Candidate for
State Senator; Pennsylvania State Senate; District 19

Entrepreneurship... I value entrepreneurship and the economic prosperity that results from hard work and innovation. I understand the importance of knowledge in today's economy.

Environment... I value clean air, water, and open space and emphasize how all three can improve the lives of our constituents in the 19th District.

History... I value historic buildings and neighborhoods, but even more I value the people who brought us the freedom and quality of life we enjoy today. I express special appreciation and respect to the veterans in our community.

Fiscal Responsibility... I value fiscal responsibility and keeping taxes low. It is the obligation of government to keep spending under control.

Schools and Libraries... I value excellence in our schools and libraries, which are the pillars of a democracy. Education is responsible for the prosperity of the 19th District, and it is education that will make our children not just self-sufficient, but leaders in today's knowledge-based ecomomy. I believe Pennsylvania has to take on more of the burden of funding our public schools so as to significantly lessen the burden of the property tax.

Local Control... I reject the notion, prominent in state government, that one size fits all. It doesn't. Each part of Pennsylvania is unique. We need a General Assembly that gives options to local governments. I value local government and view local control as the fiscally resonsible alternative to bureaucratic waste.

Helping Others and "Sharing the Harvest"... I value helping others and building community. All faith traditions preach helping others. I believe that we have a responsibility to share with people and to help them reach their full potential. This is what constitutes a "community".

Civility and Integrity... I value civility and integrity as important components of the political process. I believe extreme partisanship has hindered our ability to effectively solve the problems we face.

Legislative Reform... I value legislative reform and oppose any Commonwealth employee receiving a bonus. Legislators must be an example for such reform and that is why since taking office in 2006, I have never taken a single per diem, saving taxpayers more than $60,000 in the process. In addition, I have returned to the Commonwealth, or donated to charity any annual pay increases.