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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PENNSYLVANIA CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND VOTERS GUIDE MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION MAY 16, 2006 COPYRIGHT 2006 LWVPA-CEF 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 of each office.
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? DEMOCRATIC (vote for one)
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 has increased its investment in education by 24% since 2003. We are funding full-day kindergarten, smaller classes and other proven programs, and we are increasing resources in communities that cannot afford to adequately fund their schools. We must build on these achievements by doing even more to deliver on the promise of a quality education for every child and by holding our school leaders accountable for boosting student skills. REPUBLICAN (vote for one)
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.
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? DEMOCRATIC (vote for one)
OCCUPATION: Builder/Carpenter QUALIFICATIONS: I believe that my background in business, a willingness to work hard, life experience, an understanding of the needs of the common man in rural Pennsylvania, and a strong foundation based on common sense, make me more than adequately qualified to fulfill the position of Lieutenant Governor. ANSWER TO QUESTION: I support Governor Rendell’s proposal for “foundation funding” at a level of $8500 per student and, if elected, would work to get that legislation passed. The Governor’s present temporary Special Assistance Supplement that is a beginning to closing the gap between the wealthier and poorer school districts is also important and I am behind additional funding of $23 million for next year and would also work to see that legislation passed.
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.
OCCUPATION: Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds QUALIFICATIONS: Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds, 2002 to present; Pittsburgh City Council Member, 1994 to 2001; Chairperson, Committee on Finance & Budget; Pittsburgh Board of Education Member 1989 to 1994 ANSWER TO QUESTION: In Pennsylvania’s current system of education funding, schools in economically depressed areas struggle even as homeowners suffer an increasing property tax burden. The state must increase its share of the cost of education, focusing on proven strategies for achievement such as smaller classes, teacher training, and early childhood education. A funding framework in which the state contributes a significant share of costs will reduce the gap between affluent and struggling communities while providing tax relief.
OCCUPATION: Only candidate to fight for and win the repeal of the legislative pay increase of 2005. Policy Analyst for police, firefighter, EMT, and emergency management communications issues including interoperability, DTV conversion and national funding for disaster communications. Media consultant. QUALIFICATIONS: 10 years Pennsylvania House of Representatives legal and research analyst; 6 years Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board; January 1, 2006, named “Person of the Year” by the Philadelphia Inquirer ANSWER TO QUESTION: The continuation of the education policies of the administration of Governor Edward G. Rendell is a very high priority. The focus on early education and completion of secondary education, coupled with career counseling must be continued. Improved precise increased funding for successful programs and early recognition of which programs are not fulfilling the education needs of the students is also a priority. REPUBLICAN (vote for one)
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: NO REPLY
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 stop the overreaching of power by the Executive Branch and to restore our Constitutional system of Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and the Rule of Law? DEMOCRATIC (vote for one)
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: Washington needs to be focused on protecting and enhancing our greatest competitive advantage – access to high quality public education for everyone. Public education will be one of my top priorities in the U.S. Senate. I will continue to fight for increased funding for child care, early childhood education, full and adequate funding of No Child Left Behind, increased support for after-school programs, and more assistance to help parents send their children to college
OCCUPATION: Attorney at Sandals & Associates, P.C. QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty years as an attorney fighting for working people in the field of pensions and medical benefits. Currently President of the Support Center for Child Advocates, which provides volunteer legal representation to abused and neglected children. ANSWER TO QUESTION: I will speak out and act courageously to protect our economic and national security interests and the integrity of our government. The White House and Congress, led by Republicans like Rick Santorum, have deceived the American people and made terrible choices on the critical issues threatening our future, including Iraq, health care, job outsourcing, energy, and global warming. As Senator, I will stand up for ordinary citizens and fight power with truth.
EDUCATION: 1981, University of California at Berkley, B.A.; 1991, University of Colorado at Boulder, M.A.; 1996, University of Colorado at Boulder, PHD. OCCUPATION: University Professor QUALIFICATIONS: I served as personal aide to US Senator Alan Cranston, as military personnel advocate for Congressman Ron Dellums. I have been involved in community, political, and labor-organizing for 33 years. I teach National Securities Studies, Politics and the Media, and American History. I’ve previously taught World, Diplomatic, and European History. ANSWER TO QUESTION: I would demand a Congressional declaration of war before the U.S. engages in military action extending more than 48 hours, as provided by the War Power Resolution of 1973. I would actively promote the equal balance of foreign military, and domestic intelligence authority among the branches. I would seek to end off-line budgeting for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and investigate closed-door policy making by the Executive branch on energy strategy and intelligence. REPUBLICAN (vote for one)
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.
SENATOR IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 48TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT 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 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 REPUBLICAN
OCCUPATION: Senate Majority Leader QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Born and reared in Lebanon, married to Donna Long Brightbill, five sons and one granddaughter; Senate Majority Leader (2000-present); Majority Whip (1996-2000); Chairman, Environmental Resources Committee (1990-96); Chairman, Policy Committee (1990-92); District Attorney of Lebanon ......... ANSWER TO QUESTION: We must provide additional relief and move away from burdening property owners with school taxes. We must develop and implement strong, voter-based local cost control measures. We must continue the improvements in state funding that have been enacted to benefit districts with high local tax effort, rapid growth, low local wealth, and districts with a higher percentage of students with limited English proficiency. The goal is to improve state funding to all school districts.
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Sales specialist for Henise Tire Service QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 1986-1988 Lebanon City Council; I meet all the requirements of the State Constitution to run for this office. ANSWER TO QUESTION: The State Constitution says the State has an obligation to fund education but we need to eliminate antiquated system of funding with property taxes. Older home owners shouldn't have the worry that they may lose their homes. We need to focus on how much government is spending and control that cost. The P.R.I.M.E. Commission Fund 1 billion in wasteful spending. We should control cost, focus on reducing spending not just practice a tax shifting shell game.
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: Property tax reform has still not happened in Pennsylvania. If elected, what specific steps will you take to make reform a reality? 101ST LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT (Vote for One) REPUBLICAN
CURRENT OCCUPATION: PA State Representative 101st District QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS JOB: 2 term State Legislature; 12 yrs Palmyra Borough Council (President); Lebanon Valley Chamber Board; Athena Award recipient ANSWER TO QUESTION: While there appears to be universal interest in property tax reform, creating a fair and equitable formula remains a significant challenge. Meaningful tax reform will require establishing parameters on education expenditures as well as a shift from real estate taxes to local income taxes, increased consumer taxes or a mix of both. It is critical that we recognize that any plan to restructure property tax may impact the QUALITY of education in Pennsylvania.
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Business owner/substitute teacher QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS JOB.: I am not a politician. For thirty years as a high school teacher and pharmaceutical company spokesperson, I have been required by law, to maintain a high degree of honesty, morality and education. These are my political qualifications. ANSWER TO QUESTION: Evolving from the legislative conference committee is a plan that seems to resolve the worse result of skyrocketing school property tax. Reform, however, cannot be a back-end process only. I advocate county-wide school systems to rein administrative cost; moving all school district health care to the state health care plan; and, placing caps on taxpayer contributions to all state employee pension plans and requiring constant rate contributions. Reform must begin by recognizing the problem.
102ND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT (Vote for one) REPUBLICAN PETER J. ZUG Lebanon; D.O.B.: 11/11/59; EDUCATION: 1976, ELCO; 1980, Kutztown University, B.S. OCCUPATION: State Representative QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS JOB: Appropriations Sub-Commitee Chairman on Education; Chesapeake Bay Commission, Pennsylvania Vice-Chairman Military Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee; Insurance Committee; Consumer Affairs Committee; Taxpayer Hero Award; Meritorious Service Award presented by Gov. Schweiker; Special Recognition from the PA American Legion for work on Veterans Issues.......... ANSWER TO QUESTION: As a member of the Special Session Finance Committee, I have worked hard to get a tax reform proposal out of the House and into conference committee. It is my hope we can put into place a sizable reduction of property taxes, an expanded property tax rent rebate program and a voter approval referendum in place shortly. Since the Commonwealth Caucus plan failed, which I supported, revenue will probably be derived from a combination of gambling money, lottery funds and an income tax. ROSEMARIE SWANGER, Jonestown; D.O.B.: 10/31/45 EDUCATION: South Lebanon High School graduate, 1963; Thompson Institute, Harrisburg, 1963-64; Business and Management courses thru Lebanon Valley College, 1981-83 CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS JOB: City Clerk, 18 years; County Commissioner, 20 years; awarded for leadership and service by City Council, ABWA, Jaycee Women, Boy Scouts, BPW, DDS, Cornwall Manor, PCCD, PA Senate, and Commission for Women. ANSWER TO QUESTION: I will work hard for property tax RELIEF, not reform, which is just another word for tax shifting. People want to pay less taxes, not just taxes by another name. To fund critical and necessary services, I believe several options should be placed on the ballot allowing citizens to choose how to pay taxes. Also, I believe a cap should be placed on school taxes like there is on taxes levied by other units of local government. ####
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EDWARD
G. RENDELL
LYNN SWANN, 
WILLIAM A.
HALL, III, 
CATHERINE
BAKER-KNOLL
VALERIE
MCDONALD ROBERTS
GENE STILP,
JIM
MATTHEWS, 
BOB CASEY, 
ALAN
SANDALS, 
CHUCK
PENNACCHIO; 
RICK
SANTORUM; 
