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League of Women Voters of Washington CountyWashington County, Pennsylvania |
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FOR ELECTION INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE PURPOSE OF A PRIMARY ELECTION ABSENTEE VOTING ALTERNATIVE BALLOT ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS: PROVISIONAL BALLOTS IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS WRITE-IN VOTING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS ONLINE VOTERS GUIDE CERTIFICATION NOTE US REPRESENTATIVE STATE CANDIDATES
ATTORNEY GENERAL AUDITOR GENERAL STATE TREASURER PENNSYLVANIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY DELEGATES TO NATIONAL PARTY CONVENTIONS |
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
OF WASHINGTON COUNTY AND LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PENNSYLVANIA NONPARTISAN
VOTERS GUIDE
PRIMARY ELECTION, APRIL 22, 2008 © Copyright 2008 LWVWC and LWVPA - CEF Polls open 7 A.M. to
8 P.M.
This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth. FOR ELECTION INFORMATION Contact the Washington County Board of Elections, 724-228-6750. The League of Women Voters of Washington County, 724-228-9889, and the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center, 1-800-692-7281, also provide election information. ABOUT THIS GUIDE The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (LWVPA) and the League of Women Voters of Washington County (LWVWC). It may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate's reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and to edit from the bottom when a candidate's reply exceeded the word limit. New paragraphs and the use of bulleted lists by candidates are represented by hyphens (-). The League of Women Voters of Washington County will include in its Voters Guide and Candidates Forums all candidates whose names will appear on the ballot for offices the League will cover in its Guide or Forum. Candidates are listed in the order in which they will appear on the ballot; the party of the governor is listed first. Information regarding candidates for state offices was collected by LWVPA. Its publication is made possible with help from the LWVPA Citizens Education Fund. Voters Guide information is taken directly from candidate replies to League questionnaires. In order to maintain League nonpartisanship and to allow the candidates to express themselves in their own words, the Voters Guide editors have not changed grammar or spelling in the candidates’ replies. Candidates’ replies have been cut after the word limit was reached. Cuts are indicated by ellipses (...). All candidates were given the opportunity to list a campaign website, if any, and one other way voters could contact them for more information (phone number, etc.). Such information supplied by the candidates is listed under the heading “For more information:” This information is made available for the sole purpose of providing voters with convenient access to additional information. Contact information does not in any way represent an endorsement by the League of such candidate or an approval of the information that may be provided by the candidate’s website or campaign. The League of Women Voters of Washington County publishes Voters Guides and conducts candidates forums to accomplish the following goals: (1) to educate the public, giving voters a chance to learn the views of all serious candidates; (2) to motivate voters to participate in the elections. PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. Its policy is one of nonpartisanship. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters. PURPOSE OF A PRIMARY ELECTION The purpose of a primary election is the nomination of major party candidates to appear on the ballot for the general election. Since Pennsylvania has a closed primary, the voter may choose candidates only within the party in which he or she is registered. Thus, a voter must be registered in a major party to vote in a primary. (Persons who are registered independent or in a minor political party or body may vote on ballot questions.) ABSENTEE VOTING Registered voters who are ill or disabled, who are election workers, who will be absent from their municipality on election day, or whose religious holiday falls on election day may vote by absentee ballot. Completed APPLICATIONS for civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county Election Office by 5 P.M., Tuesday, April 15. Completed absentee BALLOTS must be received back at the board of elections by 5 P.M. on Friday, April 18. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call the Election Office for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency may be required. An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 5 P.M. on Friday, April 18. Any disabled or elderly voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the Election Office. ALTERNATIVE BALLOT Alternative ballots may be requested by any registered elector who is handicapped (with temporary or permanent physical disability) or elderly (65 years of age or older) and who resides in a precinct whose polling place has been declared inaccessible. Such electors may apply by mail or phone to the Election Office for an application to receive an alternative ballot, which is similar to an absentee ballot. Completed applications must be received at the Election Office by Tuesday, April 15. The completed ballot must be received at the Election Office by Friday, April 18. Further information is available from the Election Office. ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS; PROVISIONAL BALLOTS If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the county Board of Elections. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then can go in person to the county Board of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted. IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time, then you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID or some other form of federal or state government-issued ID. Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable, such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. If you do not have any acceptable ID then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot. WRITE-IN VOTING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY (For write-in voting information, check with the workers at your polling place before entering the voting booth.) To write the name of a candidate who is not on the ballot: 1. When the appropriate office comes up on the screen, press the box next to the line for Write-in. 2. An image of a keyboard will appear on screen. Using the keyboard, spell out the candidate’s name. 3. Press Accept and your write-in vote will be entered for the appropriate office, as you will see on the ballot screen. WASHINGTON COUNTY ELECTION OFFICE: (724) 228-6750 Room 206, Washington County Office Building, Courthouse Square, Washington 15301 ONLINE VOTERS GUIDE This Voters Guide can be found on the LWVWC home page: www.palwv.org/washingtoncopa. A statewide Voters Guide and other useful information for voters can be found at the LWVPA home page: www.palwv.org *CERTIFICATION NOTE* As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed below is accurate based upon the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Elections unofficial ballot. Presidential Preference Primary: In addition to electing delegates to national party conventions, voters in Pennsylvania have the opportunity to express their preference for a presidential nominee of their party. They may write in the name of their choice if it is not listed on the ballot. The results of this Presidential Preference Primary are not binding on any delegate to the national nominating conventions. The following names will appear on the Pennsylvania primary ballot. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) BARACK OBAMA HILLARY CLINTON REPUBLICAN (Vote for one) RON PAUL JOHN MCCAIN MIKE HUCKABEE JOB DESCRIPTION Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote by both houses is necessary to pass a law. Every law concerning taxation must originate in the House of Representatives. House terms are two years. The Senate, made up of two members from each of the 50 states, also has the power to approve treaties and confirm presidential appointments. Terms are staggered, with one-third of the membership up for election every two years. Pennsylvania will not elect a Senator in 2008. Term: 2 years Salary: $169,300 QUESTION: What should the federal government do to ensure that every American has health insurance coverage? 12th DISTRICT Parts of Allegheny, Armstrong County, Cambria County, Fayette County, Indiana County, Somerset County, Washington County, Westmoreland County, and all of Greene County. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) JOHN P. MURTHA Did not respond REPUBLICAN No candidate 18th DISTRICT Parts of Allegheny County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) STEVE O’DONNELL Monroeville D.O.B. 11/20/1945 Education: 1971, Duquesne University, B.S.; 1973, West University, M.S. Occupation: Business Owner Qualifications: Navy veteran; 25 years Executive Director of Non-profits serving children, adolescents, and adults with mental retardation; Managing partner/owner of a private holding company for 9 years. For more information: visit www.electodonnell.com or phone (724) 216-6831 Response to question: We need a Universal Health Care plan that takes the profit motive away from the health care industry. The plan needs to be portable for all Americans and it should be a single payer entity. It would include the following services; in-patient/out-patient, prescription drugs, long-term care, chiropractic, substance abuse, dental, vision, and mental health services. BETH HAFER D.O.B. Not available Pittsburgh Education: B.S. in General Science, Penn State; Masters in Secondary Education, Duquesne. Occupation: VP of Hafer & Associates, showing local and state government how to use taxpayer money efficiently. Qualifications: I taught science in Moon and later worked in pension advising at Legg Mason. For more information: None available Response to question: We must allow Medicare to negotiate prices with drug companies and fully fund SCHIP to provide affordable health care for our children. We must guarantee preventative care coverage for everyone in order to stop skyrocketing costs from uninsured patients using emergency rooms as their only care. Taking these steps will reduce costs as we create a comprehensive reform plan that provides affordable coverage for everyone who wants it and works for patients and doctors alike. BRIEN WALL Upper St. Clair D.O.B. 07/05/1948 Education: 1970, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, B.A. Economics; 1972-73, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School Occupation: Career Agent-Certified Family Business Specialist, Mass Mutual Financial Group, 1984-present Qualifications: 28 years Financial Services Industry Professional; Allegheny County Health Choices, Founding Member and Finance Committee Chairman; Carnegie 100; Three Rivers Labor Management Committee; Courage to Come Back Award, St. Francis Health Foundation; Business Advisory Council, Indiana University of PA School of Business; elected Allegheny County Democratic Committeeman; Upper St. Clair Athletic Association, Legislative Representative of Insurance and Financial Advisors For more information: visit brienwallforcongress.com or phone (724) 916-4169 Response to question: Congress needs to pass a comprehensive healthcare program, eventually achieving a program of single payer universal coverage. A plan modeled after an improvement in Medicare coverage would be a place to start. A base plan covering all families and individuals, funded by shared financing from payroll taxes, general revenues and enrollee contributions is needed. Employers (public and private), employees and the self-employed could purchase additional coverage with increased premiums. REPUBLICAN (Vote for one) TIM MURPHY Upper St. Clair D.O.B. 09/11/1952 Education: 1974, Wheeling Jesuit, B.A. Psychology; 1976, Cleveland State, MA, Clinical Psychology; 1979, University of Pittsburgh, PhD Psychology Occupation: Member of Congress, PA 18th Congressional District Qualifications: 6 years PA State Senate (#37 Senate District), 5 years U.S. House of Representatives. For more information: visit electmurphy.com or phone (412) 561-9073 Response to question: Our healthcare system is broken. Simply funding a broken system will not solve the problems that result in rising costs and lives lost. With more than $400 billion in waste, redundancy, and errors in our healthcare system, it must be fixed as well as financed. Government must be a driving force for change and the system overhaul must include improving patient safety, eliminating infections, implementing disease management, electronic prescription and records technology, and integrated care. JOB DESCRIPTION The Attorney General shall be the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be imposed by law. The Commonwealth Attorneys Act establishes the Attorney General as the chief legal and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth and provides the duties and responsibilities of the Office of Attorney General. The Attorney General, in addition, serves as a member of the Board of Pardons, the joint Committee on Documents, the Hazardous Substances Transportation Board, the Board of Finance and Revenue, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the Civil Disorder Commission and the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission. Term: 4 years Salary: $141,565.00 (Vote for one) Question: What specific priorities do you have if elected to the office of Attorney General? DEMOCRATIC JOHN M MORGANELLI Bethlehem D.O.B: 11/12/1955 EDUCATION: 1977, Moravian College, B.A.; 1980, Villanova Law School, J.D. OCCUPATION: District Attorney QUALIFICATIONS:District Attorney – 16 years; Prosecuted Numerous murder cases; PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency – 5 years, President, PA District Attorneys Assn. – 2 years, Special Deputy Attorney General, Special Prosecutor ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Pass a gang statute that makes gang membership a crime so as to attack the gangs before they commit their next murder or drug deal. 2. Address the proliferation of handguns into the hands of criminals, young children and those with mental illness. 3. Abolish parole for violent criminals. 4. Crackdown on illegal criminal aliens who have no respect for our laws, commit crime and use fraudulent identities. REPUBLICAN TOM CORBET Harrisburg D.O.B: 06/17/1949 EDUCATION: 1971, Lebanon Valley College, B.A.; 1975, St. Mary’s Univ. School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: Attorney General QUALIFICATIONS: Attorney General of PA – 4 ½ years, Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny County, 3 ½ years, Assistant US Attorney, 3 ½ years, US Attorney for the Western Div. of PA, 4 years, Chairman, PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, 8 years, Private Practice Attorney, 12 years, Corporate Government Affairs and Relations, 3 years, Member, PA Army National Guard 28th Infantry Div., 13 years, Chairman, US Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, Member, President Ronald Reagan’s Drug Task Force – Great Lakes Region, Commissioner, Shaler Twp, 2 years ANSWER TO QUESTION Throughout my career, I have fought to protect all Pennsylvanians and as Attorney General I will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey on the most vulnerable of our communities – our children and our seniors. I am committed to providing safety and security for PA’s families in our homes, neighborhoods, schools and businesses. As Attorney General I will: Protect our children from child sexual predators and child pornography, ensure that our schools are safe havens where our children can learn without the threat of violence. JOB DESCRIPTION The auditor general has been the commonwealth's fiscal watchdog since 1809, when it was created by an act of the General Assembly. The auditor general was appointed by the governor until 1850, when the position became an elected office. Auditors general were elected to serve three-year terms until 1909, when a constitutional amendment increased the terms to four years. Term: 4 years Salary: $141,565.00 (Vote for one) Question: What specific priorities do you have if elected to the office of Auditor General? DEMOCRATIC JACK WAGNER Pittsburgh D.O.B: 01/04/1948 EDUCATION: 1974, Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania, B.S., Safety Management OCCUPATION: Auditor General QUALIFICATIONS: Auditor General since 2005, State Senator, 10 years (Allegheny County), Pittsburgh City Councilman, 10 years (President, 4 years), Certified Safety Professional, 10 years, Marine Corps, Vietnam combat veteran, husband and father, 2 children ANSWER TO QUESTION: I look forward to continuing to work in an independent and bipartisan way to protect the taxpayers’ hard-earned money and improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians. I will continue to focus on creating jobs, strengthening education, improving infrastructure, and protecting pensions. I am the only candidate with over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors watching the bottom line, reforming operations, and protecting working families. REPUBLICAN CHET BEILER Penn Twp. D.O.B: 05/19/1963 EDUCATION: 1987, Pepperdine Univ., B.S. OCCUPATION: Business Owner, CEO QUALIFICATIONS: County Chairman, 2 years, Campaign Manager, various candidates, Rotary Club of Lancaster, 6 years, 20 years of business building ANSWER TO QUESTION: We expect to empower our auditors and honor their findings by systematically making more audit results public. Performance Audits will be expanded. As an independent fiscal watchdog I will not play favorites. No government department or entity will be off limits as we seek to protect your tax dollars. Quarterly press conferences will be held to report on our progress. JOB DESCRIPTION The position of State Treasurer is an independently elected office established under the Pennsylvania Constitution. Pursuant to the Administrative Code, the State Treasurer serves as chief executive of the Treasury Department. The powers and duties of the Treasurer and the Treasury Department are delineated for the most part in The Fiscal Code and generally involve the receipt and disbursement of funds by the Commonwealth, as well as the deposit, investment, and safekeeping of moneys and securities belonging to the Commonwealth. Term: 4 years Salary: $141,565.00 (Vote for one) Question: What specific priorities do you have if elected to the office of State Treasurer? DEMOCRATIC JOHN F CORDISCO New Hope Boro D.O.B: 02/17/1955 EDUCATION: 1977, Rider Univ., B.A.; 1987, Temple Univ. School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: Attorney QUALIFICATIONS: Bristol Borough School Board, 1978-1981, PA House of Representatives, 1981-1986, United Vietnam Veterans Organization, Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Award, Dept. of Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Legislative Award ANSWER TO QUESTION: My first priority is to protect the hard-earned dollars of PA’s taxpayers by making public all data concerning the performance of PA investment funds and by cutting excessive fees charged by Wall Street investment firms. Secondly, I would promote economic revitalization by using PA funds to create PA jobs. Lastly, I would invest in clean technology and alternative energy firms to help reduce global warming. ROBERT MCCORD Lower Merion D.O.B: 03/05/1959 EDUCATION: 1982, Harvard Univ., AB;, 1989, Univ. of Pennsylvania Wharton School, MBA OCCUPATION: Full-time candidate after 15 years as a financial executive QUALIFICATIONS: 15 yr. career in finance - Managed more than 1 billion dollars in assets - Raised money for start-up companies that have created more than 2,000 jobs in PA. ANSWER TO QUESTION: In these uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever to have a State Treasurer with appropriate business and financial expertise. As a business leader who has managed over $1billion in assets and helped fund startup companies that created over 2,000 PA-based jobs, I will serve as a catalyst for positive economic change. In addition to generating jobs, I plan to help improve pension performance, cut wasteful spending, and invest in environment-protecting technologies. DENNIS MORRISON-WESLEY Harrisburg D.O.B: 01/13/1950 EDUCATION: 1974, Philadelphia Community College, G.A.S; 2002, Almeda Univ., B.S. OCCUPATION: Account Executive, Financial Advisor QUALIFICATIONS: 19 years in the financial industry license and register investment advisor ANSWER TO QUESTION: My most important job as PA State Treasurer is to seek good returns on the invested dollars of the PA citizens. My order of investment would be first in PA, secondly in the United States, and lastly in the international market. When we can get the same monetary return from a company in PA as a company outside of PA, then PA will get the fair advantage, if we invest in PA first. The same can be said about a company in the United States. JENNIFER L. MANN Allentown D.O.B: 05/17/1969 EDUCATION: 1991, Lehigh Univ., B.A. Government and Economics OCCUPATION: State Representative, 132nd Legislative District QUALIFICATIONS: First State Representative in 1998; chosen Speaker Pro Tempore by Speaker of the House; Vice-Chairwoman, House Finance Committee; National Board Chairwoman for the Democratic Leadership Council; former successful small business owner ANSWER TO QUESTION: The Treasurer is the first line of defense for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers; it ensures that your tax dollars are being invested wisely. I will establish the highest ethical standards and accountability so that you know that your taxes are used appropriately. The best investments not only have the highest rate of return for the Commonwealth, but promote the common good. Therefore I will invest in companies that invest in PA first and help create jobs here. REPUBLICAN TOM ELLIS Cheltenham D.O.B: 07/14/1959 EDUCATION: 1982, Univ. of Pennsylvania, B.A. (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa); 1985, Univ.of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D. (cum laude, Editor, Law Review) OCCUPATION: Public Finance Attorney – Partner, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, 1985- QUALIFICATIONS: Chairman, Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, 2004-07-reduced property taxes, saved $30million; Cheltenham Board of Commissioners, 1990-02 (Chair, Finance Committee); 22 years experience in finance ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1.) Use over 22 years of public finance experience to protect tax dollars and ensure financial responsibility in office of Treasurer. Saved over $30 million in debt service as County Commissioner. 2.) Enhance 529 college savings program to make best in nation – encourage college savings and provide incentives to save, such as matching funds (not taxpayers dollars).3.) Implement policy prohibiting investment in nations that sponsor terrorism (enacted as County Commissioner). The General Assembly, the legislative branch of state government, is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote by both houses is necessary to pass a law. Every law concerning taxation must originate in the House of Representatives. Term: 4 years Salary: $76,163 QUESTION: What should state government do to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has health insurance coverage? SENATE DISTRICT 37 Includes Peters Township. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) AMY JUDE SCHMOTZER Pittsburgh D.O.B. 11/14/56 Education: B.S. in Nursing, Carlow University. Occupation: Licensed Registered Nurse; Program Manager/Surgical Oncology-Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. Qualifications: I am not a career politician. I have real job and life experiences to reform and change Harrisburg. Member-Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee and Allegheny County Democratic Committee. Active in community, charitable and professional groups. Member-St. Elizabeth’s Parish. For more information: none available Response to question: There are 800,000 Pennsylvania residents without health care coverage. 108,000 live in Allegheny County. This is unacceptable. I would introduce a bill eliminating all health care benefits from all State Elected Officials. This would be a wake-up call to deal with the problem I would work closely with Governor Ed Rendell who is committed to finding a solution. I would commit the $241 million surplus that the State Legislature has in their accounts. I would (…). REPUBLICAN (Vote for one) JOHN PIPPY Moon Township D.O.B. 12/10/1970 Education: 1992, B.S. United States Military Academy at West Point, NY Occupation: Pennsylvania Senator Qualifications: U.S. Army; Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Pennsylvania Senate For more information: phone (412) 854-5007 or email Jpippy@aol.com Response to question: I support legislation that would help hospitals and physicians reduce medical errors, reward best practices, and provide increased opportunities for small business owners looking to offer health insurance to their employees. In addition, I support the continuation and expansion of Pennsylvania’s Adult Basic and CHIP programs, which provides low cost insurance to adults and children. Finally, I support increasing the portability of health care insurance for employees and providing the opportunity for employer contributions. Term: 2 years Salary: $76,163 QUESTION: What should state government do to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has health insurance coverage? HOUSE DISTRICT 39 Includes Carroll (part), Nottingham, Union, Finleyville and New Eagle. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) DAVID K. LEVDANSKY Forward Township D.O.B. 10/16/1954 Education: Elizabeth-Forward High School; 1978, Penn State, BA Political Science and BA Labor Studies; 1908, University of Notre Dame, MA Economics. Occupation: State Legislator Qualifications: Chairman, House Finance Committee; member of Environmental Resources and Energy; Game and Fisheries; Treasurer, Legislative Budget and Finance Committee; Democratic Policy; Reform Caucus, Campaign Finance Reform Co-Chair. For more information: none available Response to question: I voted for our House Democrat plan that builds on AdultBasic and adds coverage for behavioral health and prescription drugs. The plan would subsidize insurance for low-income uninsured people ages 19-64, and make low-cost insurance available for people with incomes above the subsidized eligibility threshold. Small businesses could participate in the program and those that already offer health insurance for employees would receive grants to help offset insurance costs. REPUBLICAN No candidate HOUSE DISTRICT 40 Includes Peters Township. DEMOCRATIC No candidate REPUBLICAN (Vote for one) JOHN MAHER Upper St. Clair D.O.B. 11/04/1958 Education: Duke Univ. (AB, Magna cum laude), Oxford Univ. (scholarship studies), Australian Graduate School of Management (fellowship studies). Occupation: Legislator/CPA Qualifications: 20 plus years of real-world experience as CPA and founder of a successful business. Legislator since 1997 known for fiscal conservatism and initiatives to improve government accountability. For more information: e-mail RepJohnMaher@aol.com Response to question: More than 90% of Pennsylvanians have health coverage now-tops in the nation. Many of the rest are adults whose youthful exuberance or financial security inspire personal decisions to decline available coverage. Still, some of our neighbors cannot find the insurance they need. Foremost, Pennsylvania must avoid injuring a system that currently produces the country’s best coverage. Next, obstacles to lower costs and stronger competition must be removed. Finally, Adult Basic’s extent must be updated. HOUSE DISTRICT 46 Includes Buffalo, Canton, Cecil, Chartiers, Cross Creek, Hanover, Hopewell, Independence, Jefferson, Mount Pleasant, Robinson, Smith, South Franklin and the Boroughs of Burgettstown, Green Hills, McDonald (Washington County portion), Midway, and West Middletown. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) JESSE WHITE Cecil Township D.O.B. 06/24/78 Education: 2000, Washington and Jefferson College, B.S.; 2003, Duquesne University School of Law, Juris Doctor. Occupation: Attorney-at-law and State Representative Qualifications: Cecil Township Supervisor, 2003-04; Cecil Township Board of Auditors, 2005-06; State Representative, 46th District of Pennsylvania, 2006 to present. For more information: www.supportjesse.com Response to question: The question itself is troublesome, because we’ve been conditioned to believe that the only way to access health care is through health insurance. We need to stop allowing health insurance companies to dictate who gets treatment and who doesn’t. Switching to a single-payor system merits serious consideration. We also need to increase our focus on preventative care, so that patients can get help to address problems before their conditions become much more serious and costly. REPUBLICAN No candidate HOUSE DISTRICT 48 Includes Washington, Amwell (part), North Bethlehem, North Franklin, North Strabane, Somerset, South Strabane, Bentleyville, Canonsburg, Cokeburg, East Washington, Houston. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) TIMOTHY J. SOLOBAY Canonsburg D.O.B. 03/20/1956 Education: B.S. Management, California Coast University; RT(R)CT, Washington Hospital School of Radiologic Technology Occupation: State Representative 48th District Qualifications: Incumbent State Representative for 10 years For more information: phone (724) 745-6974 Response to question: Work to adopt and pass Governor Rendell’s prescription for Pennsylvania with some modifications. REPUBLICAN No candidate HOUSE DISTRICT 49 Includes Monongahela, Amwell (part), Blaine,Carroll (part), Donegal, East Finley, Fallowfield, Morris, West Bethlehem, West Finley and West Pike Run, Allenport, Beallsville, California, Charleroi, Claysville, Coal Center, Deemston, Donora, Dunlevy, Elco, Long Branch, Marianna, North Charleroi, Roscoe, Speers, Stockdale, Twilight, West Alexander and West Brownsville. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) PETER J. DALEY, II California Borough D.O.B. 08/08/1950 Education: 1972, California University of PA, B.S.; 1975, California University of PS, M.A. Political Science; 1983, University of Pittsburgh, M.P.A. Public Administration; 1993, Wedener University School of Law J.D. Occupation: State Representative Qualifications: 1973-1981, Mayor California Borough; 1983-present, State Representative; 1993-present, Attorney For more information: phone (724) 938-8953 or email PJDassoc@verizon.net Response to question: Beside the CHIP and cover all kids, we must work diligently to work with the governor to pass cover all Pennsylvanians. The are extremely too many adults w/o adequate health care coverage. RANDY J. BARLI Washington D.O.B. 04/24/1955 Education: 1988, Pennsylvania State University, ASEET Occupation: Forced retirement 02/28/01 Qualifications: Council, 1983-89,2000-02; Democratic Committee, 2003-07, 2007-11; Licensed Insured Electric Contractor, 1985-2001; Federal Electric Project Manager, recovered $1/2 million others loss within ½ year; Service, maintenance, fuel and grocery businesses, 1958-76; USWA #1557 and #1187 10th District, UMWA #1248 2nd District and #1648 31st District For more information: phone (724) 938-8202 Response to question: 1. Require/enforce responsibility upon the medical/insurance industries and all. 2. Secure employment/business opportunities for all, enabling the purchase of excellent coverage or be ejecte3d from Public Office/Service. 3. Immediately fund costs with Elected Officials Gambling Benefits well described in Rule #65b paragraph #2a-k in Pennsylvania’s Manual pate 3-211/212. They have defined “cheating isn’t cheating when authorized” in Title 4 ss1103 PA.C.S. on Amusements (Gaming). 4. Positive responsible alternatives are needed, not irresponsible ones! BARBARA REIS North Charleroi Boro D.OB. 08/12/1952 Education: Graduate Punxsutawney Are High School; member of Pennsylvania Paraoptometric Association, 26 years; numerous continuing education classes. Occupation: Paraoptometric, 26 years, office of Dr. George Toohey; Tax Collector, 4 years, North Charleroi Boro Qualifications: State qualified elected tax collector; volunteer Mon Valley Hospital For more information: phone (724) 483-3034 or e-mail barbarajreis@yahoo.com Response to question: I believe the commonwealth proposal to cover all Pennsylvanians (CAP) is a good plan to insure health care coverage for low income working families. The basic health insurance plans made available to small businesses that have not offered health care coverage before will be a great benefit for employees and their families. Also, expansion of wellness programs and education of preventative medicine will lower long-term health care cost. REPUBLICAN No candidate HOUSE DISTRICT 50 Includes East Bethlehem and Centerville. DEMOCRATIC (Vote for one) BILL DEWEESE Did not respond REPUBLICAN (Voter for one) GREG HOPKINS Morris Township, Nineveh D.O.B. 11/16/71 Education: 1994, Slippery Rock Univ., B.S. Occupation: Coach Qualifications: Township Auditor, 6 years For more information: visit VOTEGREGHOPKINS.com or phone 724 852-1677 Response to question: did not respond DELEGATES TO NATIONAL PARTY CONVENTIONS Delegates to the 2008 national political conventions are elected at this time. Delegates choose the party’s nominees for President and Vice President and write party platforms. Alternates have no vote unless they replace a delegate. In both parties delegates are elected by congressional districts (districts 12 & 18 in Washington County). Democratic candidates for election as delegate run as committed to a presidential candidate, with the name of that candidate included on the ballot. They are committed to that candidate on the first convention ballot only; they could be released by the candidate prior to that. Democratic voters may vote for any combination of delegates they choose. It does not have to coincide with their expression of preference for a presidential candidate. Delegates are elected as individuals, even if committed to a candidate, and no voter has to choose the entire slate of delegates for one candidate. While Republican candidates for delegate may publicly express a preference for a particular presidential candidate, that information does not appear on the ballot, and they are not committed to vote for a particular candidate. Note: in addition to elected delegates, the Democratic State Committee will appoint 35 at-large delegates chosen to provide gender, ethnic and racial diversity, as well as 3 uncommitted add-on delegates. Both parties also send certain elected officials and party leaders as delegates, the so-called super-delegates. DEMOCRATIC DELEGATE CANDIDATES DISTRICT 12 - 5 to be elected, 2M, 2F, 1 either gender PAULETTE I. HARVEY, F -- Obama HELEN K WHITEFORD, F -- Clinton MARK S. SINGEL, M -- Obama DAVE CASKER, M -- Obama STEPHEN LUCAS, M -- Clinton VINCENT A. VICITES, M -- Clinton HEATH M. LONG, M -- Clinton PAM F. SNYDER, F -- Clinton CARL A. HABERL, M -- Obama LORETTA A. RITTLE, F – Obama ALTERNATE DELEGATE --1 F to be elected VIVIAN MILHOLLAN, F -- Obama MALLORY O. CODER., F -- Clinton DISTRICT 18 - 5 to be elected, 2M, 2F, 1 either gender DANNY P. CERRONE JR., M -- Obama J. BRACKEN BURNS, SR., M -- Clinton MICHAEL J. CROSSEY, M -- Clinton CHRISTOPHER SCHULTZ, M -- Obama E. JEFF HOLMES, M -- Obama VALERIE MCDONALD ROBERTS, F -- Obama NANCY PATTON MILLS, F -- Clinton LILLIAN M. SMITH, F -- Obama JOHN L. TARKA, M – Clinton ALTERNATE DELEGATE - 1 F to be elected DIANA L. REED, F -- Obama FAITH ANN STIPANOVICH, F -- Clinton REPUBLICAN DELEGATE CANDIDATES DISTRICT 12-- 3 to be elected CHRIS M. GLEASON DON M. WHITE EIRIK V. WESTCOAT STEVEN C. O'CONNOR BILL HARRIS TIMOTHY M. GARSO ALTERNATE DELEGATE -- 3 to be elected JEFFREY J. WESTCOAT JOSEPH NICK HORVATH DISTRICT 18-- 4 to be elected GENEVA MCKEE, GABRIEL PELLATHY DEE SPAHR RYAN KELVINGTON JOSEPH DISARRO TOM BROWAND MARY JO SILVIS ELAINE WARREN BOB DODDATO JACQUELINE BAGUET BEATRICE BROWAND CHRIS A.DETAR ALTERNATE DELEGATE - 4 to be elected GERRY D. GEER JUDY BROWN BOB DODDATO ROXANNE BUCKELS SONIA M. STOPPERICH CODY KNOTTS |
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