This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/pa/state/ for current information.
Somerset, Bedford County, PA April 22, 2008 Election
Smart Voter

Education, Roads, Environment, Second Amendment

By Stephen M Smerbeck

Candidate for State Representative; District 69; Democratic Party

This information is provided by the candidate
Stephen Smerbeck's plans and positions on education, roads, environment, and Second Amendment rights.
Education
Your child is more than just a test score. As a teacher for 25 years, I know what works in the classroom. I also know what our children must be capable of achieving to enter college or the workforce. The emphasis on testing is skewing the focus of every school in America. Very soon, schools will be testing over 30 days a year. That's one out of every six days. As a result, vocational-technical, business, phys ed, vocational agricultural, music, and art are being deemphasized and in some cases eliminated. Talk about leaving children behind!
As your representative, I will work very hard to bring about changes that will assure that our children are prepared properly to become productive workers and citizens. Yes, there will be assessment, but the PSSA will not be the only tool used to gauge a student's preparedness for life after high school.

Roads
First and foremost, I will be a relentless champion for the completion of Route 219. When I moved here twenty-three years ago, I was assured that the road would be complete in 7 years. I'm still waiting and so are you. The completion of Route 219 will be my highest priority because it is so vital to the economic well being of the residents of this district. It must be completed and completed on time!
I will never vote to privatize the PA Turnpike. Such shortsightedness is nothing more than a quick financial fix with no lasting benefit to the residents of our area. The Turnpike interchanges at Somerset and Bedford provide a major economic benefit through industry and tourism.

Environment
I've traveled worldwide and there is no beauty to match that of the Laurel Highlands. As your representative, and as a lifelong sportsman, I believe that the environment must be protected for our children. Industry is crucial to our district but business can be designed and conducted with an eye toward our environmental future. Considering the number of residents who rely on wells, environmental protection and protecting our clean water resources must be a priority.

Second Amendment Rights
I will adamantly protect the Second Amendment rights of all citizens of Pennsylvania. Hunting is a cherished legacy here and I will work with local sportsmen's clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to manage the game populations in the 69th district to the benefit our sportsmen and sportswomen.

Candidate Page || Feedback to Candidate || This Contest
April 2008 Home (Ballot Lookup) || About Smart Voter

pa/state Created from information supplied by the candidate: March 17, 2008 19:43
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.