Candidate for
State Senator; District 13

The most important issue to the people of Lancaster and York County right now is the state of our economy. Everything else of importance + job creation, tax reform, government spending and more + is affected by this single issue.

Turning our economy around will take a new approach in Harrisburg + a business approach that prioritizes spending and focuses on the efforts that spark economic growth.

As the only candidate for State Senator who has already successfully put this type of approach into practice as a local elected official, I believe I have the right experience to lead this effort in the State Senate.

I have grown a small business of four into an industry leader employing nearly 150, so I understand job creation and how government helps or harms economic growth efforts. I will use this knowledge to push for the tax changes needed to make Pennsylvania competitive with other states when it comes to attracting the entrepreneurs and employers who will invigorate our economy.

I have served as a local elected official and proven my ability to focus spending on priorities and improve services without raising taxes. That is a skill we will need in Harrisburg as the out-of-control spending of the Democratic leaders has put our state on the edge of massive tax increases.

What we need now is systemic change in Harrisburg and someone to stand up to the Governor and his big-spending allies in the Legislature. I will be that person + and the reason to do it is simple: because controlling spending and keeping taxes low sparks economic growth and job creation. Once we do that, we can finally deliver real property tax relief, protect our open spaces and meet other vital goals.

As state Senator, I will work to make every legislator ask a simple question: how can we do more with less? Every day across our state businesses, working families, seniors, schools and civic organizations are tightening their belts and controlling costs. I'll make the state do the same.

As I did in business, I will focus our attention on two areas: prioritizing spending on what is most important, and finding areas for growth in our economy.

Prioritizing spending won't be easy because entrenched special interests will fight us, but we all know that government needs to return to its core functions: providing a quality education, keeping our families safe, and providing help for those who truly need it.

Growing our economy won't be easy either, but there is a clear path we must follow.

First, Pennsylvania must become competitive again when it comes to attracting employers and businesses. We can no longer allow our jobs to go to other states because of burdensome taxes and an unwillingness to make our business climate match the 21st Century.

Second, we must provide training for displaced workers whose industries are shrinking + first to attract the industries of tomorrow and so they can secure the jobs these industries will create.

Third, we must encourage economic growth in the areas we know will provide jobs for years to come: alternative energy, technology, bio-tech and more.

Finally, we must make sure our education system is providing our children with the skills they will need to serve as the next generations to support these new industries.