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2006 General Election UNITED STATES SENATOR 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 of both houses is required to pass a law. 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. TERM: 6 years, SALARY: $165, 200 Question: As a U.S. Senator, what would you do to control the overreaching of power by the Executive Branch and restore our Constitutional system of Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and the Rule of Law. (Vote for one) DEMOCRATIC
EDUCATION: 1982, College of the Holy Cross, B.A., 1988, Catholic University, J.D. OCCUPATION: Pennsylvania State Treasurer QUALIFICATIONS: Pennsylvania Auditor General, 8 years, Pennsylvania State Treasurer, 2005 to Present ANSWER TO QUESTION: The U.S. Senate and Rick Santorum have abdicated their responsibility to act as a check and balance on the Bush Administration. Santorum is a rubber stamp who has voted with President Bush 98% of the time. I will be a watchdog, not a lapdog. For example, I will use my experience as Pennsylvania Auditor General to push for hearings and investigations into allegations of war profiteering. REPUBLICAN
EDUCATION: Pennsylvania State University, B.A., University of Pittsburgh, M.A., Dickinson School of Law, J.D. OCCUPATION: U.S. Senator QUALIFICATIONS: Served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate (1994-Present), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Republican Conference, Serves on the Agricultural, Banking, Finance, Aging, and Rules Committees. ANSWER TO QUESTION: In taking the oath of office of the United States Senate, I swore to uphold and defend the Constitution against all enemies, and I have spent every day in office upholding that oath. As a United States Senator, I am committed to protecting the Constitution including the enumerated checks and balances, which ensure the separation of powers and preserve the rule of law. PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR JOB DESCRIPTION: The Governor, as the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth, administers the laws and manages the financial affairs of the state, has extensive appointive powers, and may approve or veto every bill passed by both houses of the General Assembly. The Governor may serve only two terms in succession. Term: 4 years Salary: $161, 173 Question: What changes in the current structure for funding public schools would you recommend to ensure that all students have equal access to a high quality public education? PENNSYLVANIA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JOB DESCRIPTION: The Lt. Governor will be elected jointly with the Governor in the General Election. Candidates are nominated separately in the Primary. The Lt. Governor is President of the Senate, but has no vote except in case of a tie. In case of death, conviction or impeachment, failure to qualify, resignation, or other disability of the Governor, the powers, duties and salaries of the office are assumed by the Lt. Governor for the remainder of the term or until the disability is removed. TERM: 4 years - SALARY: $135,383 Question: What changes in the current structure for funding public schools would you recommend to ensure that all students have equal access to a high quality public education? (Vote for one) DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR
EDUCATION: 1965, University of Pennsylvania, B.A., 1968, Villanova Law School, J.D. OCCUPATION: Governor QUALIFICATIONS: Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 2003 to present, Mayor, City of Philadelphia, 1992 to 1999, District Attorney, City of Philadelphia, 1978 to 1985, United States Army Veteran ANSWER TO QUESTION: Under my leadership, Pennsylvania increased its investment in education by 26% and we are one of only seven states making progress in elementary school reading and math. We are funding full-day kindergarten and smaller classes, while increasing resources in communities that cannot afford to adequately fund their schools. We must do even more to deliver on the promise of a quality education for every child and hold our school leaders accountable for boosting student skills.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
EDUCATION: B.A. and Masters Degree, Duquesne University, Attended Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania OCCUPATION: Lieutenant Governor QUALIFICATIONS: State Treasurer, 1989 to 1997, Small Business Owner, School Teacher ANSWER TO QUESTION: I have consistently championed property tax relief that strikes a balance between the needs of taxpayers and of our schools. I will continue to ensure that any property tax relief plan is sufficiently flexible to the vital needs of our public education system. I am in full support of the Governor’s plan of making sure that all public school students in the Commonwealth receive the highest quality education no matter what zip code they reside in. REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR
EDUCATION: 1974, University of Southern California, B.A., Journalism OCCUPATION: President, Swann, Inc.; HJ Heinz Board of Directors, Member; Hershey Resort and Entertainment Corporation Board, Member QUALIFICATIONS: President, Swann, Inc.; HJ Heinz Board of Directors, Member; Hershey Resort and Entertainment Corporation Board, Member; President’s Council on Physical Fitness (Chairman); National Board Chairman, Big Brothers Big Sisters (Chairman of the Board, 1993-1995) ANSWER TO QUESTION: I have proposed sweeping education reform that includes historic investment in classrooms, rewarding teachers whose students achieve, and an innovative program to make sure children have adequate reading and math skills by the fourth grade. I also believe we must get rid of the antiquated property tax system, and move to a system that is fair and simple, providing a quality education at a cost taxpayers can afford. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
D.O.B: 01/02/1949 EDUCATION: College of Holy Cross OCCUPATION: President, Keegan Mortgage Corporation QUALIFICATIONS: U.S. Navy Veteran Served on Montgomery Board of Commissioners Elected Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Board of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
ANSWER TO QUESTION: Educating our young people is a top priority for the Swann/Matthews Administration. We have proposed several educational improvements such as Educational Opportunity Zones (EOZs) which will focus on schools across the Commonwealth that are simply not measuring up. Many schools in Pennsylvania are doing well; we must concentrate our tools and resources on those that are not. Lynn Swann and I have also outlined several other reforms including allocating a greater portion of the education budget to classroom instruction, providing incentives for teachers to excel, and demanding accountability and demonstrable results. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALLOT QUESTION ONE * * * PERSIAN GULF CONFLICT VETERANS’ COMPENSATION FUND REFERENDUM (Vote YES or NO) Do you favor indebtedness by the Commonwealth of up to $20,000,000 for the payment of compensation for service in the Persian Gulf Conflict of 1990-1991? PLAIN ENGLISH STATEMENT PERSIAN GULF CONFLICT VETERANS’ COMPENSATION FUND REFERENDUM ACT NO. 29 OF 2006 The ballot question asks the voters of Pennsylvania whether they approve of the Commonwealth borrowing $20 million to create a fund for the payment of compensation to veterans of the United States Armed Forces who served in the Persian Gulf Conflict and were Pennsylvania residents at the time of such service. The Persian Gulf Conflict was fought in 1990 and 1991 following the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq.
If the ballot question is approved, payments will be made from the Persian Gulf
Conflict Veterans’ Compensation Fund in the following amounts: (1) up to $525 to
a veteran of the Conflict; (2) $5,000 to a veteran who was a prisoner of war in
the Conflict; and (3) $5,000 to the survivors of a veteran who died in the
Conflict or from a wound, disease, or injury sustained during the Conflict. Act No. 29 of 2006, which presents the ballot question to the voters, authorizes the Pennsylvania Adjutant General to create rules and procedures for administering payments from the Compensation Fund. If necessary to meet the obligations of the Fund, Act 29 authorizes the Governor to transfer money from the General Fund to the Compensation Fund and to reimburse the General Fund from other available funds. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS JOB DESCRIPTION A Representative serves the electorate as a policy and lawmaker for the United States. He or she is responsible for considering and voting on legislative initiatives that concern national policy and programs ranging from national security to taxation. He or she also has oversight of the executive branch of government through review and approval of budgets, expenditures and program accomplishments. Term: 2 years Salary: $165,200 QUESTION: As U.S. Representative, what would you do to stop the overreaching of power by the Executive Branch and to restore our Constitutional system for Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and the Rule of Law? 17TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT (vote for one) DEMOCRATIC TIM HOLDEN, St. Clair D.O.B: 03/05/1957 EDUCATION: Bloomsburg Univeristy OCCUPATION: Member, US House of Representatives 17th Congressional District QUALIFICATIONS: Schuylkill County Sheriff 1985-98; former probation officer; former real estate agent, insurance broker ANSWER TO QUESTION: As a U.S. Representative, I feel there should be more committee hearings, which would provide greater congressional oversight and begin to re-establish our constitutional system of checks and balances. Too many times, when the White House and Congress are governed by the same party, there is a sense of urgency to pass initiatives without the necessary due diligence. We need to return to the days of important, devoted, and responsive congressional committees. REPUBLICAN MATTHEW A. WERTZ NO REPLY PENNSYLVANIA SENATE JOB DESCRIPTION – A Senator serves the electorate as a law and policy maker for the Commonwealth. He or she is responsible for considering and voting on major legislative proposals that affect the entire state as well as minor legislation that affects only selected areas of the Commonwealth. He or she also has oversight of the executive branch of government through review and approval of budgets, expenditures and program accomplishments. Term: 4 years Salary: $72,187 (base salary) QUESTION:What changes in current structure for funding public schools would you recommend to ensure that all students have equal access to a high quality education? 48th DISTRICT (vote for one) DEMOCRATIC
EDUCATION: Reading High 67; Vietnam 69 and 71; AA 1980 OCCUPATION: Retired drinking water plant operator after 30 yrs; part time Manheim Auto QUALIFICATIONS: Retired at age 56; worked many trades; volunteered Reading Hospital; Democratic Committee person in Berks and Lebanon; not a career politician; see www.John Liss.com. ANSWER TO QUESTION: The current structure put in place, after a 3 year battle by Ed Randel, like it or not, has not been implemented as of yet due to partisan politics. Lets cut the games and fix our problems. Do I believe that property tax needs to be eliminated - Yes. Do I believe the Federal government should stay out of our schools - Yes. REPUBLICAN
EDUCATION: Lebanon Senior H.S. Class of 1974; Grace College BA History 1978 OCCUPATION: Wholesale Tire Sales Rep QUALIFICATIONS: Served on Lebanon City Council - director of Public Safety 1986-1988 ANSWER TO QUESTION: We need tests that measure student learning. We need accountability for teachers, principles and superintendants. We need to give taxpayers more say on the property taxes they pay - beginning with a taxpayer bill of rights. We need to eliminate unfunded state mandates and other government red tape. We need to continue the Education Investment Tax Credit program where money follows the student. Parents need choice and involvement. REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY JOB DESCRIPTION: A Representative serves the electorate as a law and policy maker for the Commonwealth. He or she is responsible for considering and voting on major legislative proposals that affect state and minor legislation that affects only select districts in the Commonwealth. A Representative also has oversight of the executive branch of government through the review and approval of budgets, expenditures and program accomplishments. Every law concerning taxation must originate in the House. TERM: 2 years Salary: $72,187 (base salary) QUESTION: What changes in current structure for funding public schools would you recommend to ensure that all students have equal access to a high quality education? 101st ASSEMBLY DISTRICT (vote for one) REPUBLICAN
Palmyra D.O.B: 07/10/1946 EDUCATION: Lebanon Catholic High School; Hershey Junior College; PA College of Medical Arts OCCUPATION: PA State Legislator since 2003 QUALIFICATIONS: Current State Legislator, 101st District; twelve years as member of Palmyra Borough Council, nine years of president; Borough Planning Commission; Borough Civil service Commission; small business owner; health care professional ANSWER TO QUESTION: Equal access to the highest quality education is the cornerstone for both the economic health and the quality of life in the Commonwealth. It is essential that we consider factors such as an escalating population growth in some districts and decreasing tax revenues in other districts. This has led to an inequity in the distribution of school funding dollars. State funding must be distributed on fair per student ratio. GREEN
EDUCATION: High school: Lebanon Senior High (class of 1970); U.S. Navy, "Quartermaster 'A' School (Navigation); College: Casper Community College (Liberal Arts) Casper, Wyoming; H.A.C.C. (Harrisburg) 2 Associate Degrees (Legal Assistant; Criminal Justice); Penn State University (Harrisburg) Public Law/Policy courses. Flinders University (Adelaide, So. Australia) Australian law courses. OCCUPATION: Held "Act - 235" permit. ANSWER TO QUESTION: Consolidate the many school districts to only 67. Stop the use of computers; calculators for children under 5th grade to promote cognitive understanding of reading books; science; mathematics. Mandate second language courses. Teach comparative religious classes. Strengthen Arts; literature; science courses. Eliminate junk food/soda vending machines. Promote health and socialization by giving all children no matter parent income transfat free breakfast to attack obesity. 102nd ASSEMBLY DISTRICT (vote for one) REPUBLICAN
EDUCATION: South Lebanon High School, 1963 grad.; Thompson Institute, Harrisburg, 1963-1964; Management courses thru LVC, 1981-1983 OCCUPATION: Retired QUALIFICATIONS: Former Lebanon City Clerk; 5-term County Commissioner; defeated incumbent in 2006 primary; awarded for leadership and services by City Council, ABWA, Jaycee Women, Boy Scouts, BPW, DDS, Cornwall Manor, Southcentral Employment Corp., Kiwanis, PCCD, Pa............ ANSWER TO QUESTION:1. State should fund schools at original 50% reimbursement level; 2. Put more money into actual education rather than buildings, sports, etc. 3. More spent on increasing attendance (can't teach children who don't go to school); 4. Fund rigorous safety training, especially lockdown procedures;5. Monetarily reward school performance with rating system which considers difficulties faced by poor districts; and 6. Replace property tax with income and/or consumption tax chosen by taxpayers, and place limit on school millage. LIBERTARIAN
EDUCATION: Eastern Lebanon County High School - 1974; Undergraduate Studies: Elizabethtown College - Engineering; Post Graduate Studies: Stevens Institute of Technology - Computer Science (Dean's List); Continuing Education: Harrisburg Area Community College - Programming OCCUPATION: Computer Software Developer/Programmer QUALIFICATIONS: I am Constitutionally qualified to hold office; and offer exceptional skill in analyzing and solving complex problems. ANSWER TO QUESTION: The Legislature should eliminate all school district taxing authority, to be replaced by uniform statewide funding, eliminating the residential property tax. The new structure will emphasize cost containment, and will subsidize all schools at an equal rate per student. Parents will be allowed to send their children to any public school in the State, and schools will compete to provide the best quality education. Please visit www.rayondrusek.org for more information. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PENNSYLVANIA CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND, VOTERS GUIDE GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 7, 2006 The League of Women Voters publishes this information neither to endorse nor to reject the views of any candidate quoted and does not assume responsibility for the contents of a candidate’s reply. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations in the interest of space and to edit from the bottom of a candidate’s answer when the total response exceeds the word limit. The candidates were asked to list their education, occupation and qualifications for the office they seek. They were also asked to reply to the question following the job description for of each office.
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BOB CASEY, JR.
RICK
SANTORUM
LYNN SWANN, 
JIM
MATTHEWS, 
