Candidate for
State Representative; District 201; Democratic Party

PUTTING OUR STATE GOVERNMENT IN ORDER NOW!

The United States is in the worst recession since the Great Depression. Philadelphia County lost 20,000 jobs in 2009. The official unemployment rate in Philadelphia is more than 11.6% and many areas of the city are facing unemployment rates as high as 30%. The citywide poverty rate is 28%. Families are being squeezed by high and prolonged unemployment, rising costs for gasoline, health care and education and have seen a dramatic reduction in housing values, pensions and other forms of savings.

Pennsylvanians are tired of the status quo and a state government that is politically paralyzed. We must destroy the culture of corruption in Harrisburg and restore integrity to government along with a commitment to reform. Our taxpayers deserve a government that puts their needs first and that addresses those needs in the most cost-effective way. We must maintain vital government services without raising taxes.

We need to reform the state contracting process to make it competitive and to inform and encourage more participation by small businesses and minority, women and disabled-owned firms. Open dialogue among the public, Governor and General Assembly should exist to determine priorities. We need much more public input.

To reduce the huge state deficit, we must find greater efficiencies in every department and agency of state government, eliminate waste and save taxpayer dollars.

The legislature must pass state budgets on time. Seven consecutive budgets have not been passed on time. This is a sign of poor planning and political partisanship. State employees, childcare providers, social service agencies and vulnerable families should not be held hostage during this increasingly extended budget process.

I will ensure that taxpayers receive property tax relief promised them from gambling and casino revenues and the Marcellus Sale project that will contain proper safeguards to protect our environment and clean water supply.

Finally, I will enact campaign finance reform and end pay-to-play. A donor that makes a contribution should not receive a no-bid contract.