Published: April 15, 2008 09:37 am      

Tribune-Democrat 2008 Voters Guide: Pa. House 73rd District

State House - 73rd District



Term: Two years.



Salary: $76,163



(Vote for one)



All candidates were asked the following questions:

1. How can the state best help to instigate economic growth in your district? In the case of a looming recession, should government cut spending in order to hold the line on taxes, or should government spend more as a way to stimulate the economy?

2. How would you approach the long-running issue of property taxes and funding for education?

3. With the state considering changes for both the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 80, what is your position on the issue of highway privatization?

4. Lawmakers from the Philadelphia area have tried to bring about tighter gun controls in Pennsylvania. What is your position on gun laws at the state level?

5. What should be the state’s role concerning alternative energy programs such as wind energy, which has been somewhat controversial in our region?



Democratic



Gary Haluska

Patton

Education: Cambria Heights High School, Williamsport Area Community College – Forestry.

Professional background/ qualifications for seeking this office: State representative since 1995 and business owner.

Mission or values statement:

1. Businesses have many tools at their disposal that are funded wholly or in part by state funds: Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission, Small Business Center at St. Francis University, and available in my district office we have a publication from the Department of Community and Economic Development titled “Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania,” which consists of 122 pages of information on what resources are available from the state. I feel we are spending enough at the present time.

2. Shifting at least 50 percent of school funding from property tax to sales or earned income tax, or a combination of both.

3. I feel tolling roads and bridges makes more sense than privatizing.

4. I feel Philadelphia may be better served by getting help from the state to expand the police force for a number of years to make the city safer rather than pass more restrictive gun laws.

5. I feel the state is doing the right thing by encouraging alternative energy such as wind and at the same time leaving local governing bodies to make the final decision on implementation.



Republican

No candidates on ballot.