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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PENNSYLVANIA

CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND VOTERS GUIDE

GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 2, 2004

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. Statewide information in this guide lists candidates for President of the United States and provides information on candidates for U.S. Senator, Pennsylvania Attorney General, Auditor General and Treasurer.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE

The Electoral College was a compromise written into the U.S. Constitution in 1787, with the result that the President and Vice President are not elected directly by the people, but by Presidential Electors. Electing the President indirectly through the Electoral College rather than directly by the voters was seen by the founders as a hedge against “popular passion.”

The number of each state’s Electors is equal to the number of Senators and Representatives a state has in Congress. Pennsylvania has 21 and each political party’s presidential nominee has chosen that number of Presidential Electors committed to the nominee. The candidate receiving the highest number of popular votes gets the state’s entire electoral vote.

While Pennsylvanians will choose the Electors and not the President and Vice President at this election, the names of the electors do not appear on the ballot. Instead, the paired names of the candidates for President and Vice President are on the ballot under the heading “Presidential Electors.” All votes cast for the candidates for President and Vice President are counted as votes for that party’s Electors. The Electors, in turn, will cast Pennsylvania’s vote for President and Vice President.

PARTY PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT

DEMOCRATIC

REPUBLICAN

LIBERTARIAN

GREEN

CONSTITUTION

INDEPENDENT

JOHN F. KERRY

GEORGE W. BUSH

MICHAEL BADNARIK

DAVID K. COBB

MICHAEL ANTHONY PEROUTKA

RALPH NADER

JOHN EDWARDS

DICK CHENEY

RICHARD V. CAMPAGNA

PATRICIA H. LAMARCHE

CHUCK BALDWIN

PETER MIGUEL CAMEJO

Information about the candidates for president can be found at http://www.dnet.org/pa

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: $158,100

QUESTION: a. What is your position on the USA Patriot Act and are you in favor of the SAFE (Security and Freedom Ensured) Act which addresses some of the most problematic provisions of the Patriot Act? b. In October 2005, select provisions of the USA Patriot Act are scheduled to sunset. Do you support the renewal of those provisions and/or expansion of the Patriot Act?"

DEMOCRATIC

JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL, Abington, DATE OF BIRTH: 09/03/1950

	EDUCATION: 1972, Boston University, BA; 1986, Temple Law School, JD
	OCCUPATION: United States Congressman representing Pennsylvania’s 13^th Congressional District
	QUALIFICATIONS: PA House, 1977-84; Montgomery Co. Commissioner, 1991-98; United States Congressman for Pennsylvania’s 13^th District, 1999-present.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: I voted for the Patriot Act in 2001 because law enforcement needed additional tools to fight terrorism but the administration has since implemented the law without full disclosure of its activities to the American people. I am currently cosponsoring the SAFE Act. I have introduced legislation to require regular disclosure by the Justice Department of its use of the Patriot Act’s surveillance and intelligence-gathering powers. Without full disclosure I will not vote to reauthorize.

REPUBLICAN

ARLEN SPECTER, Philadelphia, DATE OF BIRTH: 02/12/1930

	EDUCATION: 1951, University of Pennsylvania, BA-International Relations; 1956, Yale University, LLB
	OCCUPATION: United States Senator
	QUALIFICATIONS: U.S. Senator, 23 yrs.; Philadelphia District Attorney, 8 yrs.; Warren Commission, Assistant Counsel; U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, 3 yrs.; I have received countless awards for my leadership and performance as a United States Senator.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: I support the key provision of the Patriot Act which admits in a criminal trial evidence obtained through a warrant under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. I voted against roving wiretaps. I co-sponsored the SAFE Act to prohibit seizure of items like library books with administrative subpoenas which do not establish probable cause ascertained by a judicial official. I support comprehensive Judiciary Committee hearings before consideration of re-authorization of the Patriot Act.

LIBERTARIAN

BETSY SUMMERS, Wilkes-Barre, DATE OF BIRTH: 05/10/1957

	EDUCATION: 1976, Centenary College, AA
	OCCUPATION: Property Manager; Home Rehabilitation; Independent Broker for Market America
	QUALIFICATIONS: Elected Judge of Elections, Wilkes-Barre City 6-1, 1997-present; Elected to Luzerne Co. Home Rule Study Commission, 2001-2003; American Business Women’s Assn., 1995-present; Member Wilkes-Barre Taxpayers Assn.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: a. I oppose the USA Patriot Act. Americans are not safer because of it, if anything the opposite is true we are a less free nation as envisioned by the Founders. I support any measure that will strengthen the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. b. Compromising the civil liberties of the American people in the name of security is wrong whether accomplished by terrorists or governments. The USA Patriot Act should not be renewed or expanded.

CONSTITUTION

JAMES N. CLYMER, Millersville, DATE OF BIRTH: 05/04/1948

	EDUCATION: 1972, Millersville University, BS-History; 1978, Washburn University School of Law, JD
	OCCUPATION: Attorney
	QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-six years of multi-faceted law practice, extensive involvement in public policy issues.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: The Founding Fathers would be horrified at the PATRIOT Act’s erosion of the lawyer-client privilege, legalization of search warrants without notification, and violations of privacy within our homes, businesses and private communications. The SAFE Act is therefore necessary but not sufficient and some PATRIOT Act provisions should sunset in 2005. Notwithstanding legitimate reasons to investigate security risks, the Bush administration is using the terrorist threat to deprive Americans of traditional safeguards against tyranny.

STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Attorney General is the head of the Department of Justice and is Pennsylvania’s chief legal officer. The Attorney General enforces the criminal laws of the state, convenes investigative grand juries and nominates a Consumer Advocate, prosecutes organized crime and public corruption, and enforces drug laws. In civil matters, the Attorney General shares the responsibility for the Commonwealth and its agencies with the Governor’s Office of General Counsel and independent agency counsels.

Term: 4 years, Salary: $120,154

QUESTION: What specific priorities do you have if elected to this office?

DEMOCRATIC

JIM EISENHOWER, Philadelphia, DATE OF BIRTH: 01/30/1958

	EDUCATION: 1984, Oxford University, MPhil (Marshall Scholar); 1982, Antioch University, JD; 1979, Temple University, BA
	OCCUPATION: Attorney
	QUALIFICATIONS: Federal Prosecutor for 7 yrs.; Served under President Clinton as an aide to the National Security Advisor; Served under Governor Rendell as Chairman of the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency; Private Practice 10 yrs.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: As Attorney General, I will have a dual focus: keep our communities safe and protect consumers by creating a “Consumer’s Bill of Rights” to combat fraud and abuse. A chief goal of the “Bill of Rights” will be to lower health care costs by targeting the insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms that too often gouge patients. I will also target polluters who endanger our water and air and people who prey upon older Pennsylvanians.

REPUBLICAN

TOM CORBETT, Glenshaw, DATE OF BIRTH: 06/17/1949

	EDUCATION: 1971, Lebanon Valley College, BA; 1975, St. Mary’s University School of Law, JD
	OCCUPATION: Attorney
	QUALIFICATIONS: Assistant District Attorney in Allegheny Co., 3½ yrs.; Assistant U.S. Attorney for Western District of PA, 3½ yrs.; U.S. Attorney for Western District of PA, 4 yrs.; Attorney General of PA, 15 mo. (1995-1997); Chairman, PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency, 8 yrs.; Private Practice Attorney, 12 yrs.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: Throughout my career, I have fought to protect all Pennsylvanians. As Attorney General, I will continue to aggressively pursue those who prey on the most vulnerable in our communities, our children and our seniors. I am committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s families in our homes, schools and businesses. I will: make fighting crime and drugs my number one priority; protect our children from sexual predators; and create a unit to prosecute those who prey upon Pennsylvania’s seniors.

GREEN

MARAKAY J. ROGERS, York, DATE OF BIRTH: 03/01/1962

EDUCATION: 1981, Wilson College, BA, magna cum laude, honors in major; 1984, Dickinson School of Law, JD

OCCUPATION: Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS: Legal practice 19 years including criminal defense and civil rights law; 1985 Women in Government Award, PA Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Abolition of the death penalty and mandatory sentencing, which are ineffective at deterring crime and have far cheaper, more effective alternatives; emphasis on preventing crime through increased attention to education, which is the most effective way to reduce crime and prison overcrowding; greater attention to the civil rights and environmental protection units of the Office of the Attorney General.

STATE AUDITOR GENERAL

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Auditor General is head of the department which is responsible for ensuring that all money to which the Commonwealth is entitled has been deposited in the state treasury and that public money has been dispersed legally and properly. By mandate, the department performs over 6,500 audits of state departments, government agencies, state hospitals, universities, state pension funds, district justices and institutions receiving state aid. It also audits the $9 billion in federal funds allocated to Pennsylvania programs.

Term: 4 years, Salary: $120,154

QUESTION: What specific priorities do you have if elected to this office?

DEMOCRATIC

JACK WAGNER, Pittsburgh, DATE OF BIRTH: 01/04/1948

	EDUCATION: 1974, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, BS-Safety Management
	OCCUPATION: State Senator (Allegheny County)
	QUALIFICATIONS: Senator, 10 yrs., Democratic leadership, Appropriations, Banking and Insurance Committees; Pittsburgh City Councilman, 10 yrs. (President, 4 yrs.); Certified Safety Professional, 10 years; Marine Corps, Vietnam combat veteran; Husband and father, 2 children.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: As Auditor General, I will focus on creating jobs, expanding access to health care, strengthening education, improving our infrastructure, and protecting employee pensions. I am the only candidate with thirty years of experience in the public and private sectors watching the bottom line, reforming operations, and protecting working families. My proven record of independence, bipartisanship, and hard work has prepared me to be an effective advocate for Pennsylvania families. For more information, please visit www.jackwagner.org.

REPUBLICAN

JOE PETERS, Scranton, DATE OF BIRTH: 1957

	EDUCATION: 1975, West Scranton High School; 1979, King’s College (Wilkes-Barre), BA; 1983, Dickinson School of Law, JD
	OCCUPATION: Law Enforcement Consultant
	QUALIFICATIONS: Began Career as a Street Cop; Became a Decorated State & Federal Prosecutor; Served Two Presidents as a Senior Official in White House Drug Czar’s Office
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: As Pennsylvania’s Auditor General, I will be an independent watchdog for the taxpayers and citizens of the Commonwealth. I will guard against waste, fraud and abuse in government spending and programs. I will make sure our school districts are fiscally solvent and I will guard the pensions of our cops, firefighters and nurses. I will bring a street cop’s independence and a prosecutor’s common sense to the Office.

LIBERTARIAN

BERLIE R. ETZEL, JR., Shippenville, DATE OF BIRTH: 06/03/1931

	EDUCATION: 1953, Clarion State College, BS Ed; 1962, Penn State University, M Ed
	OCCUPATION: Retired
	QUALIFICATIONS: 40 yrs. activism in Republican and Libertarian parties; Elected Keystone School Board, 2 yrs.; Auditor, Ashland Twp.; Scoutmaster; Mathematics Professor at Cheyney University, 17 yrs.; Civic Assoc. pres.; County Safety Comm.; APSCUF leader.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: An auditor must be above reproach and independent of any partisanship in the conduct of his or her office. As I visited more than 2,000 homes getting signatures for our ballot access needs, I was often asked “why are you doing this?” One of my responses was “to attempt to save some of our liberties which are being taken away gradually and regularly.”

GREEN

BEN G. PRICE, Carlisle, DATE OF BIRTH: 10/29/1952

	EDUCATION: 1974, West Chester, BA
	OCCUPATION: Transportation: Refrigerated Carrier, Operations Dept.
	QUALIFICATIONS: Township Auditor, 3 years; Past President, PA Consumer Action Network; Chair, PA Clean Elections Campaign; Contributing Editor, Groundswell Newsletter, 1995-1999
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: Through financial and performance audits I intend to expose the bartering off of the people’s assets and resources. Our schools must not be privatized, but well-funded through fair-share corporate taxation. Our communities belong to us and we have the right to halt wrongheaded “development” by factory farms and big box stores. Our jobs, our water, our air and soil must not be destroyed or devalued for short-term private gain. I can help.

CONSTITUTION

LEONARD E. RITCHEY, Mechanicsburg, DATE OF BIRTH: 07/15/1942

	EDUCATION: BA/MBA – Management. Military, private sector marketing, consumer service.
	OCCUPATION: Retired Navy officer
	QUALIFICATIONS: Auditing, Quality Assurance foremost officer duties; Safety, stewardship of public property and resources first priority; Executive special assistant, President Reagan’s Executive Office. Coordinated sub-cabinet projects; Executive/State Committee, PA Constitution Party; No political agendas
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: a. Assure myself PA Auditor General’s office is adhering to its charter as defined by statutory/regulatory requirements. b. Learn obstacles PA Auditor General’s Office faces and prepare a plan to eliminate or overcome those obstacles. I would expect both a. and b. to be doable within ninety days of taking office.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE TREASURER

JOB DESCRIPTION

The State Treasurer is the head of the Treasury Department. The department’s major responsibilities are the receipt and deposit of all commonwealth money received from state agencies, management of securities under its jurisdiction, the pre-audit of all requisitions for expenditure of funds, and the payment of state monies to those authorized to receive them.

Term: 4 years, Salary: $120,154

QUESTION: What specific priorities do you have if elected to this office?

DEMOCRATIC

BOB CASEY, JR., Scranton, DATE OF BIRTH: 04/13/1960

	EDUCATION: 1982, Holy Cross, BA-English; 1988, Catholic University School of Law, JD
	OCCUPATION: Auditor General
	QUALIFICATIONS: Nearly eight years’ service as Auditor General, with a record praised by newspapers across Pennsylvania as “solid,” “impressive,” and “unusually effective.” Earned reputation as independent fiscal watchdog, uncovering and stopping millions of dollars in wasteful spending.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: I will build on my experience as an independent, effective Auditor General, leading a $53 million agency and advocating for Pennsylvania families to help make nursing homes safer, child care more affordable, and state government more accountable to the people it serves. I’ll ensure that Pennsylvania makes prudent investments that create jobs, vigilantly protect retirement assets of Pennsylvania workers, and develop initiatives to help families save for college, buy a home, and plan for retirement.

REPUBLICAN

JEAN CRAIGE PEPPER, Erie, DATE OF BIRTH: 01/17/1955

	EDUCATION: 1977, Hollins College, BA-History, Secondary Education Teaching Certification
	OCCUPATION: Retired Senior Financial Advisor and Vice President, Merrill Lynch Investment Company
	QUALIFICATIONS: Financial Professional, 26 years, with a focus on advising public fund portfolios. Appointed to Federal Judicial Review Board for Northwest PA, 1995 to present.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: The Pennsylvania State Treasurer’s Office oversees the custody, safekeeping and management of over $100 billion of Pennsylvania’s funds. My experience presents a skill set extremely valuable for this office. My priority would be to assure a prudent, low risk portfolio structure, with an emphasis on maximizing total return. My goal is to generate revenues for the State through investment earnings in order to decrease the need for higher taxes. I will prioritize the use of Pennsylvania’s investment and banking companies.

LIBERTARIAN

DARRYL W. PERRY, Stahlstown, DATE OF BIRTH: 02/07/1978

	EDUCATION: 1998, Jefferson State, AAS-Mass Communications; Currently attending Link School of Ministry-Pastoral Studies
	OCCUPATION: Security Supervisor
	QUALIFICATIONS: Co-owner of 2 businesses; Chairman of Christians for Life and Liberty
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: I will not write a check that the State can’t cash. I will also not write a check to abortion providers or for any unconstitutional service.

GREEN

PAUL TEESE, Quakertown, DATE OF BIRTH: 01/30/1948

	EDUCATION: 1970, Gettysburg College, BA; 1978, Duke University, MForestry; 1997, SUNY at Stony Brook, PhD
	OCCUPATION: Conservation Biologist
	QUALIFICATIONS: Executive Director, Small Non-Profit; Economic Analyst, US Forest Service; General Manager, Small Manufacturing Business; Personnel Officer, US Air Force
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: My priority will be to work for greater economic justice in three specific ways. First, I will call for a constitutional amendment to repeal the flat tax and replace it with a graduated income tax. Second, I will work to institute a living wage. Third, small business is vital to a strong economy and job growth. I will support small businesses more and large corporations less. On a social issues, I am pro-choice.

CONSTITUTION

MAX LAMPENFELD, Cherryville, DATE OF BIRTH: 09/21/1938

	EDUCATION: 1956, Patton H.S.; numerous military and professional tech schools
	OCCUPATION: retired, but still co-owner of Tri-Star, Inc., Middletown, PA
	QUALIFICATIONS: Successful businessman, 27 years
	ANSWER TO QUESTION: Among other duties, state treasurer is charged to pre-audit expenditure of funds for legality and reasonableness. My first concern is the constitutional basis of the requested expenditures. Secondly, is the request reasonable? Does a specific project cost more than a comparable project in the private sector, and why? Basically, my aim is to spend the hard-earned taxpayers money as wisely as possible.

U.S. REPRESENTIVE IN CONGRESS

17^TH CONGRSSIONAL DISTRICT

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: $150,000

QUESTION:

a. What is your position on the USA Patriot Act and are you in favor of the SAFE (Security and Freedom Ensured ) Act which addresses some of the most problematic provisions of the Patriot Act?

b. In October 2005, select provisions of the USA Patriot Act are scheduled to sunset. Do you support the renewal of those provisions and/or expansion of the Patriot Act?

DEMOCRATIC - (vote for one)

TIM HOLDEN, St. Clair, DATE OF BIRTH: 3/5/1957

	EDUCATION: B.A. in Sociology, Bloomsburg University
	OCCUPATION: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 17^th District
	QUALIFICATIONS: Schuylkill County Sheriff, 1985, reelected in 1989; former real estate broker and insurance agent; probation officer
	ANSWER TO QUESTION:
	a.. I voted for the USA Patriot Act, which Congress quickly and overwhelmingly passed in the aftermath to Sep. 11^th. I will carefully consider the SAFE Act, which seeks a balance in securing America with concerns for infringing civil liberties.
	b. I supported the sunset provisions because Congress was forced to pass the USA Patriot Act rapidly during a time of emergency. I welcome a constructive debate in Congress as these provisions near expiration.

REPUBLICAN

G. SCOTT PATERNO, Hummelstown, DATE OF BIRTH: 11/1/1972

	EDUCATION: B.A. Political Science, Penn State University; J.D., Dickenson School of Law
	OCCUPATION: Attorney
	QUALIFICATIONS: Deputy Counsel to PA State Senate Majority Leader David "Chip" Brightbill; Private Sector Attorney, Morgan, Lewis, and Bockius; member Penn State University Library Development Board; Vice-Chair M.S. Society's Dinner of Champions; entrepreneur – Aralon Apparel, founder
	ANSWER TO QUESTION:
	a. The Patriot Act provides law enforcement with the same tools to fight the War on Terror as we use to fight organized crime. I support the Patriot Act and would not vote to weaken it. It's important we have these tools to defend our homeland
	b. I would vote to reauthorize the Patriot Act, because it provides law enforcement with the same tools to fight the War on Terror that we use to fight organized crime. It's important that we have these tools to defend our homeland.

LIBERTARIAN

RUSS DIAMOND, Annville, DATE OF BIRTH: 7/26/1963

	EDUCATION: Graduate, Northern Lebanon High School, 1981; Graduate, Lebanon County Vo-Tech (Electronics), 1981
	OCCUPATION: Business Owner
	QUALIFICATIONS; Constitutionally qualified
	ANSWER TO QUESTION:
	a. I consider the USA Patriot Act the most threatening piece of legislation to freedom since the Alien & Sedition Act of 1798. I would support any method of reducing or elimination the Act's ability to abridge individual rights, including SAFE, if viable.
	b. I would act to allow provisions of the Act to sunset. I do not support expanding the USA PATRIOT Act until we ensure it no longer infringes on individual rights.

REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

101^ST AND 102^ND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION: A Representative serves the electorate as a policy and lawmaker for the Commonwealth. He or she is responsible for considering and voting on major legislative proposals that affect the entire state and minor legislation that affects only select districts in the Commonwealth. A Representative also has oversight of the executive branch through review and approval of budgets, expenditures and program accomplishments. Every law concerning taxation mist originate in the House.

TERM: 2 years, SALARY: $64,683

QUESTION: How can the Commonwealth meet its constitutional obligation to fund public education while more equitably distribution the tax burden?

101^ST DISTRICT

REPUBLICAN, (vote for one)

MAUREE A. GINGRICH, Palmyra, DATE OF BIRTH: 7/10/1946

	EDUCATION: Lebanon Catholic High School; Hershey Junior College; Pennsylvania College of Medical Arts
	OCCUPATION: Current State Legislator in 101^st District. Former owner of Mature Market Concepts, a qualitative market research company specializing in senior consumer behavior. Worked for over 20 years in healthcare and long term care industry.
	QUALIFICATIONS: A proven record of many years of elected public service in the Lebanon Valley. A strong business background and years of experience in the health care and aging industry provides a knowledge base and network that were proven assets during the first term. We have consistently worked together to support the conservative values of the Lebanon Valley.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION:
	An education system that results in a well-educated and skilled workforce is not only a constitutional obligation but also the cornerstone for success in our Commonwealth. The current funding formula is in need of

LIBERTARIAN

RUSS DIAMOND, Annville, DATE OF BIRTH: 7/26/1963

	EDUCATION: Graduate, Northern Lebanon High School, 1981; Graduate, Lebanon County Vo-Tech (Electronics), 1981
	OCCUPATION: Business Owner
	QUALIFICATIONS: Constitutionally qualified
	ANSWER TO QUESTION:
	The taxation of real estate to fund our schools has become inherently unfair. We must institute a different system such as a universal sales tax. While the PA Constitution directs the General Assembly to provide "maintenance and support", it does not specify taxation as the only funding method. There is no reason why we cannot move closer to a user-fee system by assessing some costs more equitably amongst those who actually use the system.

102^ND DISTRICT

REPUBLICAN, PETER ZUG, Lebanon, DATE OF BIRTH: 11/11/1958

	EDUCATION: Eastern Lebanon County High School, 1976; Kutztown University, B.S. Business Administration 1980
	OCCUPATION: Legislator
	QUALIFICATIONS: Experience as legislator. Serves on House Appropriations, Veterans Affairs, Insurance and Consumer Affairs Committees and the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Also serves as Chairman of the East Central Caucus.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION:
	I will continue to support the Constitution's mandate to provide a "thorough and efficient system of education" by working to increase funding and to distribute it in a manner that considers school districts' wealth. This year the state will spend $7.6 billion on public schools, which amounts to an increase of $557 million, or 7.9% over last year. Additional state funding improves the quality of our schools and helps to relieve the local tax burden.

LIBERTARIAN, RAYMOND ONDRUSEK, Myerstown, DATE OF BIRTH: 9/27/1957

	EDUCATION: ELCO 1974; Elizabethtown College; Stevens Institute of Technology; HACC
	OCCUPATION: Computer Software Developer
	QUALIFICATIONS: Constitutionally qualified to hold office; exceptional skill in analyzing and solving complex problems.
	ANSWER TO QUESTION:
	The Legislature should repeal the School District Property Tax and perform a complete and thorough audit of all state spending programs to eliminate all obsolete, unconstitutional, and inefficient programs. It must equalize business and corporate taxes, repealing all subsidies and exceptions. This will make substantial revenue available to disburse equally per student to the schools. School districts must exercise fiscal responsibility, and should replace administrators who cannot operate schools cost effectively. They should be permitted to charge user fees and tuition to supplement state and federal funding. Parents should be permitted to send their children to any public school without penalty. Please visit www.rayondrusek.org for more information.

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