Home >  Local News >  Elections

Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Candidates for Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(Vote for one in your district)

Term: 2 years

Salary: $63,629

Duties: The General Assembly is the legislative branch of the state government. It is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is necessary to pass a law. Every law concerned with taxation must originate in the House of Representatives.

Questions: 1. How can the state best meet its constitutional obligation to fund public education? 2. List your top three legislative priorities. 3. What is your stand on developing a system of merit selection of appellate judges (Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth courts) to replace the present elective system?

Candidates' names link to photos, when available.

Republican:

Dick Stevenson, 57, Grove City

Education: B.A. psychology, St. Francis College, N.Y.; M.B.A. finance, Suffolk University, Mass.

Occupation: State representative, 8th District, elected November 2000; owner, Stevenson and Co.

Qualifications: State representative, January 2001-present; chairman, Mercer County commissioners, 1996-2000; Grove City borough council, eight years (six years president); business owner, Stevenson and Co., 20 years.

Answers: 1. As a state representative, I have worked for the passage of meaningful tax reform legislation, to reduce the present reliance on property tax. Further, I oppose state mandates unless money is appropriated to pay for them. The state must honor its constitutional obligation to fund public education in a fair manner for all schools. 2. My legislative record clearly indicates my support for 1) property tax reform; 2) limitation of state spending; and 3) support for businesses, our job creators. 3. No reply.

Democratic:

Mark A. Lauer, no reply

Frank LaGrotta, no reply

Republican:

Brian Ellis, 32, Butler

Education: Graduate of Butler High School; graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.

Occupation: Hansen Auto Inc., Lyndora, Pa., co-owner.

Qualifications: Being born and raised in the Butler area, I believe I know and understand the values and concerns of the district. Having a degree in communications has enabled me to develop planning and listening skills, while running the family business has given me an appreciation for what challenges small business owners of the district face on a daily basis.

Answers: 1. I am a product of public schools and truly believe that the education of our youth is perhaps the most challenging issue facing our commonwealth today. I believe that some school districts fall behind in funding while others get more than their share. I am in favor of a more balanced system where local municipalities are capped on what they can tax the residents. 2. I support mandating a development plan for each municipality that will enable them to plan for and accommodate expansion; rapid improvement of our roadway infrastructure to eliminate congestion along the 356 and 68 corridors; finding an alternative funding for school taxes. 3. I would favor developing a more strict set of criteria that determines eligibility requirements for individuals who wish to run for appellate judge positions. However, I am not in favor of a system that takes the final choice out of the hands of the people.

Democratic:

Guy A. Travaglio Jr., 76, Butler

Education: Graduated from Butler Area schools, attended Slippery Rock College and Butler Business School, served in the armed forces in Okinawa, Japan.

Occupation: Full-time state legislator.

Qualifications: I have served eight years in the state House of Representatives.

Answers: 1. I believe that a high-quality education is the right of every Pennsylvania child and that the commonwealth has an inherent obligation to fund the majority of those educational costs. A well-educated population benefits each and every one of us. If we fail to meet this obligation, not only will our children's future be bleak, but it will be equally grim for our current generation of senior citizens and the soon-to-be-retiring Baby Boomers. Investing in education is not only an investment in the young, it is an investment for all Pennsylvanians. 2. Property taxes, education, job creation/retention. 3. I support the individual's right to vote for judges.

Republican:

Daryl Metcalfe, 39, Cranberry

Education: Graduated from high school in 1980, served four years in the Army, receiving a diploma from the U.S. Army Air Defense School in 1981. While stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., attended Kansas State University. Was trained and employed as a field engineer before elected.

Occupation: State legislator.

Qualifications: Meets the constitutional qualifications to hold office as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Husband, father and veteran. Worked in the private sector for more than 14 years and was employed by a biomedical company as a field engineer prior to being elected.

Answers: 1. The Pennsylvania Legislature has historically and constitutionally chosen to do this through a mixture of local and state tax revenues. The answer to our educational funding concerns is not more money, but it is to use the money we spend more efficiently and effectively. To make public education more efficient we should eliminate unfunded mandates and restore local control. Pennsylvania should also eliminate property tax as I have proposed in House Bill 418. 2. While serving in Harrisburg, I will continue to work toward limited, more efficient government, less taxation and local control of education. 3. I support and will defend the right of the people to continue to have the power to elect the judges who will serve them. The proposed merit selection of judges is just another way for the elitist special interest groups to subvert the will of the people.

Democratic:

Linda Schoettker, 49, Connoquenessing

Education: Graduate, Butler High School, 1971; former motivational instructor at Butler County Community College.

Occupation: Small business co-owner; former Pennsylvania Department of Public Assistance caseworker.

Qualifications: Moved people from welfare to work as state caseworker; promoted small-business growth as VISTA volunteer, co-owner of tax preparation service, wife and mother.

Answers: 1. Pennsylvania should restore its traditional commitment to paying 50 percent of local school costs. These funds can be obtained without tax increases by dramatically cutting waste in state bureaucracy -- starting with the perks legislators take for themselves. As school boards receive more state funding, they will be enabled to slash property taxes dramatically and immediately. 2. Passing a patients' bill of rights that gives medical decisions back to doctors and patients; using my work experience to cut taxes and promote economic growth; improving our schools with smaller class sizes, increased parental involvement and more accountability. 3. I believe the elective system has succeeded in keeping Pennsylvania's appellate courts accountable to the public and should therefore be preserved.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Mike Veon, no reply

Republican:

Charles A. Camp, 45, Patterson

Education: Graduate of Rochester Area School District; earned B.S. in business administration from Truman State University.

Occupation: Beaver County commissioner.

Qualifications: I am the only candidate that brings both real-world, professional experience and business acumen, combined with a record of achievement as an elected public servant, to the office of state representative.

Answers: 1. We need a diverse and dedicated mix of local tax options for education. This mix could include a fair real estate tax and the inclusion of a portion of the income tax. I will also propose lowering the state sales tax to 5 percent and applying it to all sales, with a portion going to support education. Finally, some revenues gained from responsible expansion of gaming in the state should be earmarked for education. 2. Job creation; foster commercial and residential development along Route 60, including redesignating it as Interstate 376; strategic marketing of the district and its assets to attract population and commercial investment. 3. I am in favor of the popular election of judges as a necessary check on the balance of power. I fear that with merit selection, too much power can become concentrated in the appointees.

Democratic:

Vince Biancucci, 62, Aliquippa

Education: Aliquippa High School; Youngstown State University.

Occupation: Executive assistant to state Rep. Nick Colafella.

Qualifications: Served as executive assistant to state Rep. Nick Colafella with 17 years' experience both in the district office and Harrisburg on state issues, knowledge of the legislative process and awareness of the needs in the district.

Answers: 1. The problem is that the state's percentage of funding basic education has decreased from 55 percent in 1975 to only 35 percent today, resulting in higher property taxes for working Pennsylvanians and increasing inequities between richer and poorer school districts. We must take steps now to increase the state's share of funding for basic education to ensure that all students are treated equally in Pennsylvania and allow for reductions in local property taxes. 2. Property tax reform; economic and job development; increased prescription drugs and health care benefits for senior citizens. 3. If a change to the current elective system were made, I would favor a modified merit system. This system would establish a regional merit board that includes the executive branch, legislative branch, the organized bar and the general public. This board would best represent the demographics of the commonwealth.

Republican:

Ron Eggert, 40, Franklin Park

Education: Robert Morris College, B.S. accounting, 3.95 QPA.

Occupation: Business consultant.

Qualifications: Citizen of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; 16 years as a business owner; three years' public accounting experience; involved/member Republican committee of Franklin Park.

Answers: 1. Over the past 30 years (perhaps longer) the United States has experienced an average of approximately 3 percent per year inflation; however, education has experienced a much higher rate of inflation. This hyperinflation in education has caused the current property tax catastrophe. If we control spending, taxes will take care of themselves. 2. Produce a more-competitive business environment for Pennsylvania to insure economic growth. Control education spending and provide real choice in education for the parents of our school children. Protect the life of the unborn. Provide state resources to our high-crime municipalities in an effort to make the streets safer. Provide the necessary leadership in my municipalities (16th District) that have been hard-hit by the demise of the steel industry by securing necessary funds to rehabilitate the brownfields into productive economic assets. 3. No reply.

Democratic:

Susan Laughlin, 70, Conway

Education: Ambridge High School, 1950.

Occupation: State representative.

Qualifications: Worked in legislative office held by husband from 1973 to present and as the legislator from 1988 to present.

Answers: 1. Our state constitution has an obligation to fund public education by 50 percent but in the last few years that is down to 34 percent, which hopefully will be increased with a new administration. 2. Eliminate property taxes. Pennsylvania schools need equitable funding. Provide health care and prescription coverage. 3. I support the system as is. Merit selection is a very controversial issue which is sometimes too political. The shift would require a state constitutional amendment that legislation be passed by two separately elected sessions of the Legislature and then be presented to the voters on referendum.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Jake Wheatley, 30, Hill District

Education: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, B.A. political science; University of Pittsburgh, M.A. public administration.

Occupation: Training and education specialist.

Qualifications: The most important qualification for this office or any public service position is the desire to represent and serve your community. As a U.S. Marine of the Gulf War, through employment and volunteerism, I have learned this lesson repeatedly. I have served this particular community in numerous ways.

Answers: 1. We need to create a rational, equitable and practical formula on how Pennsylvania funds education. We should be funding our school districts at 50 percent, funding all-day preschool programs and rethinking our existing financing mechanism, which is currently too dependent on property taxes. Pennsylvania legislators should be collaborating with local leadership to sponsor legislation that will increase parental involvement. We are in an educational crisis, and I promise to be an advocate on behalf of our children. 2. Education, transportation and health care. 3. My first reaction to the question would be to support developing a system of merit selection for appellate judges. However, I would like to study the issue further before finalizing my position.

Republican:

Angelo Romano, 52, Ross

Education: Graduated from North Hills High School in 1968, enlisted, served in U.S. Navy during Vietnam War.

Occupation: Applications analyst for Federated Investors, currently a consultant in the private sector.

Qualifications: 28 years in sales and sales management; an independent businessman; Allegheny County committeeman; volunteer firefighter, active in varied community service.

Answers: 1. If a school district finds it impossible to perform with the current funding, I believe that it is the state's obligation to fund and run distressed districts, until such time as the school district can find a more equitable method of financing. Additionally, I support school vouchers for private and parochial schools. 2. Reduced spending coupled with property tax relief and reform. Economic development for creation of jobs. Prescription/health relief for senior citizens and underinsured non-seniors. 3. I am in favor of merit selection along with the following: a bipartisan panel consisting of heads of the Senate and House Judiciary committees along with the state bar association; the nominees are then submitted to the office of the governor (otherwise allow the voters to decide on the ballot).

Democratic:

Don Walko, 49, North Side

Education: Penn State University, B.S. accounting; Dickinson School of Law, J.D.

Occupation: State representative, attorney.

Qualifications: Hard-working, tenacious, dedicated to representing the interests of the people of my district. My background in accounting and law and in community activities has prepared me for service in the General Assembly. I have been appointed to the health committee of the National Conference of State Legislators and I am considered to be a national leader on the prescription drug issue.

Answers: 1. The commonwealth must increase its share of the funding of public education to more than 50 percent to ease reliance on local property tax. At the same time we must correct the special-education funding formula to ease the burden of unfunded mandates. 2. Reducing the burden of property taxation on residences; addressing the many challenges that confront our health care delivery system, including the need to expand access to affordable prescription drugs; adequately funding basic and special education, including reducing the funding disparities among school districts. 3. Campaign finance reform would address many of the concerns regarding the present elective system. With appropriate reforms there would be no need to take the power to elect appellate judges from the people.

Libertarian:

Charles Stutler, no reply

Republican:

Mario J. DiBello, 39, Ross

Education: B.S. Drexel University.

Occupation: Financial adviser/planner.

Qualifications: Citizen for nearly 40 years; experience in problem-solving; training and experience in financial and budgeting issues.

Answers: 1. The constitutional obligation of the government is to provide a thorough and efficient education system for the population of the state. While this does not specifically obligate the state to fund public education, it is obvious that some state funding is necessary to provide a thorough and efficient system. This is most probably best-funded through state income and sales taxes. Local taxes, including property taxes, could then be used for anything beyond basic education at the discretion of the voters (via referendum). 2. Help to foster and develop an attractive business climate. Eliminate all unnecessary, and minimize all other, government spending before implementing any tax reform or increases. Work to balance the tax burden of our senior citizens with those of our working families. 3. In general, I would oppose taking power from the general electorate and moving it to representatives and officials.

Democratic:

Frank J. Pistella, 51, Bloomfield

Education: John Carroll University, B.A., history, 1973; Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Certificate Program, 1985; Widener School of Law, 1995.

Occupation: State representative.

Qualifications: I have served in the state Legislature for more than 24 years. I have dealt with issues ranging from lead paint abatement to improving health-care access for the elderly.

Answers: 1. The state can meet its obligation by giving more power to local school boards to determine the programming and funding priorities within the district. The state Legislature, on the other hand, should be concerned that dollars are directed toward programs necessary to prepare students for college or technical school and that meet the needs for a diverse and ever-changing work force. 2. My top priorities now are the passage of legislation to define assisted-living facilities in the commonwealth and the creation of long-term care insurance policies and property tax reform. 3. I favor the election of Common Pleas Court judges by county but agree with the development of a merit system for the selection of appellate judges. Appellate judges should go through a peer-review process followed by gubernatorial appointment and two-thirds confirmation of the Senate.

Republican:

Glenn P. Nagy, 47, Whitehall

Education: B.A., Washington and Jefferson College, 1977; M. Ed., University of Pittsburgh, 1979.

Occupation: Food purchasing consultant; licensed auto appraiser.

Qualifications: Councilman, Whitehall Borough; board member, Economic Development South (the Route 51 revitalization project); alternate delegate to the South Hills Area Council of Governments; alternate delegate to Allegheny County Boroughs Association. An intense desire to serve the residents of Pennsylvania in state government.

Answers: 1. Enact legislation to discourage teacher strikes so that the cost of education is less. Reduce property taxes, provide homestead exemptions. Increase wage and sales tax. Make clothing and other "necessary" items taxable. 2. Reduce the size of state government. There are too many legislators. Legalize gambling at racetracks. Fight DEP and EPA on mandated, outrageous sewer line improvements. 3. I would be in favor.

Democratic:

Michael Diven, 32, Brookline

Education: John A. Brashear High School, diploma, 1988; Duquesne University, B.A., 1993.

Occupation: State representative.

Qualifications: Elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, 2000; served on Pittsburgh City Council, District 4.

Answers: 1. The state needs to move away from property taxes as the main support for public education. We need balanced, fair property tax reform that enables school districts to provide for public education equally. 2. Economic development. Improvements to public education. Property tax reform. 3. No reply.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Dan B. Frankel, 46, Squirrel Hill

Education: 1978 graduate of Kenyon College.

Occupation: State representative, 23rd District; businessman.

Qualifications: I bring a combination of experience from the business, nonprofit human service and government sectors of our community including my past position as president of Jewish Family and Children's Services and as a current board member of the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Answers: 1. The state must eliminate or fully fund the mandates that it requires school districts to pay for such as charter schools and cyber schools. In addition, the special education subsidy must be increased and allocated in accordance with the number of special education students. I have proposed legalizing slot machines at Pennsylvania racetracks to generate additional revenues for education. 2. Restoring adequate funding for public education. Pass the Breast and Cervical Cancer Guarantee Act. Establishing the Office of Environmental Advocate. 3. I support the merit selection of appellate judges. Judicial races have become more about the ability to raise money and create name recognition than they are about one's qualifications or experience. Most contributors are attorneys who may appear at some time or another in front of a judge to whom they may or may not have contributed. At the very least, this gives the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Joseph Preston Jr. , 54, East Liberty

Education: B.A., political science and psychology, University of Pittsburgh; George Westinghouse High School.

Occupation: Full-time member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Qualifications: Accessible, accountable and responsible. Re-elected by the people 10 times.

Answers: 1. Simply by putting the money up and taking away the unfunded mandates for Social Security and pension payments. 2. Equitable school funding. Phase-out plan of property taxes. Revamping laws for taxis in Pittsburgh. 3. I feel that the people ought to have the right to elect judges of their peers. To give it to a select group or an individual would limit an elector's rights. The people must have a say and not the elitist. The people have the know-how and knowledge. Let's not take it away from them.

Green:

Duane R. Wright, 49, Homewood

Education: George Westinghouse High School, Pittsburgh; Henderson Community College, Henderson, Ky.; general equivalency certificate.

Occupation: Sales and marketing senior associate for prepaid legal services and Young Living Essential Oils; entrepreneur.

Qualifications: I ran for City Council and have been a political activist for 15 years.

Answers: 1. By re-evaluating the state's budget and its spending priorities. 2. Oppose any legislative attempts to weaken the ability of local governments to protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens. Support channeling economic development funding to community-based small businesses and cooperative enterprises. Support forums for youth collaboration to promote community well-being with share ownership between the youth. 3. I am in agreement with the merit selection.

Republican:

Paul Fero, 37, Monroeville

Education: Associate degree in accounting, associate degree in financial services, Community College of Allegheny County (Boyce campus); B.S.B.A., economics and finance, Robert Morris College; master's degree in public and international affairs, graduate certificate in international political economy, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

Occupation: Controller, corporate operations and real estate, Mellon Financial; part-time instructor, University of Phoenix, La Roche College, Robert Morris University.

Qualifications: Born and educated in the Pittsburgh area. Career experience in financial management and business development.

Answers: 1. The state of Pennsylvania can best meet the needs of funding public education by increasing its current level of spending to a higher percentage of the total budget. To accommodate the increase in spending, additional revenue sources should be sought, through improved government spending and efficiencies, the sale of the state liquor stores and providing for the legalization of slot machines across the state. 2. Reduce local property taxes by establishing a $25,000 homestead exemption. Increase spending for education for local school districts as well as state-funded colleges. Increase transportation spending for local roadways, as well as supporting Mon-Fayette Expressway, maglev. Additionally supporting public transportation infrastructure from the eastern suburbs into and around the city of Pittsburgh. 3. I strongly support a merit selection approach for appellate judges and to provide a term limit to which they would have to be chosen for selection for an additional term.

Democratic:

Joseph F. Markosek, 52, Monroeville

Education: B.A., University of Notre Dame, 1972.

Occupation: Legislator.

Qualifications: Ten-term incumbent legislator. Eight years as a buyer and engineer at the Westinghouse Water Reactor Division.

Answers: 1. Property tax reform -- the replacement of all or part of property taxes with other taxes such as income or sales -- is the first step. Also the limiting of unfunded mandates is important. 2. Property tax reform. Transportation and infrastructure improvement. Economic development. 3. I favor the current system whereby the voters have their say.

Republican:

Edward O'Donnell, 40, Banksville

Education: Duquesne University M.B.A.; Robert Morris University B.S.; Canevin Catholic High School.

Occupation: Insurance underwriter, MCOA Corp.

Qualifications: Republican committee member, City of Pittsburgh, for five years. As a lifelong resident of the district I have a strong desire to improve our communities and create economic development.

Answers: 1. I support the idea of shifting the tax burden for public education from a property tax to an income tax. The property tax burden, particularly for homeowners on a fixed income, is becoming overwhelming. An income tax is a more fair indicator of a taxpayer's ability to shoulder the public education burden. 2. Economic development -- particularly outside of Downtown Pittsburgh. Support and protection of senior citizens -- strengthen senior programs and relieve the property tax burden. Education reform -- increase the state's share of local school funding. 3. I endorse a system of merit selection. It will eliminate the influence of contributors, particularly law firms and lawyers, who may have cases tried by judges they have supported.

Democratic:

Thomas C. Petrone, 65, Crafton

Education: Crafton High School, 1955; U.S. Navy, 1956-58.

Occupation: State legislator.

Qualifications: Member, Pennsylvania General Assembly, 1981-present; Democratic chairman, Urban Affairs Committee; member, Joint Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee; prior, over 20 years' experience in communications, public relations and sales.

Answers: 1. Through a more equitable system for appropriating state assistance to school districts so that wealthy and poorer school districts spend about the same per student. Through local tax reform so that districts can reduce their reliance on real property taxes. 2. Local property tax reform. Preservation and expansion of the prescription drug program for the elderly. Passage of the charitable volunteer tax credit to foster increased volunteerism. 3. I would support a merit selection system in which the governor chooses nominees from a list supplied by a broad-based nominating commission with the appointments then requiring confirmation by the Senate. Voters would then have the final say on whether judges deserve to keep their jobs through nonpartisan retention elections held after an initial term of office.

Republican:

Mike Turzai, 43, Bradford Woods

Education: B.A., University of Notre Dame, 1981; J.D., Duke University School of Law, 1987.

Occupation: State representative, 28th District.

Qualifications: During my first term as state representative for the 28th District, I have focused on making Pennsylvania more job-friendly by advocating tax reductions, civil litigation reform and disciplined spending with an emphasis on education and infrastructure.

Answers: 1. Whether through state or local taxes, it is Pennsylvania citizens who are paying the taxes to fund public schools. The state cannot expect school districts, which are essentially reliant on property taxes, to fully pick up the tab for public education. The state needs to help. Spending more money, however, does not necessarily mean better education. Unnecessary and burdensome mandates from the state need to be addressed. 2. Tax reduction. Civil litigation reform. Investment in infrastructure. 3. I support merit selection of appellate judges.

Democratic:

No candidate filed

Republican:

Jeffrey E. Habay, 36, Shaler

Education: B.A., 1988, The College of International and Public Affairs, The American University, Washington, D.C. Fox Chapel Area High School, graduate, 1984.

Occupation: Majority deputy whip of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Fourth term state representative.

Qualifications: Legislative assistant, U.S. Rep. Bill Clinger, R-Pa., and staff assistant to U.S. Rep. Ken Kramer, R-Colo., in Washington, D.C.

Answers: 1. Authored "Taj Mahal" prevention law to prevent the building of excessive taxpayer-paid educational castles. Fought successfully for solid increases in local school funding in basic, special education, pupil transportation and computers in the classroom. Will continue to visit all district schools. Helped lead the fight for successful increases in state grants and loans for college students and prime-sponsored the apprenticeship tax credit and am drafting a plan to reduce tuition for Pennsylvania students in all state colleges. 2. Meaningful and substantive tax reform by reduction in school property taxes. Continue the massive rebuilding of North Hills/Allegheny Valley roadways. Keep fighting to bring home more funding needed for local firefighters, EMS and police. 3. I support the direct election of judges by the people. The so-called "merit selection" approach would put too much power in the hands of a few political individuals and take away any opportunity of many exceptionally qualified individuals to run.

Democratic:

Bobbi Jo Wagner, 35, Hampton

Education: J.D., Duquesne University School of Law, 1993; B.A., University of Pittsburgh, 1989; Shaler Area High School, 1985.

Occupation: Attorney with Pietragallo, Bosick & Gordon.

Qualifications: Prosecuting attorney for the Allegheny County Office of the District Attorney; assistant to the legislative liaison for the University of Pittsburgh.

Answers: 1. No plan will please everyone, but the current plan is certainly not meeting the needs of our children. It is time to explore a system that will give all districts the resources that they need to provide a quality education to every child in every district. We must shift away from a property tax system and look to the state budget for funding. Better education means a better Pennsylvania. 2. Property tax reform. Education. Prescription drugs. 3. The only way to ensure that the interests of the people of the commonwealth are represented is through democratic elections. Merit selection of appellate judges removes the accountability of the officials to the people they are serving. Should the people of the commonwealth decide to move to merit selection of appellate judges, nomination committees must be extremely diverse and confirmation should require no less than a two-thirds vote from the legislative bodies.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Anthony M. DeLuca, 65, Penn Hills

Education: Westinghouse High School, Community College of Allegheny County, real estate and political science.

Occupation: Full-time state legislator.

Qualifications: Two years Government Study Commission, 5 1/2 years councilman, two years deputy mayor; 18 years state legislator.

Answers: 1. There needs to be a larger commitment to funding public education in Pennsylvania as well as greater funding for poorer school districts to reduce the inequity in funding between rich and poor school districts. Many school districts in our state are financially distressed with a low tax base, high property tax rates and a large percentage of the student population from low-income families and having special education needs. We must take steps now to increase the state's share of funding for basic education. 2. Patient safety, tax reform and eliminating the 5 percent windfall to our local school districts and municipalities in the reassessment process. Making prescription drugs more affordable. 3. Taking away the rights of the voters of Pennsylvania in regards to election of judges by having them selected through a merit system does not ensure the citizens of Pennsylvania of better-qualified judicial candidates or promise better judicial decisions.

33rd District

Republican:

James M. McDonough, 52, Plum

Education: Penn State University, B.A. (Arts & Sciences), East Asian option (spoken and written Mandarin Chinese), 1971; University of Pittsburgh, M.B.A. (accounting and finance), 1977.

Occupation: Technology company CEO/CFO.

Qualifications: I am well-versed in the structure and functioning of business organizations. I understand the laws and history of the constitutional republic and its various entities. I have worked for big companies, government organizations and started my own businesses. I can construct a budget and read a balance sheet. I listen well, write well and can represent the interest of the 33rd District's people.

Answers: 1. I do not believe there is a constitutional obligation to fund public education. 2. Repeal unconstitutional laws. Repeal archaic laws. Impel government to carry out its actual constitutional duties, i.e., maintain infrastructure, police, prisons, courts, etc. 3. No reply.

Democratic:

Frank Dermody, 51, Oakmont

Education: B.A., Columbia University, New York; J.D., Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, Ind.

Occupation: State representative, 33rd District.

Qualifications: Former assistant district attorney, Allegheny County; former district justice, Oakmont and Verona; former legal adviser, Allegheny County district justices; chairman, Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing.

Answers: 1. The state must eliminate the use of property taxes to fund local schools. The state basic education subsidy and payments for special education must be based on actual costs with a formula that provides funding where it's needed. Pennsylvania must stop distributing funds based on political formulas. All children have an equal right to a quality education. 2. Eliminate school property taxes. Reform our health care system. Improve the transportation system in all of Western Pennsylvania. In particular, build a new bridge crossing the Allegheny River in the Allegheny Valley and implement commuter rail service from New Kensington to Pittsburgh. 3. Because the U.S. Supreme Court now permits judicial candidates to campaign on specific issues, I think it is time to consider a merit selection system for Pennsylvania. I'm uncomfortable allowing our judicial candidates to make general campaign promises before they have to make specific decisions on individual cases.

Republican:

No candidate file

Democratic:

Paul Costa, 43, Wilkins

Education: Allderdice High School; bachelor's degree in accounting, Point Park College; Local Government Academy.

Occupation: Full-time legislator.

Qualifications: As a legislator, former president of the Board of Commissioners, Wilkins Township, and deputy prothonotary, I have extensive experience in state, local and county government with first-hand knowledge of the impact the state has on our region.

Answers: 1. Pennsylvania has an obligation to prepare its young people for tomorrow's economy. To accomplish that, Pennsylvania must provide a proper education for all its children regardless of their individual school districts. The state must step up to the plate and provide adequate funding. Whether through a percentage of the state income tax, sales tax, other revenues or a combination of these sources, we must fulfill our obligation to our children. 2. Reform education funding structure. Adequate health care including prescription drug coverage. Work force development. 3. I would suggest a system where the governor would make a recommendation that is subject to a two-thirds confirmation of both the House of Representatives and Senate.

DueRight by People:

Robert Clanagan, 43, Braddock

Education: B.S., business administration.

Occupation: Case manager; community activist, dad and husband.

Qualifications: I meet the required qualifications. However, most importantly, I have advocated for parents/students (K-12), community issues on a volunteer basis over eight years. Volunteer service to different community organizations, social and economic, such as Pittsburgh Mediation Center, family centers and community development corporations. Also a strong desire to improve communities socially and economically from a higher service position: state representative.

Answers: 1. Making it a priority. Funding for most everything else is secondary. 2. Education -- increase funding where needed. Recreation -- create/upgrade recreation centers and playgrounds. Taxation -- fixed-income senior citizens (low income, especially). Property tax -- freeze on assessments, they only take place when owner sells house. 3. Depends on process and criterion.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Marc J. Gergely, 32, White Oak

Education: McKeesport Area High School; attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Community College of Allegheny County, major history.

Occupation: Legislative assistant to state Sen. Sean Logan.

Qualifications: Elected to McKeesport Area school board, 1996-current; 1997, youngest school board president in state; county Democratic committeeman; formerly worked for state Sen. Albert "Buddy" Belan; understand state government from an operations and policy perspective.

Answers: 1. Call a special session of the Legislature to explore all means in which public education has been funded in other states. Establish a bipartisan committee from House and Senate leadership to compromise on the tax reforms needed and develop strong legislation that protects property owners but still adequately funds basic public education. 2. Tax reform for school districts and equitable funding from the state. Continued development of Mon-Fayette Expressway and renewal of riverfront brownfield properties. Protect senior citizens' rights and expand programs. 3. No reply.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Harry Readshaw, 61, Carrick

Education: Carrick High School; Duquesne University; Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

Occupation: Representative to General Assembly.

Qualifications: Four-term incumbent, House of Representatives; owner of business.

Answers: 1. As a practical matter, there are only three forms of tax revenue available -- sales tax, real estate tax and tax on income either earned or personal. Local school boards must make the final decisions on spending. 2. Lowering real estate/property taxes and replacing with a more equitable solution, and a way to subsidize education. Prescription assistance and expanded prescription drug program. Creating jobs/economic development. We must continually fight to bring prosperity to Pennsylvania. 3. At this time I am not convinced of endorsing the merit selection process. This would eliminate the people from participating in the process of selecting judges. The elective process has stood the test of time.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Kenneth W. Ruffing, 35, West Mifflin

Education: West Mifflin Area High School, 1985; B.A. business administration, Robert Morris College, 1990.

Occupation: Full-time state legislator, two terms.

Qualifications: West Mifflin Borough Council, eight years, council president, two years; Democratic state committee, four years.

Answers: 1. The answer is change. We must cease the practice of funding education through property taxes. Every student, as promised by our state constitution, must receive a valuable and efficient education. The value of the property in a school district should not determine the amount of money available for education. 2. Supporting early childhood education. Creating an equitable school funding system, while reducing the reliance on local property taxes. Expanding work force development. 3. No reply.

Republican:

Monica A. Douglas, 31, Elizabeth Borough

Education: B.A. political science, history, Clarion University, 1992; Candidate for M.P.A. (master in policy analysis/administration) Duquesne University Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy.

Occupation: Associate director, Corporate Partnerships and Human Services, Northside Leadership Conference.

Qualifications: I have experience in the nonprofit, private and public sectors. For the past five years I have focused my energy on community development. I have worked to develop creative solutions to community issues and have aided to solidify partnerships between private and nonprofit organizations.

Answers: 1. Property taxes are the primary local funding source for school budgets. In 1998-99, for example, the property tax represented 79 percent of all local Pennsylvania school taxes. However, since all Pennsylvanians pay state and local taxes, it's important to consider the cost of funding public education in the framework of the state's overall tax structure. It is time to re-examine legislation, like Act 50, to gauge the effectiveness in bringing about an equitable application of funds. 2. Transportation and infrastructure improvements. Property tax reform. Job growth and retention. 3. No reply.

Democratic:

David Levdansky, 48, Forward

Education: Elizabeth Forward High School, 1973; B.A. political science, B.A. labor studies, 1978, Penn State University; M.A. economics, University of Notre Dame, 1980.

Occupation: State legislator.

Qualifications: Eighteen years in the House of Representatives; member of Appropriations, Transportation, Environmental Resources and Energy, Game and Fisheries, Joint Legislative Budget and Finance, Democratic Policy committees.

Answers: 1. Mandate reduction of school property taxes in exchange for increased state funding. Provide equity in state education funding; require school district financial accountability through public referendum for spending and bond issues. Fund special education based on actual costs. 2. Meaningful school property tax reform including equitable fund distribution, adequate funding for all districts, and district accountability to citizens. Campaign finance reform to limit influence of moneyed interests. Revitalize economy and create new job opportunities. 3. "Merit selection" is intuitively appealing, but how appointments are made to the "merit selection" panel and who is chosen are political decisions. Electing judges (who are prohibited from stating their positions on issues) certainly has shortcomings, which may or may not be more problematic than the politics inherent in any "merit selection" system.

40th District

Republican:

John A. Maher, no reply

Democratic:

No candidate filed

42nd District

Republican:

Tom Stevenson, 49, Mt. Lebanon

Education: J.D., Western New England College School of Law, 1977; B.S., Penn State University, 1974; Mt. Lebanon School District, 1970.

Occupation: State representative.

Qualifications: Current state representative in third term; Mt. Lebanon commissioner for seven years; lifelong resident of 42nd House District.

Answers: 1. A revised revenue stream must be adopted that reduces an overreliance on property taxes, unfunded mandates must be eliminated and school boards must be accountable for their spending. 2. Local property tax reform. Improving the quality of education while maintaining local control. Job creation through economic development. 3. I support a merit selection system for appellate court judges, provided citizens have an input in the selection process and judges are held accountable for poor performance of their job duties.

Democratic:

Mike Crossey, 51, Mt. Lebanon

Education: B.S. education, Duquesne University; M.S. special education, College of St. Rose, Albany, N.Y.; Reading specialist, Duquesne University; M.S. educational administration, Duquesne University.

Occupation: School teacher.

Qualifications: My education and my teaching career have given me a lifetime of working and helping children and their families achieve their dreams. I have also been a local commissioner and county councilman.

Answers: 1. The state has shifted its responsibility to the local level. The state should be paying 50 percent of the cost of basic and special education. This can and must come from the surplus fund. We should begin by increasing the percentage each year until we reach 50 percent. This would allow us to fund schools adequately, reduce local property taxes and not increase state taxes. 2. Property tax reform. Adequate and equitable school funding that eases the burden on local taxpayers. Economic development that produces jobs for Pennsylvanians. 3. While I would like the bar association to develop minimum qualifications and experience levels, I am a firm believer in allowing the voters to make the final decision. Too many things in government are decided in the back room by the good-ole-boys. I will work to increase merit, but I prefer the voters have the choice.

Republican:

John Pippy, 31, Moon

Education: B.S. environmental engineering, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; U.S. Army officer basic course, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Occupation: Full-time legislator.

Qualifications: Currently serving in my third term as state representative. In addition to my legislative responsibilities, I volunteer for numerous community organizations, as well as serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. I am currently a company commander in the 99th ARCOM.

Answers: 1. The state must find a fair system of funding public education. Our special education programs are drastically underfunded. Increasing the percentage of special education funding and reforming the funding formula is necessary. This is my top education priority. 2. Airport area development and transportation infrastructure improvements are vital to the continued growth of the entire region. Meaningful, effective property tax reform is needed to solve the problems facing our older citizens. Special education funding. 3. I support a system of merit selection of appellate judges. This selection process should evaluate judicial candidates on qualifications -- experience and judicial temperament only, not by a popularity contest, which we have today.

Democratic:

No candidate filed

45th District

Republican:

Herb Ohliger, 42, Scott

Education: B.S. psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 1982; B.S. information science, University of Pittsburgh, 1987. Graduated Chartiers Valley High School, 1978.

Occupation: Computer system consultant.

Qualifications: Served as a Scott Township commissioner and have been involved with several community organizations including the Rotary, the local Chamber of Commerce, president of the Chartiers Valley Alumni Association and a member of the Scott Conservancy.

Answers: 1. Pennsylvania can best meet its constitutional obligation to fund public education by becoming more business-friendly and attracting jobs to Pennsylvania. All levels of government officials must work together to attract business to Pennsylvania. We saw in the last census that Pennsylvania lost population compared to other states. If we can attract business to our state that will bring in more people to fill the new jobs and employ those already here we will have a broader tax base to draw from. 2. Attract business to Pennsylvania. Strengthen our education system. Work with local municipal officials on problems confronting the people of the 45th Legislative District. 3. I believe we should stay with the current system of electing judges.

Democratic:

Nick Kotik, 51, Robinson

Education: B.A. in public administration, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1972.

Occupation: Administrative assistant, state Rep. Fred A. Trello, 6/18/02 to present.

Qualifications: Two terms as councilman in McKees Rocks. Member of the Planning Commission and local economic development corporation in early 1980s. Assistant to Rep. Fred A. Trello from 1987-2000. Robinson Township manager, July 2000 to January 2002.

Answers: 1. I am committed to restoring equitable funding of basic education to the 50 percent level incrementally, hopefully easing the property tax burden at the local level. 2. Prescription drug coverage for all seniors by reforming the PACE program. Property tax reform for all taxpayers. Economic development in distressed communities. 3. I favor the present elective system.

Republican:

Paul Snatchko, 26, McDonald

Education: Graduate, Fort Cherry High School; B.A. journalism, New York University; interned at the Daily News and the United Nations.

Occupation: Formerly a staff writer at the Observer-Reporter and a free-lance writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Now a writer-researcher with the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.

Qualifications: McDonald-area native. Currently a McDonald councilman.

Answers: 1. By providing all students with a high-quality education regardless of where they live. The state must provide more funds for less-wealthy schools, perhaps through changing the tax structure. The state also needs to lessen the disparity in teacher salaries among school districts. 2. Delivering more state funds to schools to lessen the local tax burden. Securing state grants for revitalization of communities. Encouraging more quality housing options for senior citizens and young professionals. 3. I would support developing such a system. I believe the current system of selecting judges discourages some of our best legal minds from seeking a judgeship because they do not want to submit themselves and their families to the rigors of campaigning for a statewide office. Such a new system would also eliminate the need for judicial candidates to raise funds for campaigns.

Democratic:

Victor John Lescovitz, 49, Smith Township

Education: B.A., Washington and Jefferson College; M.A., University of Pennsylvania.

Occupation: State representative.

Qualifications: Served in office for 21 years. Served as chairman of House Economic Development Committee. Serves as chairman, House Democratic Policy Committee.

Answers: 1. To agree to pay the 50 percent to the school districts as mandated by law. 2. Education. Economic development. Property taxes, lowering. 3. No.

Republican:

James S. Fal, 58, Washington, Pa.

Education: M.B.A., Drexel University; M.S., University of West Florida; B.S., U.S. Naval Academy.

Occupation: Real estate investor, developer and broker.

Qualifications: 32 years of business experience; 30 years of real estate experience; 20 years self-employed.

Answers: 1. Insure that adequate funding is provided and local control is restored. 2. Reduce taxes, restructure property taxes; reduce regulations on business to create jobs; slot machines in tracks with money to be used to benefit all Pennsylvanians. 3. Our present system works well. It has its problems, but any alternative system will also.

Democratic:

Timothy Joseph Solobay, 46, Canonsburg

Education: Graduate, Washington Hospital School of Radiologic Technology; B.S. management, California Coastal University, Santa Ana, Calif.

Occupation: State representative, 1999-present.

Qualifications: In addition to 3 1/2 years' experience in this office, I have devoted the past 26 years to public service as a volunteer firefighter, Red Cross official, emergency medical technician, cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructor and former constable.

Answers: 1. Pennsylvania should reduce its reliance on oppressive local property taxes and find a fairer means of funding public education. I support elimination or significant reduction of property taxes, which are not based on ability to pay. 2. Economic development and infrastructure expansion (water lines, sewers, etc.); property tax reform with the commonwealth paying for 50 percent of the local cost of public schools, not the one-third it is now paying; emergency services funding. 3. I believe voters should continue to participate in the selection of judges who will preside over cases affecting the public. I would consider the concept of establishing some qualifications or standards which must be met by candidates for the appellate judgeships.

Save Our State:

Demo Agoris, 51, Houston, Pa.

Education: Penn State University, B.S., meteorology; Canonsburg High School; U.S. Air Force leadership training; Air University, electronic equipment repair.

Occupation: Self-employed; elected, Government Study Commission (chairman); past elected borough councilman.

Qualifications: Creative problem-solving wisdom with logic in governmental service, nonprofit organizations, neighborhoods, owner-based businesses and military service. Positive leadership, unifying people by generating peace of mind.

Answers: 1. The Pennsylvania Constitution directs the General Assembly to provide and support efficient public school systems. All state-funded agencies and governmental entities should be subjected to periodic evaluation of their effectiveness, efficiency and necessity. Require more parental involvement. 2. Increasing governmental efficiency with cost and size reductions (eliminate the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission); term limits; campaign finance reform. Save our towns, farms and lands with local problem-solving programs such as neighborhood watch. 3. Merit selection reduces public input. To increase public input, replace statewide judicial elections with judges elected from nine, non-gerrymandered judicial districts with six-year terms and one term limit per appellate court, nonpartisan elections, no campaign spending. A prerequisite would be six years as a Common Pleas judge or magistrate.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Peter J. Daley, 52, Coal Center

Education: California High School, 1968; B.A. California University of Pennsylvania, 1972; M.A., political science, University of Pittsburgh, 1983; J.D., Widener University School of Law, 1993.

Occupation: State legislator.

Qualifications: Two-term mayor of California Borough, 1973-1981; 20 years as state representative for the 49th Legislative District.

Answers: 1. The Legislature should meet the mandate of paying 50 percent of basic education costs. This can be accomplished by revamping the antiquated school property tax system with a new taxation method. Over five years, we should move from school property taxes to personal income tax while maintaining commercial and industrial property taxes. 2. Job creation, business development and retention; statewide energy policy to better utilize state resources, protect environment, stabilize market; establish a statewide small disaster assistance program. 3. I am opposed to merit selection because philosophically it takes the public out of the election process.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Bill DeWeese, no reply.

Republican:

Joe Sabatini, 51, South Union

Education: Penn State University graduate, 1973, B.S. in mineral economics.

Occupation: Self-employed contractor, construction, home remodeling, specialty masonry, fireplaces, etc.

Qualifications: 23-year married father, two adult daughters. Property owner, taxpayer, business owner, college educated, political experience with two unsuccessful runs for South Union Township tax collector. Last run earned 40 percent of the vote against a 24-year Democratic incumbent. Thorough knowledge of major issues.

Answers: 1. One-half of this year's state budget is allocated for public education. The challenge for education finance reform is to introduce competition for finite resources, with the goal of directing those resources toward the best performers. Controlling spending and costs is the most serious challenge in my view. 2. Public education finance reform with property tax relief for homesteads; medical malpractice insurance and tort law reform; business tax cuts and incentives, and the corresponding economic development and new job creation that will result from it. 3. Totally in favor of developing such a system. More often than desirable, the judicial branch is getting involved in election disputes. Judges' ethics, morals and character must be beyond reproach.

Democratic:

Larry Roberts, 60, Uniontown

Education: Graduate, Uniontown High School, 1959; B.A. sociology, Bowie State College, 1979; M.A., business, Central Michigan University, 1981.

Occupation: Legislator/arbitrator/mediator.

Qualifications: Served 10 years as a legislator in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Spent 22 years in U.S. Air Force and 10 years as a civilian employee with the federal government. My total of 42 years' government service and most especially my legislative record provide my best qualifications. Committed to property tax reform, economic development and the Mon-Fayette Expressway.

Answers: 1. Eliminate local property tax and replace the revenue lost by collecting a statewide sales and/or other tax that can then be distributed to each school district; 2. Tax reform; economic development; completion of Mon-Fayette Expressway. 3. Judges should be elected.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

James E. Shaner, no reply

54th District

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

John E. Pallone, no reply

55th District

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

Joseph A. Petrarca, no reply

Republican:

Susanna Lisotto, 44, Irwin

Education: B.A. sociology, Geneva College; elementary education certification, St. Vincent College.

Occupation: Prevention specialist, St. Vincent College Prevention Project.

Qualifications: Social service, educational and airline management experiences demonstrate my desire to serve the public and my ability to lead. My commitment to protect taxpayers from wasteful spending will remain constant while I lead by example.

Answers: 1. The state is currently spending an average of $10,400 per student annually. Accountability and efficiency for the existing tax dollars spent on education may be promoted through the following legislative objectives: Eliminate unfunded state mandates that burden school districts and property taxpayers; place large capital projects that require bond issues on a referendum ballot; obtain additional educational funding that will be contingent upon a dollar-for-dollar property tax reduction. 2. Tax reform for property owners and small businesses; health care affordability for all Pennsylvanians; educational efficiency. 3. Since judges are now permitted to voice their opinions about important public issues, I support the election system. This process provides a safeguard that will keep judges accountable to the citizens rather than politicians.

Democratic:

James E. Casorio Jr., 38, North Huntingdon

Education: St. Francis College, M.A., B.S.

Occupation: State representative.

Qualifications: My experience and service to our community enables me to effectively represent the needs of my neighbors. Serving in my sixth year as a full-time representative more than qualifies me for the General Assembly.

Answers: 1. The obligation of the commonwealth to adequately fund our public education system must be fulfilled in order to give our young people a chance to succeed in life. The commonwealth must fund a 50 percent level of basic education to our local districts and correct the funding formula for special education subsidies. I will continue to oppose vouchers. Vouchers are a drain on public education funding and unconstitutional. 2. Health care reform (prescriptions and insurance reform); crime prevention/public safety; job retention within our infrastructure. 3. Merit selection of state judges would deny the voters of Pennsylvania the opportunity to elect members to the appellate courts. The citizens of Pennsylvania have the knowledge and ability to continue to choose statewide judicial candidates.

57th District

Republican:

Brian F. Boyle, 40, Greensburg

Education: Penn State University, B.S., 1980-84; Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, M.D., 1981-85 (member, Penn State/Jefferson pre-medical/medical program); internship, Shadyside Hospital, 1985-86; residency, St. Francis Medical Center, 1986-89.

Occupation: Physician, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Qualifications: Immediate past president, Westmoreland County Medical Society; medical editor, Westmoreland County Medical Society Bulletin; member, Pennsylvania Medical Society, House of Delegates, Young Physicians Section.

Answers: 1. Many candidates have called for reduction of reliance on property taxation, which is entirely appropriate. However, the public and private school systems should also work together to improve resource sharing where common goals exist. Any special session on property tax reform that hopes to be successful will have to include novel revenue use. 2. Property tax relief. Rational insurance requirements for health care professionals, hospitals and small businesses. Self-sustaining resources for senior prescription drug coverage. 3. Appellate judges should be above political bias and selected on merit only. A blue-ribbon commission composed of attorneys from the local trial bar should recommend judges to the governor who may only disapprove and who must show just cause when approval is not given.

Democratic:

Thomas A. Tangretti, 56, Greensburg

Education: Jeannette High School, 1964; Indiana University of Pa., 1968, B.A.; University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, 1974, M.P.A.

Occupation: Legislator.

Qualifications: 30-plus years of public service, including: administrative assistant to Congressman John Dent; Westmoreland County controller; 14 years as full-time legislator.

Answers: 1. Devise ways for school districts to reduce their reliance on property taxes by exploring alternative sources of revenue. 2. Reduce high cost of prescription drugs; reduce property taxes; reinvesting in our communities for economic development and quality of life enhancement. 3. I am not in favor of disenfranchising the electorate. If education of the public on candidates or geographic imbalance are the concern, then let's look at alternatives to the existing election process -- such as regional election of candidates. They would be better-known and would assure a geographic balance. And if anyone believes that this would not be a very political process they would be deceiving themselves.

Republican:

No candidate filed

Democratic:

R. Ted Harhai, 47, Monessen

Education: Monessen High School, 1973; earned a degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1977.

Occupation: Legislator and investment banker.

Qualifications: City of Monessen councilman, 1996-97; mayor, 1998-2002; state representative, 58th Legislative District, first elected 1998 in a special election, re-elected in 1998 and 2000.

Answers: 1. Public education is the single most important investment we can make in Pennsylvania's future and the future of our families. Pennsylvania's current education funding system is failing. The state should pay for at least half of the statewide cost of basic instruction, and the funding system should promote equal opportunity and equity among all districts. Both the state's education funding system and school property tax structure need to be reformed in order to meet this obligation successfully. 2. Reducing taxes; health care; lower prescription drug costs for seniors. 3. I see no need to alter the present system.

Republican-Democratic:

Jess Stairs, no reply

Republican-Democratic:

Jeff Coleman, 27, Apollo

Education: High school, Orchard Hills Christian Academy; College: B.S. government, Liberty University.

Occupation: State representative.

Qualifications: I'm qualified to serve because I know what I believe and why I was first elected to serve. Strong core beliefs and firm principles give me an advantage that the academic or resume experience alone simply can't equal. Serving in the state House is a temporary trust -- I try to keep that perspective in focus.

Answers: 1. Our commitment to public schools must be met with our eye fixed on kids in the classroom. That means eliminating and replacing a broken funding system by shifting the burden of school property taxes to the state personal income tax. Secondly, we've got to make sure that our multibillion-dollar investment in education makes a difference for the kids we purport to help. That means dollars tied to performance and close accountability to parents for results and high achievement. We fail kids when we focus solely on the old "more dollars" mantra. 2. Elimination of the school property tax; enacting taxpayers protection measures against future tax increases; protecting physicians, small businesses and individuals from lawsuit abuse by enacting tort reform measures. 3. I favor developing stricter criteria to determine eligibility requirements for individuals who wish to run for appellate judgeships. I'm not in favor of a system that removes the final choice from voters while shifting it to the whims of any chief executive or legislative body.