Published: March 04, 2008 11:51 pm         

Growth hot topic in 71st district forum

In their quests for state office, candidates in the Johnstown area emphasized on Tuesday the struggles of a waning population, lost jobs and a lack of growth.

Seeking to replace retiring 71st district state Rep. Ed Wojnaroski, D-Johnstown, six Democrats and one Republican outlined the area’s needs and their hopes of getting help from Harrisburg.

Speaking at a forum at Pitt-Johnstown, sponsored by the university’s political science club, Veteran Community Initiatives, and Vietnam Veterans of America, they promised to fight for more jobs, training and opportunities for young people.

But one man in the crowd of about 60 spectators in the Living/Learning Center told the candidates that he’s heard a lot about Johnstown’s problems, but little about solutions.

“I’ve heard very little visioning, and very few ideas for solutions,” he said.

Vying to replace Wojnaroski are six fellow Democrats: Bryan Barbin, Benny Britt, Tom Chernisky, Denny Conahan, Jerry Livingston and William Stasko.

Two Republicans, Steve Ettien and Jim Rigby, are competing in the primary. Rigby was not present at Tuesday’s forum.

Ettien described himself as “pro-life, pro-gun and pro-family.”

“We need a hand up, not a handout,” he said. “I will never vote to increase taxes or give myself a pay raise.”

Conahan, a labor leader, stressed the need for trade schools, more jobs, and better health care. Britt promised that labor would have a stronger voice if he were elected, and said he would push for shared municipal services, like public safety.

Stasko and Livingston both said they would work for growth in the region.

“I would find incentives to stop young people from leaving. We need fresh faces and new blood who can bring change,” Livingston said.

Chernisky said he would “reach out to other communities and businesses and keep knocking on doors” to attract new businesses.

Barbin, a tax attorney who has worked on state cases, said the state’s tax structure “needs fixing.” Describing himself as “pro-life and pro-gun,” Barbin said change is not always key. “Change for change’s sake is not healthy,” he said.

The primary election will be held April 22.

     

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