LEARN WHERE THEY STAND

We surveyed candidates in some of the most contested races in our area on a range of issues that impact the future of PA.

 Click below to see the candidate responses by district, or scroll down to read all the responses.

Click here for the downloadable print version of the voter guide

For even more survey responses, view the League of Women Voters project, SmartVoter.org

Don't live in Pennsylvania?  Find voter guides all across the country at TheBallot.org

Don't know what Districts you live in?
Find your Congressional District
Find your State House/Senate Districts

AUDITOR GENERAL

CHET BEILER - R

Question 1: Do you support action by the office of Auditor General

to ensure non-discrimination in hiring and salary among women and

minorities by state agencies and contractors? What specific measures

would you take?

Yes I do.  The Auditor General is the watch dog of our state

government and therefore must work to ensure that no one employed by

or doing business the Commonwealth discriminates based on gender,

ethnicity or race.  Specifically as Auditor General I would use spot

checks of state agencies and contractors to make sure that salary

disparities did not exist amongst employees.  I would also have

contract practices reviewed to make sure that the RFP process allows

all contractors equal opportunities. 

Question 2: What measures would you take to ensure that taxpayer-

funded economic development projects benefit community residents in

areas such as employment, public safety, recreation, etc.?

My first priority is to be a fiscal watchdog.  As a watchdog for the

taxpayers of Pennsylvania my commitment to them is that wherever

taxpayer dollars go, I will be there.  I will not just monitor how

much money is spent but for what purpose.  When spending taxpayer

dollars government must ask some basic questions what is the public

benefit, how many people benefit, and do the benefits justify the

costs?  When we ask those questions we must apply them to public

policy decisions.  I will work every day to make sure that every

dollar that is spent is necessary and efficiently utilized.  

JACK WAGNER - D

Question 1: Do you support action by the office of Auditor General

to ensure non-discrimination in hiring and salary among women and

minorities by state agencies and contractors? What specific measures

would you take?

As Auditor General, I have led by example in this area by focusing my department on making special efforts to recruit, retain, promote, and contract with highly qualified and capable women and minorities.  My audits have also promoted openness and responsibility in employment and contracting practices by state and local government agencies.  I have repeatedly spoken out against bonuses in state government because they lack transparency and accountability.  I also conducted a special performance audit to examine whether our military veterans receive the preference that they deserve in hiring.  I will continue to focus on these importantissues if re-elected.

Question 2: What measures would you take to ensure that taxpayer-

funded economic development projects benefit community residents in

areas such as employment, public safety, recreation, etc.?

I have focused on economic and community development issues as Auditor

General and will continue to do so if re-elected. For example, our

first-ever special performance audit of the Opportunity Grant Program
exposed the state's lax efforts in recovering grants for jobs that

were promised by businesses but never created or retained.  In

addition, our audit of the Gaming Control Board has examined whether

families and communities are benefiting from the expansion of

legalized gaming.  It is essential that the board and licensees place

a priority on hiring local residents representing the diversity of

the areas where casinos are built.

BETSY SUMMERS – L

No response to questionnaire.

STATE TREASURER

ROBERT McCORD – D

No response to questionnaire.

TOM ELLIS – R

No response to questionnaire.

BERLIE ETZEL – L

Question 1:  What measures would you take to ensure maintained and

increased access to student financial aid?

The primary method by which the PA Treasurer could be helpful is to

provide assistance to investigators looking into the PHEAA 

organization. The excess cost of the administration of the student

fund office is easily tracked by "follow the money" method!  I will

give the Attorney General and any governmental  investigating agency

complete information as they request it.  The books will be OPEN for

the press, also, if they wish to participate in the investigation. 

The money retrieved from overpaid administrators,  legislators,

aides, lobbyists, will be placed back into the fund for the original

purpose of helping the students of PA to get their education as

they prefer.  We may even retrieve some Florida property from the

greedy legislators and administrators and associates.

Question 2: What measures would you take to promote development of quality jobs, including those available to those without a college degree?

While the Treasurer would not be directly involved in passing

legislation,  I will provide adequate information and

statistics  which will enable the proper laws to be presented .  One

concern of mine will be to spread the available information to all 

schools, Community colleges,  State-owned colleges, and Universities

for their action.  They will have my full cooperation as to the cost-

analysis,  comparisons, etc. of the effectiveness of their

institutions. I would recommend that students be allowed a

significant representation on all boards relating to PHEAA  and other

funds.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

JOHN MOGANELLI – D

No response to questionnaire.

TOM CORBETT – R

No response to questionnaire.

MARAKAY ROGERS – L

No response to questionnaire.

Congressional District 4

JASON ALTMIRE – D

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest)

rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.  

4 - Since 2000, Pennsylvania has lost more than 200,000 manufacturing

jobs, in part due to poorly formulated trade agreements. I am working

to rebuild western Pennsylvania's economy by fighting unfair trade

practices that hurt local manufacturers. I am also working to support

the growth of our biotechnology industry by helping small high tech

firms use venture capital and government funding to create good jobs

in western Pennsylvania. Finally, I am helping to strengthen small

businesses – the largest employer in my district – by cutting their

taxes and sponsoring legislation that will help lower health care

costs for these employers.

Question 2:   As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region?

The best way to retain and attract young professionals to our region

is to spur the development of good paying jobs. Western Pennsylvania

is home to a host of world class universities, and I am working to

improve resources that will help students who graduate from these

universities start a small business right here. I also sponsored a

proposal, which is now law, that will make it easier for colleges to

work with local employers to design courses that will train students

to meet emerging workforce needs so that these students can obtain

good jobs in western Pennsylvania.

Question 3:  Do you see "green" jobs as a viable option for job growth

and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not?

Western Pennsylvania is perfectly situated to be a leader in

America's renewable energy revolution. Our region sits atop vast coal

resources and is home to a growing nuclear energy industry. I am

fighting for policies in Congress that will help these industries

grow by constructing new nuclear reactors and providing additional

funding for clean coal technologies and other forms of alternative

energy. I am also working with the University of Pittsburgh and local

energy companies to create courses that will prepare students for

jobs in these industries.

Question 4: With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?

One of the most important actions we need to take to sustain long

term economic growth is to lower the cost of health care for local

businesses and working families. I have worked to do this by

strengthening the S-CHIP program that provides children with health

insurance and by sponsoring legislation that will lower the cost of

health insurance for small businesses. I have also worked to make

higher education more affordable by voting for the largest increase

in federal student aid since the G.I. Bill. I also voted to cut taxes

for small businesses and working families.

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of government

in providing access to educational opportunities?

Making college more affordable for American families is crucial to

ensuring that America maintains its competitive edge in the global

economy. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I

have helped create laws that will help Americans pursue higher

education by providing the largest expansion in federal student aid

since the G.I. Bill. I also voted to strengthen Head Start programs

to provide our children with the educational foundation they need to

succeed in school. I will continue working in Congress to improve

Americans' access to quality education from pre-K through college.

MELISSA HART – R

No response to questionnaire.

Congressional District 18

STEVE O'DONNELL – D

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being

highest) rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.

5 - Our region has lost approximately half-a-million people since 1970 and

while that rate has diminished somewhat, our area continues to suffer

because of it.  There are a number of factors which continue to

contribute to this, but chief among them has been our regions failure

to create quality, high-paying jobs.

Question 2:  As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region?

I believe that the federal government must dramatically increase its financial

commitment to the major universities of our region for research and

development in areas such as renewable energy resources, clean-

burning coal technologies, and robotics to name a few.  Using

colleges and universities as job creating resources will attract the

brightest young men and women to our area. I would also make major

investments in our faltering infrastructure.  This would include

roads, bridges, water lines, and rail lines for mass transit.  These

initiatives will dramatically spur job growth and help to retain 18-

35 year olds.  

Question 3:  Do you see “green” jobs as a viable option for job

growth and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not?

There is no question that both our region and the rest of the country must

move to reduce our usage of carbon-based fuel products.  Developing

and implementing programs designed to reduce such dependencies and

move towards “green” options not only adds to our ability to create

job growth in our region, but will also propel Western Pennsylvania

into a leadership role as it relates to reducing carbon emissions and

increasing “green” technologies.

Question 4:  With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?

I would reinvest in our infrastructure, spur the creation of new forms of mass transit

and inter-university transportation systems, and invest in our areas

colleges and universities so that they can continue to develop

emerging technologies.

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of

government in providing access to educational opportunities? 

As a U.S. Congressman I view my role in part as advocating for the

creation of products designed to make more affordable the cost of

education beyond the secondary level.  Such programs might include

but are not limited to expanded use of tax credits, dramatically

increasing grant funds and increasing our financial investments in

internships at both the undergrad and graduate level. 

TIM MURPHY – R

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest) rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.

In many ways, our region is transitioning from heavy manufacturing to high-tech industries like energy, medical, and robotics. To teach working men and women the skills they need to succeed in 21st century fields, I've strongly supported partnerships between employers, community colleges, labor, and workforce investment boards. It's critical that Western Pennsylvania is able to offer high-paying jobs to young professionals and skilled workers alike. A national comprehensive energy policy will do that.  Creating a comprehensive national energy policy will generate the largest economic boom in Western Pennsylvania since the early 20th century. The 2005 Energy Policy Act, which I supported, provided incentives for renewable energy producers like Westinghouse. Today, Westinghouse and related businesses are offering thousands of high-paying positions to skilled and professional workers.

Question 2:  As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also encourage young professionals to move into our region?

Western Pennsylvania already has much to offer young people – affordable housing, vibrant communities, a diversity of thought and experience, and cultural and educational amenities that are second to none. Young people want to be apart of Western Pennsylvania, provided that our region can offer them a well-paying job.
To spur job growth, we must make this a business-friendly climate. Keep the cost of doing business low. Encourage entrepreneurship and design the curricula at our universities and community colleges to impart students with knowledge applicable in our region's economy (energy, medical, high-tech manufacturing, etc).

Question 3:  Do you see "green" jobs as a viable option for job growth and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not?

Our country's demand for energy is expected to double by 2050. Meeting this need can be the Apollo Project of our generation and Western Pennsylvania can be its Cape Canaveral. Like the legislation that helped to create an economic rebirth at Westinghouse, we must write comprehensive energy legislation that supports research of renewables, bio-fuels, and clean-coal.  Western Pennsylvania is the Saudi Arabia of coal. Over 50,000 Western Pennsylvanians earn a living because of coal. We must encourage environmentally friendly usage of this abundant resource.  Energy sector jobs will give skilled and professional laborers the security and money necessary to start a family here in Western Pennsylvania.

Question 4:  With much of your district concerned with paying bills, sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would you build a more sustainable economy for our region?

We can build a more sustainable economy by exploiting our region's competitive advantage in the energy field. A national comprehensive energy policy will allow Western Pennsylvania to flourish because we have much to offer the world – from our abundant natural resources to our expertise at local universities.  We must also keep the cost to business low and encourage entrepreneurship through our local colleges. This will foster a business climate that attracts and keeps companies here during transitions in the economy.

Question 5:  If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of government in providing access to educational opportunities?

I've supported and continue to support legislation that makes higher education more accessible and more affordable. Education is the key to advancement in society and government has a fundamental responsibility to provide all citizens with the groundwork necessary to achieve success. I've supported an increase to student loan limits, a reduction in interest rates of subsidized student loans, and increases of Pell grants. This not only has made college more affordable to the middle class, but also more accessible to students of limited means.
I have also supported measures to improve accountability in our schools, put qualified teachers in Head Start programs, and ensure children from low-income families receive quality meals and healthcare.

STATE HOUSE

STATE HOUSE 44

AYANNA LEE – D

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being

highest) rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.  

I believe that the job loss here in Western PA ranks no less than a 4

in that although the loss may not be as severe as some states,

however the impact that is being felt here has hit hard and is having

a negative impact on our local economy and our communities.

Question 2:  As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region? 

I was one of those young professionals that left PA after law

school.  Although I returned 3 years later, many young professionals

leave the region and do not return.  We need to attract businesses to

Western PA that can offer attractive salaries and careers to those

that take advantage of our fine institutions/colleges so that after

graduation they are not forced to seek employments states away from

their family and friends.  In order to attract young professionals to

our region, we are going to have to build a reputation that paints

our region as a place that not only offers a variety of career

opportunities and competitive salaries, but also start to capitalize

on the fact that this is a great place to raise families and the cost

of living is low compared to a number of other cities.  Without

attracting young professionals to our regions over the next few

years, we are going to have difficulties competing with other

regions.

Question 3:  Do you see “green” jobs as a viable option for job

growth and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not? 

Western PA should be a target for green jobs/initiatives.  I’ve

attended a number of conferences and met with several business

leaders in the field and we are being targeted for green

investments.  The possibility of being able to provide green jobs and

build our economy while at the same time benefiting our environment

is definitely something that we as a region should be excited about.

Question 4:  With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?  

We need to create an attractive business environment by investing in

our companies, communities and people.  Having spoken with a number

of business owners, one of the obstacles they have faced is not

having leadership that understands or advocates the need for our

government to invest in initiatives that enable businesses to come

into the area and grow.  We have at least recognized the need for

shovel-ready sites with infrastructure already in place, however, we

haven’t been able to generate a stream of businesses moving into our

region that are able to offer family sustainable wages, or a great

number of jobs.  Until we are able to help the businesses that we

have already in the region, plus attract the type of

companies/businesses to our region that will are able to offer jobs

and boost the economy, we will not be able to build towards a more

sustainable economy. 

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of

government in providing access to educational opportunities?

We must invest in our children's futures.  Education was my roadmap

out of poverty and the only means to achieving a future of

opportunity.  The role of my level of government is to advocate

investments in our schools, in early learning (i.e. Head Start and

preschool programs), to insure that our children are equipped with

the skills and experiences that they are going to need to compete in

the workforce, and to make sure that college education is affordable

to our children.

MARK MUSTIO – R

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being

highest) rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.

2 - My legislative district surrounds the airport.  We have come

through tough times with the downsizing of the airport but I along

with Senator Pippy have worked hard to bring back state

infrastructure funding to the area.  That funding has enabled

significant development on the thousands of acres surrounding the

airport.  These many new companies have provided work not only for

displaced workers but also for our young graduates.

Question 2:  As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region? 

That is the reason I ran for office.  Please note that I also own a

company and have a strong desire to keep and bring in young people to

our region.  We educate the talent here in our many colleges and

universities and need to retain them.  I have and will continue to do

that by making the environment right for business to stay and to move

to our region.  That will continue to happen by having site-ready

land available to build facilities for these companies and by keeping

taxes low for our companies and their employees.  Supporting the arts

and outdoor activities such as the Montour Trail and open space I

think will also make our area attractive for the 18-35 age group.

Question 3:  Do you see “green” jobs as a viable option for job

growth and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not?

I absolutely see "green" jobs as a viable option for job growth and

an economic generator in our region.  That is why I voted for the

environmental package this session.  I am a strong supporter of the

Green Building Alliance and the Allegheny Land Trust.  These types of

initiatives are not only good for the economy but also for our

quality of life.

Question 4:  With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?

This question ties in all the answers that I have given above and in

addition I would continue to support the medical and education

institutions that have provided so much research employment to our

region with high paying professional jobs.

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of

government in providing access to educational opportunities?

I see my role to not only support funding initiatives but to also

connect our education institutions and trade schools with employers

so that we are educating our students for positions that our

companies are actually looking to fill.  By doing this the student

will be immediately employable and the company will not need to spend

those extra years investing in training but have an immediate

productive worker making our region more attractive to new companies

since our workforce is ready and skilled.

STATE HOUSE 57

JOHN BOYLE – D

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being

highest) rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.  

I would rank job losses in western Pennsylvania at a 4. Every sector

of our local economy has been affected by such losses. State

officials must focus on new and innovative ways to create an

"employment infrastructure" in our region. We can grow our economy,

protect our environment and attract new employment opportunities

through smart growth strategies.  
 

Question 2:  As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region? 

First, we must promote public policies that help small businesses

grow and expand. A host of diversified small businesses can offer

long-term economic growth without the potential liabilities large

employers can bring during down economic times. Secondly, we must

deliver economic security to young professionals and entrepreneurs,

including solutions to our health care crisis. Third, net operating

loss caps need to be removed as a way to attract and retain young

entrepreneurs. Finally, we must understand that "quality of life" is

a regional challenge: parks and recreation, sports and the arts must

be supported because such opportunities help us attract and retain

young men and women to southwestern Pennsylvania. 

Question 3:  Do you see “green” jobs as a viable option for job

growth and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not? 

Absolutely. New technologies, coupled with a sound environmental plan

for the region, can be an economic generator. We need to take

advantage of our natural resources, including clean coal technologies

and nuclear power.

Question 4:  With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?  

State government must focus on new and innovative ways to help

working families. I favor enacting a "Citizen Service" agenda to

protect Pennsylvania's communities. If one provides a public service,

such actions should result in a tangible economic benefit such as

tuition tax credits to state educational institutions for one's

children. This idea would promote volunteerism in the community and

establish a secure foundation in Pennsylvania for future generations.

Furthermore, I believe the state should deliver on its promise of

property tax relief, which would help many families cope with the

issue of debt and promote a more stable economy in our region.

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of

government in providing access to educational opportunities? 

Access to educational opportunities should be a priority for the

Pennsylvania legislature.  I fully support expanded access to

education for our younger citizens and additional funding so

incumbent workers can retrain to meet the demands of a 21st century

workplace. State government should do more to support our community

college system as a way to provide affordable and quality higher

education for young people. Finally, reform of the Pennsylvania

Higher Education Assistance Agency must be enacted to return PHEAA to

its original mission of supporting the educational goals of students

and young professionals.  

TIM KRIEGER – R

No response to questionnaire.

STATE SENATE 39

ANTHONY BOMPIANI – D

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being

highest) rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.  

4 - I believe that we not only are losing too many jobs, but the

number of jobs lost are skewed by the substandard quality of jobs

that have since become available. 

Question 2:  As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region? 

Education.   We need to be teaching entrepreneurship in our schools

K-12 and college.  We need to then find investors and funding to keep

the ideas and dreams of our children here in our state.  We then need

to begin a quality guidance program to help our children decide for

themselves the occupation or field that will make them most happy,

and then find ways to help them understand how they best fit into our

economy here.  This will build a solid work force, a necessity, and

start up companies that are totally committed to our area. 

Question 3:  Do you see “green” jobs as a viable option for job

growth and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not? 

Somewhat.  We need to evaluate the cost for these companies.  So much

of this seems like the tired old corporate welfare saga.  Give a

company a few million and they will open their business in our

communities.  The idea with these though are that our people will

have to be kept here working as we can’t ship our windmills or what

have you to other countries.   But does the initial investment

provide an adequate return through an efficient product. 
 

Question 4:  With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?  

First, make sure that all of our government programs are being

operated honestly and efficiently, including FEEA, and the turnpike

system.  Second cut government spending beginning with the

legislature, we have a part time legislature being paid full time

wages and benefits.  Try to make some sense with health care and it’s

funding and to build a solid tax base through economic growth (ie:  Q

2).  With all the savings realized build our infrastructure (rail,

roads, etc.) so that companies will want to move here to employ our

“top shelf” work force that we built with education. 
 

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of

government in providing access to educational opportunities? 

We need to be 100% involved and committed to education.  From a

standpoint that our children are our economic future, no, our entire

future, not just our legislator’s political future. 

KIM WARD – R

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being

highest) rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.

The economic conditions in western Pennsylvania are a major focus of

my campaign.  The job market has remained stagnant over the past

several decades and as a result there are insufficient opportunities

for our young people to secure the family sustaining jobs necessary

to live work and raise families in our region.  In order for western

Pennsylvania to be vibrant, this trend must change.  Improving the

economic conditions in western Pennsylvania will be a major focus of

my work as a state Senator. 

Question 2:  As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region? 

Pennsylvania is the least business friendly state in the nation.  As

your state Senator my main priority will be to enhance the economic

climate for employers to grow and prosper, thus providing the

quality, family sustaining jobs necessary to allow young people to

live, work and raise families in western Pennsylvania. 

Recent media reports have clearly highlighted the ‘brain drain’

experienced throughout western Pennsylvania.  This trend must be

reversed and young people must be given a reason to not only have the

opportunity to remain in this region, but to also consider moving

here from other regions.  For this to occur, Pennsylvania must have

its economic house in order for young people to have such an

opportunity.    

Question 3:  Do you see “green” jobs as a viable option for job

growth and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not?  

‘Green jobs’ are not only critical to our nation’s economic future,

but are a vital component to protecting our national security

interests. Our nation must achieve energy independence. Beyond conservation

efforts and responsible development of our natural resources, we must

promote viable long term sources of renewable energy.   

Question 4:  With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?  

The foundation of a sustainable economy is family sustaining jobs. 

Those jobs are only available if an appropriate environment exists

for employers to grow and prosper. Pennsylvania must be more inviting

to employers by lowering taxes and improving its infrastructure. 

Employers need lower taxes, less regulation quality highways, and

first rate access to the information superhighway. Pennsylvania

employers are competing in a global marketplace and they must be

afforded the best environment possible to be competitive and produce

the quality jobs our young people require. 

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of

government in providing access to educational opportunities? 

As your state Senator, I will be committed to working with local

leaders and develop employment opportunities in our region by

ensuring the necessary infrastructure and incentives are in place for

employers to grow and prosper.  In Harrisburg, I will fight to change

the overall economic climate in Pennsylvania so employers are

encouraged to make available to young people the quality jobs

necessary to live, work and raise families in western Pennsylvania. 

I will also be a consensus builder, facilitator and advocate for the

communities I represent to ensure our region moves forward in a

positive and collaborative manner.

STATE SENATE 47

JASON PETRELLA – D

Question 1: On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being highest)

rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.

Five - It is a five here and a five across the country.  The economic

decisions made at the federal and local levels over the past few

years have hurt the people of Western Pennsylvania.  Small business

owners, farmers, those newly entering the workforce, and those seeing

their jobs shipped overseas also would rank this issue a five.

Question 2: As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region?

We need to improve our technological infrastructure.  We also need to

greatly expand the use of clean coal and alternative energy.  These

initiatives will not only help our environment and save our working

families money, but also will create thousands of jobs in our

region.  We live in a region rich in resources and hardworking

people– the only element missing is support from our leaders.

Question 3: Do you see "green" jobs as a viable option for job growth

and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not?

I am running on a platform of developing clean and renewable energy

in our region and across the state.  I will support clean coal

technology and biofuels research and development, along with the

people who fill the jobs created by this emerging industry.

Question 4: With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?

Over the past few days, we have seen the ripple effect of poor

economic policies embraced by the wealthy and well-connected

individuals in our government.  Our state has not done enough to

provide adequate financial security to our families and businesses.

We must enable small businesses to provide health insurance to their

employees.  I will help promote employer-based coverage by providing

tax breaks to responsible companies.  We must make greater use of

loans and grants from the Department of Community and Economic

Development to rebuild and restore urban areas in the 47th District.

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of

government in providing access to educational opportunities?

State education funding has dropped considerably over the past few

decades.  The State Senate approves a budget every year, and a major

component of the budget is education funding.  I will support

increased state funding for our public schools.  I also will support

the increased availability of college loans and more affordable

tuition prices so that our children can attend one of the fine

institutions of higher learning right here in Pennsylvania.

If the state pays its fair share of the education budget, local

school boards will not be forced to raise property taxes to account

for the shortfall.  Better funding for education coupled with lower

property taxes:  that is a win-win situation.

ELDER VOGEL - R

Question 1:  On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being lowest and 5 being

highest) rank how severe you view job losses in Western PA.  

Five - I believe this is the most serious problem confronting our

area.

Question 2:  As an elected official, what would you do to ensure that

Western PA not only retains its 18-35 year old population, but also

encourage young professionals to move into our region? 

We need to change the politics as usually philosophy that only

changes things on the margin.  We need to reduce taxes and job-

crushing regulations to create new jobs for our young people.

Question 3:  Do you see “green” jobs as a viable option for job

growth and economic upswing in Western PA?  Why or why not? 

“Green” Jobs, jobs tied to the alternative energy field pay higher

wages than the average wage so we need to promote solar, wind and

bio-fuels, especially biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol made from

wood.  But, we also need to use PA’s abundant coal and natural gas

reserves.

Question 4:  With much of your district concerned with paying bills,

sending their children to college and dealing with debt, how would

you build a more sustainable economy for our region?  

In part, see questions 2 and 3.  We won’t grow our economy if our

taxes in PA are higher than most sates, which they are now. They must

be reduced. 

Question 5: If elected, what do you see as the role of your level of

government in providing access to educational opportunities?

The state government must provide more funding to community colleges

and state colleges to make a college education affordable for

children of working families, both low-income and middle class, our

public college tuition are some of the highest in the U.S. 

Click here for the downloadable print version of the voter guide

For even more survey responses, view the League of Women Voters project, SmartVoter.org

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