Published: March 04, 2008 11:46 pm      

Small gov’t promoted in 72nd district forum

State government should be more responsive to the needs of the people, said Democratic candidates Tuesday as they presented their credentials for service in Harrisburg.

But the lone Republican running for the seat being vacated by retiring state Rep. Tom Yewcic, D-Jackson Township, said government is the problem, not the solution.

“Our problem is that we send people to Harrisburg who think government can solve everything,” Chris Voccio said.

The candidates sparred at a forum Tuesday night at Pitt-Johnstown.

Seven Democrats are vying to represent the district that covers Ebensburg south to Windber: David Gehlman of Upper Yoder, Dave Kuhar of Ebensburg, Nick Molnar of Jackson Township, Frank Burns of East Taylor, James Lamont of Ebensburg, Stephen Yesenosky of Jackson Township and Jared Lambie of Colver. Yesenosky was not present.

Lambie, a teacher who lives in Colver and drives 85 miles to work each day, made an emotional appeal for more help from Harrisburg.

“Pennsylvania is made up of a lot of small communities, and they need help,” Lambie said. “We need an educated work force, better roads – and we need to market ourselves.”

Burns echoed the need for young people to pitch in.

“My generation needs to stand up and be heard. I will serve for a long time, and I will serve full time,” he said.

Lamont and Molnar, both veteran UMWA leaders, argued for the need to pursue new opportunities. Lamont advocated courting power plants for the area, and Molnar stressed the need for relevant trade schools.

Kuhar promised to bring government closer to the people. “I will go to senior centers and volunteer fire departments each month to help people,” he said.

Gehlman said he would propose eliminating property taxes for senior citizens and raise the sales tax rate by one-half percent to make up for it.

Voccio argued that “we must reduce excessive taxes and the regulatory burden that makes Pennsylvania so inhospitable to businesses,” he said.

Molnar said that he wants to be a voice for the people.

In response to a question from the audience, candidates agreed on the need for better health care but contended that it is not a state-government issue.

The primary will be April 22.