Jobs
A representative must provide the leadership necessary to secure jobs for our district.
I propose the creation of enterprise zones for rural areas (EZRA) to establish new businesses, and attract new jobs, jobs that can support a family, and keep our families here. Why should enterprise zones be reserved only for urban areas only?
Technology is the great leveler in today's economy and access to technology is insufficient to meet our area’s needs. As your representative, I will work tirelessly to make high-speed internet access and cellular phone service available for all homes and businesses in our district. Access to technology will stimulate entrepreneurs to start new companies providing jobs for local residents. Access to technology will also allow existing industries, from agriculture to mining, to compete, world-wide, for markets previously unavailable to them.

Taxes
Property taxes are an onerous burden for all residents. Some in Harrisburg would like you to believe that raising income taxes and extending a higher sales tax to all purchases will solve this problem. It won't, and it will leave those most vulnerable, seniors and low income working families, in severe financial hardship. With any tax proposal I would insist that safeguards be put in place that would protect the economic well being of all Pennsylvanians. A comprehensive tax revision for all residents of Pennsylvania must be enacted, and soon. top

Health Care
How can the health care industry justify, year after year, rate increases that far outpace the cost of living? It's unconscionable. Millions and millions of dollars are squandered in the administration of health care plans. One way to lower costs and provide health care to all Pennsylvanians is to pool our resources. By reducing costs and combining buying power, we can make affordable and effective health care a reality.

Education
Your child is more than just a test score. As a teacher for 25 years, I know what works in the classroom. I also know what our children must be capable of achieving to enter college or the workforce. The emphasis on testing is skewing the focus of every school in America. Very soon, schools will be testing over 30 days a year. That's one out of every six days. As a result, vocational-technical, business, phys ed, vocational agricultural, music, and art are being deemphasized and in some cases eliminated. Talk about leaving children behind!
As your representative, I will work very hard to bring about changes that will assure that our children are prepared properly to become productive workers and citizens. Yes, there will be assessment, but the PSSA will not be the only tool used to gauge a student's preparedness for life after high school. top

Roads
First and foremost, I will be a relentless champion for the completion of Route 219. When I moved here twenty-three years ago, I was assured that the road would be complete in 7 years. I’m still waiting and so are you. The completion of Route 219 will be my highest priority because it is so vital to the economic well being of the residents of this district. It must be completed and completed on time!
I will never vote to privatize the PA Turnpike. Such shortsightedness is nothing more than a quick financial fix with no lasting benefit to the residents of our area. The Turnpike interchanges at Somerset and Bedford provide a major economic benefit through industry and tourism.

Environment
I've traveled worldwide and there is no beauty to match that of the Laurel Highlands. As your representative, and as a lifelong sportsman, I believe that the environment must be protected for our children. Industry is crucial to our district but business can be designed and conducted with an eye toward our environmental future. Considering the number of residents who rely on wells, environmental protection and protecting our clean water resources must be a priority.

Second Amendment Rights
I will adamantly protect the Second Amendment rights of all citizens of Pennsylvania. Hunting is a cherished legacy here and I will work with local sportsmen’s clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to manage the game populations in the 69th district to the benefit our sportsmen and sportswomen. top