. Nothing. Nada. The Biotech Industry cannot invest in PA because PA seeks to control business along the Italian model which is not acceptable to business managers who would rather generate revenue and not be involved in a corrupt system of pay-off and pay-back with the regulators in PA. That's the consequence of a corrupt state so until the present corrupt political system is defeated by electing non-endorsed candidates who have no political debts to repay, the biotech industry will go outside of PA and outside of America. Corruption in PA is not limited to using public money without the consent of the people but attracting the bio-tech industry would require scads of money be taken from people without their consent which is a sin and should be a crime. Stem Cell Research is not the business of the government. To help solve the bio-tech crisis, carefully and intelligently De-Regulate Bio-Technology

A. Wrong assumptions. I represent the citizens of the 178th State Assembly district. Period. 525 ordinary local electors put me on the ballot, not the party and not "the Philadelphia region as a whole." I owe the Party no allegiance and the district does not include any region except the 178th house seat. It is the region that will have to serve the 178th and I can work with anyone who honestly wants to fix this broken system.

A. Of course not. The present Legislature is addicted to and corrupt because of big money so it's dumb to presume they can eliminate corruption by controlling gambling. I want them all out of office. Further, it is misleading to call gambling "Table Games". Call it what it is. Crap and it can be played wherever dice can stop rolling. The state cannot stop sin nor should it wink at it by taxing it.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. I support 35% lower real estate taxes and school vouchers paid by PA. We get one chance to educate our children so lets do it right. Government has gone crazy trying to regulate and control education and too often it has divided the citizens. My Education Proposals involve the Unions, the Education Colleges, the parents and the citizens especially the fixed income seniors to fully identify and then solve this most important issue. Kid's First. Period.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. Government has over-regulated medicine, medical research and insurance which has caused the Health Care Crisis and corrupted the legislature with suspicious money and under-the-table deals from the lobbyists. It may take the return of King Solomon, not the Massachusetts model, to solve it quickly. Meanwhile my Health Care Initiatives include all the parties to the present debacle to define the problem, propose and implement the solutions. Government idiots have put millions of people in medical jeopardy so the short term will require funds be diverted from the corrupt walking around money into payments for drugs especially for parents and seniors. Government then needs to back out of Medicine without threat or danger to the people who depend on what has become a stupid and thoroughly corrupt government caused debacle.

State Senate 10th District: Republican Joseph P. Schiaffino

2006-05-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

About the 10th

The race: Both parties are nominating candidates to vy for this open seat in Bucks County created by the retirement of Sen. Joe Conti.

Opponent: Chuck McIlhinney

Pennsylvania Primary Candidate Questionnaire

Name: Joseph P. Schiaffino

Party: Republican

Town: Perkasie

Web site: http://www.joeforstatesenate.org/

Credentials: Perkasie Borough Council, 2003-006, vice president 2001-2003. State Chairman, Pennsylvania Committee for the Public Interest which was formed to address the issues of proper application of laws, citizen's rights, correction of governmental and private abuses of rights, and public education of these issues. Member of We the People Congress (ww.givemeliberty.org.).

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A.We must elect people who will honor their oath to uphold the Constitution. This election presents a unique opportunity to change the face of Pennsylvania's legislature by electing reform minded individuals like myself. The people must hold their elected servants accountable for following the laws. There must be a strict ban on accepting any gifts from lobbyists. State Sunshine Laws must be honored by both houses of the legislature and government agencies. People must start acting like the boss and not the servant.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Casino revenues will always be cyclical and therefore unreliable from year to year. That money would be better dedicated to capital improvements to Pennsylvania's infrastructure. We have many crumbling roads and bridges that need repair or replacing and this money could be used for that. Property tax reform is complicated by the fact that there are currently no controls on spending, especially by school districts that absorb the majority of property taxes paid. I propose user fees for schools to be used to offset property taxes. There must be some connection between the users of the schools and the cost to run them. Local districts can set the percentage of any user fees.

A. We need people like you to effect positive change in Pennsylvania. I intend to help steer the state in the direction of freer markets. This will make the state a better place to live and do business. You will have the freedom to make decisions without government interference. You can take back control of your life and destiny. As things stand now, most states are just like Pennsylvania, but unlike most, we are on the path of freedom. Help me help Pennsylvania to reach our destination.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.

A. I support free markets. No public money should be "invested" in any industry. If a particular industry holds promise, there will always be private investors to nurture it. Biotech is a great example of this. If stem cells are the holy grail of cures, then the private sector will recognize the profit potential and support it. Government should never act as a substitute for a free market.

A. When elected, my allegiance will be to the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions which I will take an oath to uphold and defend. Next my allegiance will be to my constituents and then the state as a whole. I am a Republican because I believe the party has a great platform, but the party only offers us candidates who ignore that platform. If the Republican party's priorities are constitutional and beneficial to my constituents, then I will support them, otherwise I will not. I will not be a rubber stamp for the Republican party leadership, which is why they would never endorse someone like me who thinks and acts independently.

A. Not at all. The entire process has been a fiasco from the start. I understand we finally have a gaming commission chairman who has passed a background check. The legislature wants to permit themselves to own a percentage of the companies that will be building and running the slots in Pennsylvania. Talk about a conflict of interest! Local areas that will host these casinos should have some input into the ground rules for their operation. While there will certainly be some of the social costs of gambling, I do not believe they will be nearly as bad as alleged by some opponents. That being said, I have serious reservations about expanding gambling much beyond what has already been approved.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. I believe too much public money is provided to public and higher education. I believe there is serious overcapacity in higher education. Costs have spiraled out of control in both because there is no direct link between the users of these institutions and those costs. Education has become a huge entitlement program, the cost of which is borne by everyone, but used by a relative minority. Until the consumers of these education services bear some of the cost, there will be little incentive to reign in costs at both levels, and shut down the overcapacity that exists in higher education.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. First of all, I would never adopt the Massachusetts program which officially completes the socialization of medical care in that state. The rest of us are close behind. My family has not had health insurance for four years now, and we just had a newborn, but I am not clamoring for more government "solutions." In fact, just the opposite; I am clamoring for less government involvement. As recently as the 1960's families could afford to pay out of pocket for major surgeries with only one adult in the workforce. What happened? 1965 and the government's Medicare and Medicaid programs began the socialization of our medical delivery system and the destruction of a free market in medicine. We need a similar revolution today. No one item will solve the problem, there must be a comprehensive combination of solutions that will restore a free market in health care. Tort reform, insurance reform, cost reform, are all starts in the right direction. Doctors, hospitals, insurers, and consumers must all participate in reforming the system.

State Senate 12th District: Republican Stewart Greenleaf

2006-05-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

About the 12^th

The race: GOP challenger to longtime incumbent.

Opposition: Kathy Mendla

Name: Stewart J. Greenleaf

Party: Republican

Town: Upper Moreland Township

Web site: www.SenatorGreenleaf.com

Credentials: Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a member of the Senate committees on Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and Environmental Resources and Energy. He currently serves as chairman of the Joint State Government Commission’s Task Forces on Real Property Law; Decendents’ Estates Laws; Domestic Relations Law; Adoption Law; and Geriatric and Seriously Ill Inmates. He is a member of the Bar Associations of Pennsylvania and Montgomery County. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Commission for Justice Initiatives and Task Force on Student Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Assistance. He is also a board member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, he received his law degree from the University of Toledo Law School. Refer to the web page for a complete list of legislative accomplishments.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. First of all, the rules of the Senate presently in effect should be followed and enforced. I support changes in our rules to improve the deliberative process so that members and the public are provided with adequate information and notice before votes are taken. I have proposed rules to prevent last minute amendments and late night votes. Members should have the right to request and receive a division of the legislative question so that a vote on meritorious aspects of legislation may be approved, while those matters that are not may be defeated. I have supported legislation that would make it easier for individuals to challenge the manner by which a measure was passed. I have been an advocate for openness in government by originally proposing television coverage of legislative sessions, public meetings and all government proceedings in Harrisburg; the Right to Know Law and access to state government agencies through the internet.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Last year, when just 111 of the state’s 501 school districts opted into the Act 72 program to utilize slots revenues to effect property tax reduction, I proposed a plan to apply the remainder of the Act 72 revenues to the expansion of the State Property Tax/Rent Rebate program so that many more fixed income senior citizens would be eligible for property tax and rent rebates. Since then, my plan has been incorporated in modified form into the Senate’s proposal for property tax relief – a proposal that would replace Act 72. The Senate plan, thereafter, would provide for a local referendum by each school district to determine whether the voters of that school district want to provide for an expansion of property tax relief to all tax payers, including the reduction in taxes of non resident wage earners.

A. Pennsylvania is filled with quality higher education and advanced degree opportunities in every field. It is a leader in technology and in medical and pharmaceutical research. With its tremendous coal reserves and plentiful agricultural sources for ethanol production, the commonwealth is well-positioned to gain in times of energy shortage. In addition to having its own vibrant cities, Pennsylvania is a short ride from the major metropolitan centers of Washington and New York. Pennsylvania has the 16th best competitive tax climate for business and was named the 6th best site for location of new business among all states, according to national business study organizations. Pennsylvania’s natural beauty, unsurpassed system of state parks and trails, and historical and cultural heritage are hard to beat. Its affordable housing, commitment to education, and stable population make it an excellent place to raise a family. The state’s employment is at an all-time high, the state actively assists small business start-ups, and Pennsylvania is committed to providing assistance for those willing to work in Pennsylvania in critical fields through loan forgiveness programs and science and technology scholarships. I would then point out that we are funding high tech industries and other businesses that have a bright future with high paying jobs from which they would benefit.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.

A. Pennsylvania presently and in the future should provide programs to boost biotechnology and medical research. The General Assembly has funded biotechnology research through a line item in the budget and a portion of the tobacco settlement. These industries provide high salaried jobs as well as helping us maintain our competitive edge in the international market. We should also encourage our colleges and universities to transfer and license their research discoveries to Pennsylvania companies and encourage these high potential industries to stay in Pennsylvania. Stem cell research should be included with appropriate oversight.

A. I have been dealing with these issues as a suburban legislator, having many constituents with work, transportation and cultural interests in Philadelphia. I have tried to do what is best for my constituents, and often that dovetails with what is best for the entire region. At other times, as is true with the Woodhaven Road Project, the needs and concerns of my constituents must take priority over plans that would seriously affect their quality of life. I think that my record shows I have been independent, fair and thoughtful in dealing with these competing interests.

A. The original legislation establishing gambling provides for criminal background investigations of gambling officials and personnel, as well as prohibiting them from making political contributions. Public officials are also prohibited from having financial interests in gambling activities. There is a need for additional protections such as those contained in Senate Bill 862. This legislation addresses issues such as misconduct, disqualification, conflicts, disclosure, nepotism, code of conduct, compulsive gambling treatment and funding. Even with the above protections I believe they will never fully prevent the above problems, and as a result, I would not vote for additional forms of gambling, such as table games in casinos.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. I am proud of my record of support for public education and higher education. In recent years we have significantly increased support for community colleges as well as for basic education, special education, and for early childhood education initiatives. There has been bipartisan agreement on the importance of providing adequate funding for our schools and I think the legislature has been doing a good job in this area. As a legislator representing several school districts experiencing rapid growth, I would like to see more money in the educational budget for growing school districts and suburban school districts overall.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. I have co-sponsored legislation to exempt contributions to Health Savings Accounts from the Personal Income Tax and I have offered three bills to make health insurance more accessible: Senate Bill 83 would expand the state’s adult Basic program by allowing uninsured individuals and small employers to buy into adult Basic coverage at the state cost, with employers receiving business tax credits for participating. Senate Bill 84 would provide eligible small businesses and uninsured individuals with a range of 10 basic health insurance plans – some with exemptions from some state mandates – for the purpose of making insurance more affordable. Senate Bill 85 would allow small employers to form health insurance purchasing cooperatives to buy coverage at the lower rates available to large employers and provide incentives for employers to continue to provide health insurance. We should also encourage competition in the health insurance industry by encouraging other insurance companies to write health insurance policies in Pennsylvania.

State House 142nd District: Democrat Chris King

2006-05-02T08:51:00.000-07:00

About the 142^nd.

The race: Four-way contest for this state rep seat in Bucks County.

Opponent: Larry Lefkowitz

Name: Chris King

Party: Democrat

Town: Middletown Township

Web site: www.king4rep.com

Credentials:

- Budget and policy analyst for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

- Member of Governor Rendell's Education Transition Team in 2002-2003

- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Economics, Millersville University

- Fundraising Drive Coordinator for Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. The State Ethics Act was passed to strengthen the faith and confidence of the people of the Commonwealth in their government. However, the Ethics Commission is made up of seven members who are appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor, without any kind of confirmation process, and it is forced to operate with funds that are allocated directly by the Legislature. This must change! The Ethics Commission should be made up of a non-partisan independent group of citizens and it should receive its operational funding in the same manner as other state agencies, like the Dept of Education. Other changes that must occur include: Greater transparency of legislative operations and spending, effective regulations regarding lobbyist disclosure, a constitutional convention to give citizens a stronger voice, and a process to take redistricting out of the hands of the legislature and allowing it to be handled by a non-partisan commission.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. This is what happens when career politicians get to muddle the process. Money generated by casino revenues need to go directly into a special account dedicated solely to property tax relief. Any state surpluses should also be placed into this account. Money from this account should be allocated based on tax rates. Districts with the highest tax rates get the most money and so on down the line.

A. Governor Rendell has made this one of his biggest priorities for his administration. His investments are helping to make Pennsylvania one of the leading states in terms of building and developing the newest technologies. As a young professional myself, I am committed to working with the Governor to ensure that our best and brightest students have a good reasons to want to stay and work in PA upon graduation.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

A. PA needs to be a leader in promoting and growing the biotech industry in this country and that means strategic investments of our tax dollars through tax incentives to businesses in the industry, coordinated efforts with higher education institutions, additional work force development training, research and development tax credits, and grants targeted at specific projects. Stem cell research, subject to ethical rules and guidelines, should certainly be included.

A. Doing what's best for the people comes first and foremost and regardless whether a particular bill or idea may have come from a Republican or Democrat, if it benefits my constituents, I will support the measure.

A. The Attorney General's Office and the State Police need to be given more authority over gaming to ensure the slots casinos do not breed crime and corruption. In addition, more state funds should be allocated to the communities that host slots casinos to ensure more of a police presence in these areas. I would not support allowing table games in these casinos. Prior to any gaming expansion, we certainly need time to study the impact the slots have on the Commonwealth.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. State funding for public education continues to hover around 35% of the overall funding. Thereby, requiring school districts rely on their local tax base for 60 to 70% of their total funding. The state needs to make more of an effort to fund 50% of the costs of basic education. This starts with reducing wasteful spending on things like television commercials for state legislators and instead allocating this money to public education. In addition, I intend to introduce legislation requiring a full and through auditing of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to ensure they are spending less of their funds on salaries and bonuses for their executives and more money on grants for Pennsylvania's college students.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. There are still a great deal of unanswered questions about the program that was recently adopted in Massachusetts. This program requires all state residents to obtain health insurance by 2009 as long as "affordable prices" are available. But it has already come under attack from those on both sides of the political spectrum.

A few things that can be done to help reduce health care costs and insure more people are:

- Establish a central agency through which all small businesses and school districts could purchase their health insurance. This would reduce overall costs by creating a larger purchasing pool and by dramatically reducing administrative costs. Between 25 and 30% of the health care costs in the United States are for administrative costs. By comparison, administrative costs for Medicare and the Canadian health care system are lower than 5%.

- Permit this central agency and the state government to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to lower the price of prescription drugs.

- Allow the self-employed or uninsured to purchase state employee health care coverage.

- Institute a board-certified mediation panel to review all medical malpractice suits and toss those with no merit.

- Require oversight of the insurance industry's investment and pricing practices.

- Require public disclosure of all hospital costs.

Our pick: (Another) Murphy in the 6th

2006-05-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

Lois Murphy is our choice for the Democratic nomination in the Sixth Congressional District.

State House 140th District: Democrat John Warenda

2006-05-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

The race: Four-way Democratic primary contest for this state rep seat in Bucks County.

Opponents: James Prokopiak, Michael Harris, John T. Galloway

Name: John Warenda

Party: Democrat

Town: Morrisville (Bucks County)

Web site: www.warenda.org

Credentials:

Education:

J.D. – Dickinson School of Law (1976)

B.A. – Fairleigh Dickinson University (1973)

Employment:

Lawyer in private practice. Licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey. Primarily a civil trial practice, including commercial clients/transactions, domestic/family and personal injury litigation and, more recently, appellate practice. Background includes both private- and public-sector labor negotiations.

Civic Activities:

Director, Morrisville School Board, 1983-1991 (President 1983-1990)

Director, Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit #22 (1990-1991)

Director, Morrisville Municipal Authority (1999-Present; Chair, 2001-Present)

Director, Pennsbury Society (1997-Present; Member, Executive Committee)

Coach, Assistant Coach, Gofer, &etc. T-Ball; Soccer; Basketball.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

The legislature’s “pay raise” activities, of course, provoked a lot of public disgust but, as a political outsider, honesty obliges me to acknowledge that a fair answer to this question cannot be reduced to a paragraph or two. The conduct of legislative business is not, as a matter of law, unregulated or ambiguous. To the contrary, the organization of the General Assembly and the manner in which it is authorized to conduct business are matters of some detail in the Pennsylvania Constitution, in addition to which the Senate and House both are subject to the Legislative Code of Ethics (currently under consideration for amendment by HB 2537); the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act; and separate internal rules of procedure.

That said I observe further that, if you are not a lawyer, finding those laws and rules – let alone knowing their provisions – is pretty difficult. One way to assure both (1) greater transparency in the conduct of the legislature generally, and (2) more certain ethical compliance by legislators, is to improve public accessibility to the rules and processes of the General Assembly. Don’t count on the Legislature alone to “enforce ethical rules for its members.” One thought: authorize regular release of information via an ethics “blog.”

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Response to an “IssuesPA/Pew Benchmark” poll taken in November, 2005 indicated support for gaming revenues as an alternative to property taxation to support public schools, and Act 72 was supposed to give school districts statewide viable options to tap into those funds. The problem is that applying Act 72 requires local districts to “opt in.” Distribution of revenue is based on a formula that leaves people uncertain about the result, local districts have to match property tax relief with an earned income tax, and there is a referendum requirement attached to future local district tax increases. In short, there’s something for everybody not to like.

Accepting that this has been a sincere effort to improve the existing system of taxation – and ignoring, for the moment, the regressive nature of raising government revenue by gambling – we need to simplify the use and distribution of gambling revenues. The legislature needs to show leadership by (1) deciding the amount of revenue to be used for funding public schools; (2) distributing it in accordance with the aid ratio of the local district; and (3) directing the dollar-for-dollar reduction of property taxes in the district. In the process, aid ratios need to be re-examined to assure each district’s fair share and, frankly, it’s also about time we re-examine the statewide structure of school district control and property tax assessment.

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A. “We know that, as a bright and ambitious graduate, you will have the opportunity to travel and work in other places. When you consider your options, give some thought to the medium- and long-term trends in business, technology, and the redevelopment of our traditional manufacturing and population centers. In the next few decades – when your families and careers will be maturing – Pennsylvania can be, with your knowledge and help, the new “Keystone” of the Atlantic coast. You are the generation that will benefit from the urban and economic rebirth of our region, while your peers are trying to remember why it was they all tried to squeeze into Florida.”

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Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.

A. Of course. I don’t know. Yes.

Really, I’m not being flippant. Biotechnology, obviously, is a growth industry fueled by extraordinary advancements in technology and market demands. Everybody wants it. Pennsylvania, however, has considerable advantages in geography, availability of a highly skilled workforce, and existing infrastructure . . . particularly well-funded research universities and medical schools. How, and how much, we invest is something to which I could not possibly respond intelligently at this time. I believe, however, that technical research and development, including biotechnology, are likely to offer sound returns on investment.

As to stem cell research, I think that bioethics and theology eventually will find a suitable, if imperfect, balance that allows responsible management of the science.

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A. This really is a simple matter from where I stand, both philosophically and politically. There should be no “allegiances.” Will there continue to be competition for tax dollars and other resources from time to time? Probably. But the 140^th District is, in its own way, a “keystone” in the Philadelphia region. As an essential part of the greater whole, what is good for Philadelphia is good for us.

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A. Instant communications, electronic monitoring, and the public demand for transparency in government go a long way to ensuring regulatory compliance these days. I’m not at all certain, however, that we can know that we have the necessary controls in place to assure prevention of corruption, crime, and addiction related to gambling. I’m not going to start – or join, for that matter – any crusade to destroy what we have put in place, but I’m also not going to ignore the reality that government-sponsored gambling tends disproportionately to “tax” poorer, and less financially responsible, people. As for table games? Don’t know. Maybe.

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Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. No, I don’t. I particularly think we need to change the way we deliver public school education in Pennsylvania, so that individual municipalities no longer are the principal funding vehicle. I know this is easier to suggest that to do, but I would like at least to provoke public debate about regionalizing or otherwise consolidating school districts in a way that retains local school identity, while distributing and normalizing costs across a broader base.

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Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. We need real healthcare reform at the federal level, but there isn’t much chance we’ll see a single-payer plan such as the Conyers-Kucinich bill (HR-676) anytime soon. That being the case, we should try to lead other state legislatures in demanding that the U.S. Congress take its head out of the sand and, in the meantime, look into the possibility of pooling resources with other states to do what the federal government won't; fix healthcare for our citizens. Yes, the Massachusetts plan is a viable model that we should, at a minimum, consider in developing our own Pennsylvania plan.

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State House 175th District: Democrat Terry Graboyes

2006-05-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

The race: Three Democrats square off for a vacant seat.

Opponents: Anne Dicker, Mike O'Brien

Name: Terry Graboyes

Party: Democrat

Website: terryforstaterep.com

Credentials: Founder of Graboyes Commercial Window Company

What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its membership?

The Legislature’s most necessary change is to make its operations and activities more transparent. The State Senate is currently considering legislation that would let voters know exactly what is happening within the General Assembly.

One bill would require that any bill to be brought up for a final vote would have to be posted on the appropriate legislative body’s website 72 hours before the final vote.

Another provision would require that before a bill can be voted out of committee it must be posted on the appropriate website 48 hours before the vote.

Finally, there is a provision that any amendment to be offered either on the floor of the Chamber or in committee would have to be posted 24 hours before it was offered.

An example of the necessity of these changes would be the gaming bill. The bill used to create the entire gaming industry in Pennsylvania began as a one-page bill that was amended with a 143-page amendment without any hearings or public input. This is not the way the legislature should work. Moreover, this type of procedure provides a fertile environment of unethical behavior.

The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

The property tax issue in Pennsylvania is extremely complex with each municipality having a unique set of needs and problems that must be addressed. In fact, there may not be a single statewide solution that will address each of these concerns and the General Assembly must produce a menu of options from which municipalities can choose.

In Philadelphia, gaming revenue will not be used for property tax relief, but will instead be used for wage tax relief. While some disagree with this decision, I agree with Representative Evans’s conclusions that, in the long-term, wage tax reduction is the most important need in the City.

That does not mean, though, that Philadelphia is not facing a property tax crisis. The Board of Revision of Taxes plans to implement its Full Value Project in tax year 2008. This proposal, which will alter the property tax formula while simultaneously reassessing every property in the City, will have a drastic effect on the 175^th District. This legislative district has enjoyed rapid growth and has seen Philadelphia’s largest increase in property values. Unfortunately, the BRT has not kept up with the increase in values and most property owners within the district will see their property values double, triple or even quadruple. This reassessment, no matter how much the City reduces the millage rate, will no doubt lead to significantly higher tax bills.

Already, several Council members have introduced property tax relief measures ranging from tax caps, to various methods of determining taxable values, to homestead exemptions. Most of these measures require state authorization to enact. When I take office, I am committed to making sure the City has the tools to protect my constituents and will partner with the City to insure success.

Pennsylvania suffers a “brain drain” of some of the brightest students from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania, and in specific, Philadelphia, is one of the most exciting places to live with rich history, culture and dining opportunities while maintaining an environment that is safe, easy to get around and affordable. Not only does Philadelphia offer some of the most respected regional theatres in the country, but also it enjoys the largest “fringe festival” in the world. Not only does the City boast a world-renowned Orchestra and Pops, but has one of the greatest independent music scenes in the United States. Not only can residents enjoy century old masterpieces at the Museum of Art, but also we have the opportunity to see some of today’s greatest artists in our local galleries.

In addition to this incredible cultural scene, we enjoy some of the greatest restaurant destinations. Far more than the Philly Cheesesteak, Philadelphia has gained a dining reputation that rivals New York’s. From Morimoto’s first American restaurant, to the local Italian Restaurants in South Philly, to the clubs and bars of Old City and South Street, to the experience of Reading Terminal, Philadelphia’s incredible eating establishments lead to its reputation as being one of the fattest cities in the country.

Fortunately for us, we can burn many of those calories because we are also one of the most walkable cities in the country. There’s no reason to drive when you can walk to work on tree-lined streets or run along the Schuylkill River Trail. Not to mention the Poconos and the Jersey Shore are short drives to enjoy hiking, fishing and swimming.

Finally, and maybe most important, Philadelphia is still affordable and livable. Compared to other large East Coast cities, Philadelphia’s cost of living index remains low. Coupled with the vast amounts of residential construction over the past five years, Philadelphia is being transformed. We need more young people to help continue the transformation.

Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

No, there is no reason to spend Pennsylvanian’s tax dollars to attract businesses. On the other hand, it is necessary to provide tax incentives for new industry. Upon being elected, I would propose to forego tax dollars for the immediate future to create economic opportunities for our residents.

Using Philadelphia’s tax abatement policy for new and rehabilitated construction as an example, the Commonwealth could create a similar program for new businesses. This abatement could be targeted towards specific industry or business size. By abating certain business taxes, the Commonwealth could attract not only the biotech industry but revitalize other industries, as well. While these businesses would pay fewer taxes, their employees would still pay the income tax, new residents would purchase homes, the increased population would buy more goods and increase sales tax revenues, and the company would still pay property taxes to the local municipality. Several positive economic outcomes would be realized without the state spending a dime.

Regardless of this proposal, the Commonwealth must address its business tax structure as a whole and enact many of Pennsylvania’s Tax Reform Commission’s proposals. For example, by requiring combined reporting (a.k.a. closing the Delaware Holding Company loophole), the state could use the additional revenues to decrease the Corporate Net Income Tax. While most companies already find ways to drastically reduce this tax when it is due, the current rate of 9.99% frightens many companies from even considering Pennsylvania as a possible home.

However, if Pennsylvania should decide to offer tax dollars to biotech industries, then those companies conducting stem cell research must be included. The benefits derived from this research are far too great to ignore.

If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflicts among those allegiances, and how will you resolve them?

It is inevitable that conflicts will arise between my district, my party and the Philadelphia region. However, while conflicts are inevitable, so is the resolution to these conflicts: I will always side with my constituents.

I think an ideal example of this conflict arose when the General Assembly first approved casino legislation. The Democratic leadership, including my friend Governor Rendell, had long lobbied for casinos for the state. Likewise, when the legislation was passed, it provided for substantial wage tax decreases for the City.

However, while my party and much of the City wanted to see gaming come to Philadelphia, it would be naïve for anyone representing the 175^th District not to recognize that at least one of the proposed casinos would be built within the District. The impact that such an establishment would have on the surrounding neighborhood would weigh heavily on my mind and I would have voted against the bill.

Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slots casinos don’t spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table games in casinos?

No, I do not believe that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to control this industry. After reading the Philadelphia Gaming Advisory Task Force’s Final Report, I do believe that corruption and crime can and will be handled by the City of Philadelphia; however, I have grave concerns about the resources allocated for gambling addictions and Speaker Perzel’s recent amendments to gaming legislation under consideration.

Assuming that the City’s pathological gamblers make up 2.9% of the City’s population (based on the national average), then roughly 31,000 individuals will have a gambling problem. Taking into account these individuals’ family members, approximately 61,000 individuals will be affected by gambling problems.

Unfortunately, Philadelphia’s current resources for gambling addiction are extremely limited. It is estimated that it costs $10,000 per individual per month to treat gambling addiction and only one facility in the City currently offers in-patient treatment for gambling addiction. Unfortunately, few insurance providers cover this type of addiction.

While Philadelphia will certainly see a rise in this sort of treatment and outpatient programs such as Gamblers’ Anonymous will help treat the problem; it is still unclear how the City will pay for other services. Under the current legislation, only $1.5 million per year, or .1% of gross gambling revenue is set aside for treatment purposes. This figure is inadequate and must be increased. Further, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, to my knowledge, has yet to create guidelines on how this money will be allocated or identified any agency within the City to accept funding.

Upon being elected, I would immediately attempt to increase funding for gambling addiction as well as pressure the Administration to create guidelines quickly.

Representing a district that has three potential gaming sites (and a fourth in very close proximity) and that will be impacted by four of the potential gaming sites, I am most sensitive to neighborhood concerns. Unfortunately, Representative Gannon and Speaker Perzel recently attached an amendment to SB 862 that made these concerns more pressing by pre-empting Philadelphia’s local zoning controls.

Like many in the City, I never believed that Philadelphia had site selection ability (i.e. the ability to block a specific site through city zoning). However, the ability to create responsible land use controls is vital for my constituents’ quality-of-life. Traffic congestion, crime, parking, public access to the river, design guidelines and public art are all important concerns that must be protected. The City enacted legislation that provided reasonable controls that both the casino operators and neighborhoods supported. Communities affected by gaming and locally elected officials must have significant input on these gaming sites. These residents know better than anyone what affect gaming will have on their quality-of-life and the State’s interference in the process is disheartening.

In short, if there is nothing we can do to stop gaming, how do we insure that it is done right with the proper protections? Only by maintaining a community voice can the State successfully implement this legislation without destroying our neighborhoods.

In conclusion, if I had been in office when this legislation originally passed, I would have voted “no.” I find it repulsive to raise revenue on the back of my constituents’ vices and recognize the negative impact these sites will have on the 175^th District’s constituents.

Unfortunately, if the opportunity arose to vote on the addition of table games, I can not commit to how I would vote. I understand the argument that by including table games, a better product will be created. The advent of tables would bring a different customer, one that is more likely to visit local establishments and that is less likely to cause disturbances in neighborhoods. By allowing table games, it may bring “high rollers” and it is more likely that the establishments will build a better product with higher-class restaurants, hotels and condos.

On the other hand, I also recognize the argument that by adding table games, traffic will increase, the likelihood of fraud and corruption goes up and that individuals attending these casinos will have a longer stay and therefore not spend dollars at other local businesses. Further, the tax burden placed on casinos may make table games financially impossible for the operators.

At this time, I believe the best course of action is to see exactly how slots-only works. If successful, I would be willing to entertain the idea of table games.

Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

No. In the latest proposed budget, Pennsylvania cut Philadelphia’s School District Budget by $25 million. Under the legislation that allowed state control over the City’s schools, the state made it impossible for the City to negatively affect the District’s budget. For the State to not play by the same rules is insulting. These funds must be restored for the sake of our children.

As a product of West Chester University, one of the 14 members of the State System of Higher Education, I recognize the excellent education that can be obtained for a state-owned college. Each year these institutions improve and I believe that these improvements will continue. However, we must continue to support this system along with the state-related universities in order to rival the university systems in other states. Recently, Representative Shapiro introduced legislation that would allow for credits to be transferred between SSHE schools, which would reduce student costs and improve educational accessibility.

Likewise, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Administration (PHEAA) provides essential opportunities to student who could not otherwise afford higher education. Like other educational initiatives throughout the Commonwealth, this program must be expanded and more comprehensive outreach must be undertaken.

Across the board, Pennsylvania must increase funding to public schools, community colleges and universities. While I would not support raising taxes to fund these institutions, I would lead an effort to create stronger public/private partnerships for public schools and universities. Successful endeavors like the Microsoft School in Philadelphia, several non-profits that have partnered to create after-school programs and adopt-a-school corporate sponsorships all provide innovative solutions to an increasingly difficult problem.

Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

I have long been a supporter of universal health care. Like the right to a public education, which, in theory, attempts to provide equal opportunity for all, every citizen deserves access to adequate health care.

The difficulty has and will always be how to reach that goal. Liberals like myself have always believed that businesses should bear the majority of the cost. Conservatives have always believed that health care coverage is an individual’s responsibility. In Massachusetts, however, they have found an innovative compromise that forces both the business community and individuals to accept responsibility for healthcare. This method should be used not only as a political blueprint but also as a guideline for future reforms in Pennsylvania.

However, prior to implementation, we must fully explore the proposal’s affect on small businesses and the Massachusetts definition of businesses that are affected. Further, it may be necessary to address which individuals do and do not qualify for subsidized care in an effort to insure that the middle-class is not left behind. Finally, Pennsylvania has more than twice the number of uninsured individuals than Massachusetts (1.5 million compared to 690,000) and the costs of implementing this program would be formidable.

State House 142nd District: Democrat Larry Lefkowitz

2006-05-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

About the 142^nd.

The race: Four-way contest for this state rep seat in Bucks County.

Opponent: Chris King

Pennsylvania Primary Candidate Questionnaire

Name: Larry Lefkowitz

Party: Democrat

Town: Lower Southampton Township

Web site: LarryTheLawyer.com

Credentials (briefly): Political: not a politician, recommended by PACleanSweep, dubbed the "Neophyte Candidate" by the Bucks County Courier Times; professional: Your Neighborhood Lawyer, Program Coordinator of the new Bucks County District Court Mediation Program; personal: 46 years old, married 25 years, 2 teenage children, former Board Member of the Woodlyn Crossing Homeowner's Association, past President of Temple Shalom, Levittown, Pa.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. In order to bring about reform in Harrisburg, there needs to be a Uniform Code of Legislative Conduct and an independent disciplinary board to enforce the rules. Currently we have the State House and Senate making up their own rules and we have a lot of questionable conduct. We already have a Judicial Code of Conduct, why not a legislative Code of Conduct? We wouldn�t have to worry as much about lobbyist reform or other individual reforms if our elected officials were held to a uniform standard of conduct and behavior. Legislation would have to pass the Code of Legislative Conduct litmus test before it could become law.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Rather than try to break the impasse, I would put off the issue of tax reform until there is an actual stream of revenue from the slot machines. I would increase the state's share of school funding for education on an annual basis by the actual amount of revenue generated from the slot machine tax, and provide for an equal amount in property tax relief. It is unwise to provide tax relief based upon projections. You can�t spend your inheritance before you get it. You shouldn't spend the slot machine tax revenue before you get it either, and as revenue varies from year to year so should property tax relief.

A. I would tell them that since many of our brightest students are leaving the area, they would have greater opportunity to make a difference by staying. I am in favor of creating incentives, such as scholarships and/or student loan forgiveness, in order to keep our best and brightest here in Pennsylvania.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

A. Act 77 of 2001 (The Tobacco Settlement Act) provides an annual sum of money for the Pennsylvania Biotech industry. If Pennsylvania wants to be in the forefront in biotech research and development, we need to make the investment necessary to do so. In addition to ensuring funding, the biotech industry would benefit by uncapping the carry loss forward for research and development from $2 million annually, which is the lowest in the nation (along with New Hampshire). Also, young companies especially, need better access to start up and working capital. I am in favor of investing tax dollars or providing other incentives for companies conducting stem cell research and having that research take place here in Pennsylvania.

A. Representing my district and the Philadelphia region is more important to me than representing my political party. Something that is beneficial to my district, the Philadelphia region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (all three!), regardless of party, is my priority.

A. In theory, we should have enough controls in place however, gambling licenses have not been issued, slot machines have not been ordered, and gambling facilities have not been built. Action speaks louder than words. I am cautiously confident and hopeful, but it remains to be seen.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. I do not. Pennsylvania's share of statewide elementary and secondary education is several hundred dollars less per student than the national average. I would increase the annual share (percentage) of elementary/secondary education revenue that comes from state sources; increase the amount of state revenues appropriated annually per pupil for elementary/secondary education; reduce the dependency on real property taxes in school districts and create a rational and reliable statewide system that provides a predictable method for determining state funding responsibilities for education from year to year (these ideas were put forth by the Education Policy and Leadership Center, a non-partisan and not for profit organization based in Harrisburg, PA) .

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. I am in favor of a plan that is affordable and would provide coverage for every resident of Pennsylvania. The Massachusetts program is such a plan. The Massachusetts Plan addresses the problem of incomplete coverage by treating patients the same way it does cars. The plan requires all residents to purchase health insurance or face legal penalties. Depending on income, the policies range from no premiums and very small co-pays to subsidized policies with premiums based upon ability to pay. The maximum premiums of the Massachusetts plan are expected to top out at $200 - $250.00 per month. If it�s good enough for Massachusetts, it's good enough for Pennsylvania!

State Senate 10th District: Democrat Chris Serpico

2006-05-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

About the 10th district.

The race: Both parties will nominate candidates to vy for the seat of retiring Sen. Joe Conti.

Opponent: Robin Rosenthal

Pennsylvania Primary Candidate Questionnaire

Name: Chris Serpico
Party: Democrat
Town: Doylestown
Web site: http://www.voteserpico.com/

Credentials: Former Chief Deputy District Attorney for Bucks County; Adjunct professor, Criminal Justice, LaSalle University; Lawyer; B.A. political science / public administration, LaSalle University (1980); J.D., Villanova University School of Law (1983); Bucks County Bar Association-Board of Directors ; Bucks County Big Brothers/Big Sisters- former board member.

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. Pennsylvanians must insist on opening the windows on our Legislature’s business. First and foremost, we must elect legislators who support immediate lobbying reforms requiring full and uniform disclosure rules on all lobbying activity in both the Senate and the House as well as its executive branch. Second, we must elect representatives who will follow the PA constitution’s requirement in Article III that all bills be carefully considered in order to avoid last minute legislation like the pay raise bill. Finally, we should reform campaign finance laws in order to decrease reliance on PAC money which ultimately benefits incumbents to such an extent that the re-election rate for incumbents is 99%.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

A. Although it’s too early to tell just how much property tax relief slot revenues will bring, I believe the legislature should allocate a percentage of casino revenue to specific education expenses currently borne by local school boards. For example, the state could dedicate a percentage of casino revenue to reimburse local school districts for some significant portion of their local budgets, such as administrative and non-teacher budgets, thus shifting that cost away from the property tax.

A. Pennsylvania, and especially Bucks County, is a great place to live and raise your family. Pennsylvania has a wonderful and varied climate, quality schools, both public and private, with a skilled workforce, top-notch medical care, natural and scenic beauty, historical sights, and caring citizens. Governor Rendell’s “energy initiative” promises to provide tremendous opportunities for young engineers. Similarly, our biotech initiatives and substantial health care infrastructure should attract scientific researchers and health care professionals to our region. Our world class academic institutions provide attractive employment opportunities. Finally, our regional transportation challenges hold the promise of significant good paying jobs for workers in the region.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?

A. Yes, Pennsylvania should invest tax dollars in boosting its biotech industry. The biotech industry would be a perfect fit for Pennsylvania’s combination of a skilled workforce, nationally renowned universities, medical research labs and business resources. We should use tax credits and economic stimulus packages to attract the biotech industry, including stem cell research, to more effectively compete with our neighboring states and the increasingly global marketplace. The Hepatitis “B” Foundation located on the Delaware Valley College campus is an excellent example of this kind of public/private partnership.

A. An elected official wears many hats, but his or her primary allegiance is to the people living in the district. I will always strive to put the interests of my constituents above party or region where they conflict; although, I will also attempt to influence my co-legislators to take a more regional view when appropriate. The four suburban counties represent 40% of the state’s taxpayers, and our failure to present a unified position, whenever possible, diminishes our power in the legislature.

A. I have deep concerns that present controls are inadequate given the PA Legislature’s abysmal track record in such matters. We must “de-politicize” the slots supervising process as much as possible by trying to ensure that law enforcement professionals of integrity, without connection to those seeking to profit from casino ventures, are in oversight positions.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

A. Those of us living in the 10^th District take great pride in our schools. However, we must always make sure that the taxpayers get the most out of their education dollars by providing school districts with sufficient flexibility to adapt to the individual needs of their own children. We must be careful to allocate funds where most beneficial to local needs, which often varies from region to region.

We currently have a provision in the law which states that no school district’s funding level can decrease from year to year. This penalizes growing districts and unfairly rewards districts where the population is actually declining. This provision of the law needs to be changed.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

A. With over two million uninsured people living in this region, we must do a better job in making health care more available and affordable to all Pennsylvanians. Massachusetts should be commended for taking a bold step in confronting the health care crisis. If we require people to maintain auto liability insurance in order to drive a car, it’s not too much to ask those who can afford to maintain health insurance, to do so. We must also focus attention on supporting small businesses struggling to provide health insurance to their employees and we should provide free coverage to the poor, especially for catastrophic health problems. This will require innovative approaches to holding the line on increased costs, such as encouraging the state to always purchase vital medications in bulk.

State Senate 12th District: Republican Kathy Mendla

2006-05-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

About the 12th district

The race: GOP challenge to longtime incumbent.

Opponent: Stewart Greenleaf

Pennsylvania Primary Candidate Questionnaire

Name: Kathy Mendla
Party: Republican
Town: Upper Southampton
Web site: www.kathymendla.com
Credentials:
Education
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania: Bachelors in Business Administration, Major in Accounting
Temple University: Bachelors in Psychology
Qualifications
Accountant
Friends of the Library, Park, Recreation and Open Space Committee and the township Financial and Long Range Planning Committee.
I have an excellent grasp of the financial issues and will face head on the social issues in this state. I will work to improve the quality of life for all. Let’s put Pennsylvania first!

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

A. Lawmakers need to uphold the constitution: unvouchered expenses must be prohibited; salary should be only salary and mileage – no expense accounts, no free cars, no per diems etc.; no additional pay for serving on committees. A bill should not be altered from its original intent. A bill should cover one topic only. A bill needs to be considered three days in the House and three days in the Senate. In addition, lawmakers need to refrain from taking gifts, meals, travel, and vacations from lobbyists. “Senator Greenleaf hit the most exotic spot flying to Palm Beach on a $3000 dole from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. He chairs the Judiciary committee”………. What a coincidence!
Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.
A. After 40 years waiting for Property Tax Reform, the best way to break the impasse is to vote for me. The incumbents are too busy voting themselves 50% pension increases and 50 % pay raises. I would take all the money from gaming revenue, along with cuts in lawmakers perks, reducing the size of the assembly etc. and I would apply all the savings to at least 50% school property tax reduction. It’s time to give the citizens their money back
Q. Pennsylvania suffers a "brain drain" of some of its brightest students from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.
A. I would promote growth in employment and entrepreneurship by building partnerships between businesses and colleges. These partnerships will provide on-site training courses. More grants will generate the best internships. College Advisory Committees served by the most innovative corporations in Pennsylvania will guide the college programs. Stay for the Ride of your Life!
Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.
A. Pennsylvania should continue its investment in the biotech industry. The pool of credits for Research and Development is presently 30 million. That amount should be renewed. If there is additional money available in the budget it should definitely be increased. Stem cell research should be included. This type of research can find cures for many neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. My mother has Alzheimer’s. So I know first hand how devastating this disease is for everyone.
Q. If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflicts among those allegiances, and how will you resolve them?
A. What is good for the citizens of the 12th Senatorial District, my Republican Party, and the Philadelphia Region is good for all. If you really listen to the citizens you will see that their needs are similar – truth and honesty in government , fair taxation , quality education, job creation, open space preservation, clean air and water, quality family entertainment – do we not all want the same thing? As your Senator, I will make sure the laws work for all the citizens, all the time, every time!
Q. Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slots casinos don't spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table games in casinos?
A. Casino Gambling comes with a host of sins: organized crime, credit abuse, card cheaters, skimming, money laundering, kickbacks, and loan-sharking. The gambling establishments must maintain comprehensive record keeping program and establish anti-money laundering safeguards, and larger police force. A Casino Regulatory Authority should make sure the casinos remain free from criminal influence and illegal activities. The principle directors should be screened. Monitor relations with vendors. Premium players monitored. Monitor large transactions over $5000. A surveillance system should be top notch. Treatment for problem gamblers should be provided
Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?
A. I would support giving the school districts enough money that would allow school districts to cut school property taxes by 50%. The questions than arises how do we keep school costs in line and quality of teaching high? We do it through competition through school choice. School Choice would include traditional neighborhood schools, district wide-open enrollment schools, Montessori, charter schools, private schools and special schools for at-risk students. Schools would be paid based on the number of students served –“dollar follow students” formula. With 50 % property tax reduction, parents would have more money for pre-school and tutors. Lawmakers have given themselves 50% pay raises, 50% pensions increases, walking around money, extravagant perks, etc. – all of this money could be going towards education and property tax reduction. Let’s not forget that the money comes from the citizens.
Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?
A. I would limit how much insurance premiums can be changed from one year to another. I would require the insurance company to use a small portion of its catastrophic reserve fund to cut premiums. I would support Medical Savings Accounts. I would pass tort reform to reduce the cost of unnecessary litigation and prevent defensive medicine. Defensive medicine makes doctors perform expensive tests when not absolutely necessary: doctors avoid procedures that would elevate their risk of litigation; doctors will drop risky services such as trauma surgery. Tort reform would keep our doctors in Pennsylvania. All these elements would help to bring down the cost of health insurance and consequently would help to reduce the number of uninsured in Pennsylvania.
I would not adopt the Massachusetts law requiring every person to have health insurance or face a stiff income-tax penalty. The plan may cause some citizens to end up with a plan that has limited benefits, high deductibles, and high co-payments. One could not afford to be sick!

Our pick: Murphy in the 8th

2006-05-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

We pick a war vet for the 8th congressional Democratic nomination in Bucks: Patrick Murphy.

Link to this site

2006-04-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Use go.philly.com/paprimary to link to this blog.

State Senate 10th District: Republican Joseph P. Schiaffino

2006-04-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

About the 10th

The race: Both parties are nominating candidates to vy for this open seat in Bucks County created by the retirement of Sen. Joe Conti.

Opponent: Chuck McIlhinney

Pennsylvania Primary Candidate Questionnaire

Name: Joseph P. Schiaffino

Party: Republican

Town: Perkasie

Web site: http://www.joeforstatesenate.org/

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?

Pennsylvania Primary Candidate Questionnaire

2006-04-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

Instructions: Must be completed by computer and e-mailed to The Inquirer Editorial Board at rc@phillynews.com; no fax or paper copies, please. Also please attach a digital head-shot photo to your e-mail message. There's no firm word-limit, but voters reading your answers may give you extra points for clarity and brevity. Thank you!

Deadline: Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Name:
Party:
Town:
Web site:
Daytime phone:
Credentials (briefly):

Q. What changes need to happen in how the Legislature does its business and enforces ethical rules for its members?
A.

Q. The legislature is mired in an impasse over how to use casino revenues to further statewide tax reform. Give us your ideas on how to break it.
A.

Q. Pennsylvania suffers a "brain drain" of some of its brightest students from its colleges and high schools. Give us the 30-second pitch you would give a young graduate to persuade him or her to settle in Pennsylvania.
A.

Q. Should Pennsylvania invest tax dollars in an effort to boost its biotech industry? How much? Should stem cell research be included?.
A.

Q. If you are elected, you will represent your district first, but also your party and the Philadelphia region as a whole. Do you see any conflicts among those allegiances, and how will you resolve them?
A.

Q. Are you confident that Pennsylvania has the controls in place to ensure that slots casinos don't spur corruption, crime, addictions or problems for their neighbors? If not, what changes would you make? How would you vote on a proposal to allow table games in casinos?
A.

Q. Do you agree with the levels of support Pennsylvania gives public education and higher education? If not, what would you change?
A.

Q. Pennsylvania has nearly 1.5 million adults without health insurance. How should the state address this problem, and should it adopt the Massachusetts program as a model?
A.