Published: April 15, 2008 09:36 am            

Tribune-Democrat 2008 Voters Guide: Pa. House 72nd District

State House - 72nd 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



Frank Burns

East Taylor Township

Education: Bachelor’s degree in management/marketing from Pitt-Johnstown, 1999; Bishop McCort graduate, 1994.

Professional background/ qualifications for seeking this office: Certified by the Minor Judiciary Education Board to perform the duties of a district justice, 1998. Trained by several Fortune 500 Companies in the art of negotiation and communication. Professionally, I work as a dental consultant, where I travel the country holding seminars educating dentists on the latest advancements in dentistry. I’ve dedicated my life to public service and have been active in the Democratic Party most of my adult life. I currently serve on the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee. I’ve represented our region’s Democrats in Harrisburg for the past five years and have been elected to two consecutive terms. Also, I’ve been elected as East Taylor supervisor, so I understand the struggles of local government.

Mission or values statement: A leader you can believe in. One agenda: The Future of Somerset and Cambria Counties.

1. Pennsylvania is one of the most regulated states when it comes to business and has the highest corporate tax rate at 9.9 percent. We must become a more business friendly state by lowering the tax rate and offering low interest business loans. These measures would allow business to expand and employ more people.

Locally we must utilize all the possible grant money that is available. Many townships and boroughs are unaware of what money is out there. Oftentimes even when municipalities know of grants, the application and paper work involved is usually enough to scare anyone away. I would work to simplify the process and cut through the red tape. Maybe even creating a grant writer position for the 72nd District.

I believe the government should cut spending and hold the line on taxes. I have faith in Americans, if you allow them to keep more of their paycheck they will use that money to invest in the free market which will in turn create more jobs and a larger tax base.

2. Where is the casino money that was promised to reduce everyone’s property tax? Over a year has passed and all you hear is “its coming.” We need a leader that will fight for this money to be released to taxpayers. As far as funding for education, the state must tighten its purse strings and become more efficient. Additional money would become available through legislators’ pension reform. It is projected that by 2012 the taxpayer share of these excessive pensions will be over $3 billion. State officials need to adopt a 401(k) retirement plan, then the excess money would used to save our schools.

3. Privatization of highways is playing with fire! If we start leasing our roads, the taxpayers, turnpike commission and legislators would lose control. The new owners could raise the fees, leading to higher prices on anything shipped by trucks including essential items like food! Tolling Interstate 80 would cause an increased truck use of other roads such as Route 22, which may not be designed for that kind of heavy traffic, leading to problems locally. If a private company can pay the state millions of dollars to run our turnpike and still make a profit, then the question is “Why can’t the Turnpike Commission do the same?”

4. Pennsylvania already has sufficient gun laws in place. What we need is stricter enforcement and sentencing of existing laws.

5. Pennsylvania must continue to support the development of alternative energy sources. It truly is the future and our region has the opportunity to be innovators in this field. However it should be the decision of the local municipalities as to whether it’s right for their community and where they may be placed!



David Gehlman

Johnstown

Education: High school graduate.

Professional background/ qualifications for seeking this office: Professional business/community leader, Pennsylvania People First – Solutions for Pennsylvania.

Mission or values statement: No response.

1. The solution to stimulating economic growth with a recession looming does not lie in either increasing or cutting government spending, but in ensuring that spending is not misallocated, disproportionate or wasteful. In tough economic times, disciplined spending is the critical factor and that discipline derives from electing officials that will intently listen to their constituents and not bend to special interest groups. Everyone would like to cut taxes, but the truth is that either too much or too little government is detrimental to the economy. We need the benefits of government working with businesses to promote growth. In turn, growing businesses will grow our population. That larger population base will increase revenues, which can then be made available to create better programs to benefit all Pennsylvanians without digging deeper into the individual’s pocket. Specifically for my district, I will push for equal recognition of the economic needs for Pennsylvania’s small market regions, so that proportionate money flows to our area instead of just into the coffers of the largest metropolitan markets.

2. I am a firm believer that all seniors should receive a 50 percent reduction in property tax at age 62 and a 100 percent reduction at age 65, with specific stipulations regarding ownership and status to qualify for the reductions. In the wake of recent announcements regarding PHEAA, I would like to see Pennsylvania institute some more work-off-debt type programs that could offer higher education students relief in exchange for in-state service that would benefit all Pennsylvanians and perhaps help us retain younger residents.

3. I can see no benefit derived from the privatization of our highways and believe the long-term funds resulting from Act 44, which calls for new tolls on Interstate 80 and increased tolls for the turnpike, are necessary for the infrastructure of maintaining our roads, bridges and mass transit systems. Trust me, I do not want to pay higher tolls or new tolls either, but privatization of the highways is a slippery slope that would eventually lead us to paying even more. Privatization means a for-profit enterprise. I fear that upkeep demands and profit shortfalls could lead us to a pay-as-you-go system that would have transponders logging miles and motorists paying fees for all their travel.

4. I do not believe the effective way of combating people committing illegal acts with firearms is to impose further restrictions on law-abiding citizens owning firearms, such as the one-gun-per-month law proposed by House Bill 22. Further, I support the NRA’s position that preemption protects citizens from the bureaucratic nightmare that would be created if each municipality could enact its own gun control ordinances that superseded those of the state.

5. As a nation and a state, our reliance on fossil fuels needs to be lessened, and while I am not totally convinced the Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act was ideal, it did point our state in the correct direction of progressively seeking alternative energy sources. I feel biomass energy and waste coal energy could benefit Pennsylvania greatly and deserves research funding. I am sympathetic of the arguments against wind farms from aesthetic and wildlife perspectives, but hope we could work toward an acceptable compromise that would satisfy concerns while still allowing us to benefit from wind energy.



Dave Kuhar

Ebensburg

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics from Pitt-Johnstown.

Professional background/ qualifications for seeking this office: It is the diversity of my background that I believe leaves me uniquely qualified to be the next state representative from the 72nd District.

My work history includes working on a dairy farm, delivering furniture, selling mining supplies, resort management and working for the state. I also have owned my own business since 1982. I have negotiated contracts from both sides of the table and have worked with numerous state and federal agencies. I am currently a member of Ebensburg Borough Council and, most of all, I believe that I share the same values, beliefs and work ethic common to the residents of the 72nd District.

Mission or values statement: To continually strive to improve the quality of life for the people of the 72nd District and to respect and honor the fundamental values and beliefs of this district by representing our interests, not special interests.

1. Long-term growth must include plans for improving and expanding our infrastructure. In the short term, the state should cut spending and return any surplus funds to the taxpayers, who in turn can boost spending in our local economy. However, the state should not increase its own debt or raise taxes to fund rebates.

2. Without question, property owners – especially our senior citizens and working class families – need property-tax relief. Gaming monies may provide some relief, but this does not go far enough. While we certainly must provide quality education, we need a fair, common-sense approach for funding.

3. As to the Pennsylvania Turnpike – I could not support privatization. If the turnpike is a viable revenue-producing asset, why sell or lease it? With the tolling of Interstate 80, too many questions remain unanswered. What effect would this have on such things as commerce and tourism?

4. I believe that the Second Amendment is clear on this issue, giving citizens the right to keep and bear arms. We simply need to enforce the current federal and state laws pertaining to gun purchases and ownership. This is a case of what’s good for Philadelphia and Allegheny counties may not be good for the 72nd District.

5. Energy independence is certainly a goal we must strive for and must include a balance of such things as coal and alternative sources such as solar and wind. The state’s policy on windmills allows municipalities to enact local ordinances governing their construction and location: This is a policy I support.



Jared Lambie

Colver

Education: Bachelor’s degree in secondary social studies education from IUP; driver education certificate, from IUP; master’s degree in education

– curriculum and instruction, Gannon University; principal certificate, Gannon University.

Professional/background qualifications for seeking this office: I have held a variety of jobs in my 37 years of existence – from truck driver to doughnut maker. For the past 12 years, I have been employed at Baldwin High School as a social studies and driver education teacher. My qualifications come from my educational and vocational experience, along with being a community member of the 72nd.

Mission or values statement: I am one of you, a resident of the 72nd. I love where I live and feel that most of you do. I want to give my kids and yours the experiences and upbringing that I have enjoyed.

1. We are competing with 49 other states for employers. We need to look at taxes and make sure that this is not the sticking factor for people coming here. Tax breaks, grants and low-interest business loans are needed to keep us competitive with the other states. We need to continue to build and update our transportation system to make this an attractive area for business. Finally, we need to continue our investment in education so we have the work force for the high-tech, high-paying jobs that sustain families. In the case of the looming recession, I believe that government should redirect spending. We should not spend just to keep ourselves out of recession. We need to invest tax dollars to grow jobs. Legislature needs to invest to grow jobs.

2. First, we need to get the casino money back to the taxpayers. We then need to return control of our schools to the local boards. There are too many unfunded mandates that cause the cost of education to increase. Finally, we need to look at ways to reduce the cost of education.

3. I am against privatization. This money would be used in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, leaving our area with tolls on I-80 and higher tolls on the turnpike.

4. I am happy with the gun laws as they are now. I am a hunter and gun owner. I believe in gun-safety education.

5. The state needs to lead by example. It needs to continue to move toward green in its operation. The state also needs to educate and invest so that the state as a whole can become “greener.” New is always controversial. As government moves in new directions to solve problems, communication can make it less painful. Let’s talk and find solutions that make everybody happy.



James Lamont

Cambria Township

Education: Cambria Heights High School, continuing education at

St. Francis and IUP Independent Study Program.

Professional background: Elected auditor in Cambria Township since 2004 (currently serving a six-year term). Thirty-four year member of the United Mine Workers of America, during which I served numerous terms as an elected grievance and safety committeeman. Certified MSHA instructor. Serving as UMWA International Safety Representative, where I have worked with numerous U.S. senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill drafting safety regulations for the protection of our nation’s miners. Served as executive assistant to the secretary treasurer of the UMWA in Fairfax, Va. My duties, to name a few, were to oversee the day-to-day finances of the union, and oversight of the health and safety department. ... Worked with NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) on class B biosolids (sewage sludge), educating the public of the hazards associated with sludge. ... First appointed by former Gov. Mark Schweiker to serve on the Quecreek Commission. ... One of the authors of newly proposed Pennsylvania Underground Bituminous Coal Mining laws. ... I have current working relationships with members of the U.S. Senate and Congress, with the Pennsylvania House and Senate, and with small and big business throughout Pennsylvania and New York. As a UMWA representative, I deal with a diversified work force representing coal miners, county employees, corrections officers, firefighters, metal fabricators, health-care workers and Remington Arms.

Mission or values statement: My mission will be to bring the issues of the people of the 72nd District to the floor of the House. I have spent my entire career fighting for working and retired people throughout Pennsylvania on issues they deem to be important. I believe that many heads are better than one, and I will need your input on how to make our area better. The people of the 72nd District deserve a representative who will do what it is that they want, not that of special interests. I have the knowledge and experience for what it takes to achieve the demands of the people.

1. Life-sustaining jobs need to be offered, not minimum-wage jobs. Completion of Route 219 north and south, along with Route 22. Our area needs to be attractive and accessible for big business and manufactures to set up shop. When people have good-paying jobs, making decent money, they will spend it. You need to be selective on how you spend the taxpayers’ money. Money needs to be available to ensure that none of the state programs are cut. Government does, however, need to spend money to keep our state moving foreword.

2. I would propose to lower the 6 percent state sales tax to 4 percent and apply it across the board to include clothing. On a daily basis, busloads of people come from out of state by the hundreds and spend thousands of dollars on clothing tax-free. If we were to take this revenue and combine it with the gaming monies, (keep in mind, we never had this money before) we could reduce or possibly eliminate property and school taxes for everyone, yet keeping our schools operating the way they should be.

3. The people in our state are taxed enough and spend more than enough every time they drive their vehicle. Keep the turnpike and Interstate 80 the way they are now.

4. As the union safety representative for the members at Remington Arms in Ilion, N.Y. , as well as being a life member of the NRA, I believe the gun laws are fine the way they are.

5. The state of Pennsylvania has enough coal reserves to provide us with good-paying jobs and an energy source that will last for many years to come. Technology exists where mini power plants can be constructed on the mine site, which will provide permanent jobs. The plants have the ability to burn all refuse coming out of the mines’ cleaning plants, at almost zero percent emissions. The energy produced at the plants can be then provided to the electric company, which should result in a reduction in our electric bills.



Nick Molnar

Jackson Township

Education: Cambria Heights High School, United States Air Force, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.

Professional background/ qualifications for seeking this office: Retired union representative – United Mine Workers of America; 25 years as an elected representative of working people, as District 2 vice president and president, and as international auditor of the United Mine Workers of America has groomed me to serve.

Mission or values statement: I know that my life experiences and leadership skills will translate into dedicated, competent and compassionate representation for all citizens of the 72nd District. I have strong pride in our local communities. I have always been blessed with determination and willpower to follow through on goals and objectives, important qualities for an elected representative. 730 days in the present atmosphere in Harrisburg would not allow for any guarantee on any accomplishment. My goal is to work with like-minded representatives to change the atmosphere and dedicate the General Assembly to truly attend to the people’s business. ... There is no short and easy answer to any of the following questions. Rhetoric is easy, one-liners are easy, campaign promises could be easy – what is difficult is getting the needs of the 72nd addressed. In order to do that, we need to elect a person who knows how to form alliances and build consensus among all stakeholders. I have a proven record of accomplishment on many levels.

1. Unlike the federal government that continues to spend monies it does not have, the commonwealth must have a balanced budget each fiscal year. There is a very fine line on establishing spending priorities. One must always be cognizant of the impact of taxes. I would however, support a wholesale drive on remedying any number of our legitimate concerns with our infrastructure – utilizing a local work force and local suppliers. We should also investigate removing the caps on worker’s compensation and unemployment compensation at the state level, which could permit the lowering of worker’s compensation rates and the reduction of unemployment compensation rates for all employers.

2. As of this time, we do not know how successful the most recent attempt to reduce property taxes with gaming monies will be. There have been any number of suggestions to further pursue the issue of funding for education – increasing income tax, increasing sales tax, extending the sales tax on additional items and consolidation of the 501 school districts, to name a few. While I support property-tax relief to homeowners for the dwelling they live in, I would strongly oppose any extension of the sales tax to the basic necessities of food and clothing. Internet businesses should not be free of the sales tax that local brick-and-mortar small businesses must pay. Any proposal to reduce property taxes or increase consumption taxes needs to be carefully assessed to determine its impact on working families, small business and the poor. Finding more equitable ways to fund public education is a difficult and emotional issue that will require bipartisan support to achieve, while enabling local districts to maintain a large degree of autonomy in making decisions about education in their individual districts.

3. Based on my current information, highway privatization does not appear to make economic nor practical sense.

4. A recent article in the Tribune-Democrat reported a 7 percent decrease in crime in the city of Philadelphia by increasing the visibility of the police. I believe we should maintain and enforce existing laws.

5. The commonwealth should encourage and support sustainable alternative energy sources, especially solar, wind and small-scale hydroelectric, as well as renewing an aggressive clean-coal program that makes Pennsylvania a showcase for continual improvement in the safe mining and the clean burning of coal. However, no program should be put forth before appropriate data is collected and confirmed as to the worth of such program. As of this date, there is serious research questioning the cost effectiveness of wind energy as presently being captured.



Stephen J. Yesenosky

Ebensburg

Education: Associate degree in criminology.

Professional background/ qualifications for seeking this office: Former Cambria County district judge and police officer. Also served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Mission or values statement: I am aware of the economic hardships and unemployment factors that confront our residents. I am prepared to serve the people of Cambria and Somerset counties fairly, equally and on a full-time basis. I plan to take to Harrisburg the strong work ethic of the taxpayers of the 72nd District.

1. As a father of two sons and a new grandson, I understand the need for revitalizing the 72nd District with experienced dedication to our children so they can stay, work and prosper for generations to come.

2. The senior citizens and working class of this area deserve “common sense” representation with property and school tax reform being a priority.

3. No response.

4. No response.

5. No response.



Republican



Chris Voccio

Upper Yoder Township

Education: Master’s degree in business administration from IUP; bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University, Rhode Island.

Professional background/ qualifications for seeking this office: Twenty-year newspaper career – Tribune-Democrat publisher from 2004-07, Herald-Banner publisher (Greenville, Texas), various other newspaper positions since 1987, served on numerous boards and committees throughout the region, trained at the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University in Chicago and the American Press Institute.

Mission or values statement: I believe that we have too much meddlesome government and the people of the 72nd District need a representative in Harrisburg who will fight for overburdened taxpayers.

1. We should reduce the oppressive tax and regulatory burdens places on businesses, families and individuals. Recession or no recession, the state should cut spending and reduce taxes to stimulate the economy.

2. Property-tax reform without overall tax reform would merely shift the tax burden from one group of taxpayers to another. We need to reform the entire system, and education funding, and education policies, primarily should be a function of local control.

3. I support privatization for highways and other things. The private sector seems to operate more efficiently than government. Which is more efficient – the U.S. Postal Service or Federal Express?

4. I am an unequivocal advocate for private ownership of firearms and the right to bear arms. The Second Amendment is clear, and the Pennsylvania Constitution is even clearer. The governor and his friends from Philadelphia need to back off.

5. The government should not be in the business of selecting favorite industries, energy or otherwise. If private investors want to invest in wind energy, or any other form of energy, that is fine. But taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook.

        

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