On the Issues

I firmly believe a legislator should be representative of their district, NOT special interest. I will always put the needs of the taxpayers first and work to engage you in the decision making process.  

BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investing in our future, by investing in our youth

One of my top priorities is making Pennsylvania more attractive to live, work and raise a family—especially for young people. I will work hard to find new ways, like the Lake Erie LRAP,  to entice our youth to return to Erie and help grow our community and our tax base.

Capital Stock & Franchise Tax

We need to continue the phase-out of the Capital Stock & Franchise Tax that Gov. Ridge initiated and Gov. Rendell has stopped. This is a double tax on Pennsylvania businesses. It makes it harder for our small businesses to compete, and it is especially burdensome to our mom & pop shops. We can make PA more attractive to entrepreneurs if we continue the phase-out and commit to a more business-friendly Commonwealth!

Professional Service Tax

As a commitment to my district, I will not take lightly any tax on professional services. While the elimination of property taxes as we know them in Pennsylvania is critical, taxing professional services should only be considered as THE last resort. There is no reason to add any additional burden to taxpayers during these already trying times- especially not during a divorce, a criminal charge, or the loss of a loved one. And the last thing our small business professionals need is to handle more paperwork and tack on more expenses at these difficult times.

GOVERNMENT REFORM

With one scandal after another rocking the Capitol, we need transparency in an efficient state government and serious fiscal responsibility from our Legislators. While I can’t promise to change Harrisburg overnight, I will walk the talk and open my district office with fiscal responsibility and accountability, setting an example for my colleagues in Harrisburg.

Perks

I will NOT have the Commonwealth lease me a car at taxpayers’ expense as the current Representative does. I will use my own car and my own car insurance. I will lead by example and treat the office like a business!

Per Diems

I will only take actual expense reimbursements.

Pork

I will NOT be handing out the glossy calendars to select people or spending your tax dollars to mail out birthday cards to wish seniors in the district “Happy Birthday” as the current Representative does. My office will provide excellent customer service, but will resist the temptation of wasting tax dollars for mere self-promotion.

Openness

As part of a more transparent state government, we will post all of our office’s expenses on our website. Access to records of tax dollars should be open and available. No one will have to go to Harrisburg and wait around to know how we’re spending YOUR tax dollars! Copies will also be available in the office for those folks who don’t have access to the Internet.

Accessibility

I will institute innovative ways of tracking legislation and public opinion in my office and make that information available for everyone to review.  I will make every attempt to inform my constituents on issues and get their feedback on hot button issues before I cast a vote in Harrisburg.

Like any organization with good customer service, we’ll make it easy to interact and reach the district office. As part of my campaign I have traveled all over the district and I will continue to do that when elected. Office hours will be held in Waterford, McKean, and Franklin Township.

HOT BUTTON ISSUES

• Pro Life

• Pro 2nd Amendment 

• Proven 1st Amendment Advocate

Property Tax Elimination

We need to find ways to eliminate property taxes as we know them for all Pennsylvanians.

Turnpike

I do not support the leasing of the PA Turnpike. If a company can make money with it, so can the commonwealth.

I-80 Tolling

I do not support the tolling of I-80.

PA Budget

We have a constitutional obligation to pass a budget by June 30th. We have a fiduciary obligation to pass a fiscally responsible budget. I will work to pass legislation that would require the state to adopt the previous years’ budget should there be a budget impasse.

I also support Senator Jeff Piccola and Rep. Ron Marsico's proposals, that provide a timeline of the budget process and if any of the deadlines are not met, the daily pay for each member of the offending chamber, or chambers, would be docked until appropriate action is taken.

Redistricting

I will always be open to any fair plans that solve the re-districting problem that has recently become a strain on our democracy.

Legislature size

We must reduce the cost of the legislature; however, I am concerned about reducing the number of legislators and growing the size of legislative districts. The more constituents a legislator has, the less access and influence Joe Q. Public has with his or her legislator. This increases the access and influence of special and wealthy interests. I know Harrisburg can trim the fat, and tighten the belt on spending, but I’m not sure if a reduction in legislators is the first step.

Term limits

Every legislator’s term is limited to two years in the General Assembly and four years in the State Senate. Any changes that impose limitations on the length of service of a public official should be given great consideration. We should not suffer the mistakes of our neighbors who hastily imposed limits and are now suffering a series of shell games and shuffles in their legislative districts. 

Campaign Finance Reform

Complete transparency is necessary when money is exchanged in politics. I’m open to any reforms that ease the process, and make transparency paramount in our campaign finance laws.