Four battling over House seat in 48th District
Share with others:
Marcellus shale, state taxes and term limits have emerged as top issues this year in the battle for the 48th District legislative seat being left vacant by state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, who is seeking a state Senate seat.
There is no lack of interest in the seat, which spans several large municipalities in Washington County, including the city of Washington, Canonsburg, North Strabane and South Strabane. The district also is home to the Meadows Racetrack & Casino.
On the Democratic ticket for Tuesday's primary, political newcomer Brandon Neuman, 28, of North Strabane, will face off against Robert Fisher, 74, of South Strabane.
Mr. Fisher, the husband of county Democratic Jury Commissioner Judith Fisher, is a retired coal miner and steelworker and with his wife comprises one of the most powerful Democratic couples in county politics. He is a member of the executive committee for the state Democratic party and has been a local committeeman for more than 30 years.
Mr. Neuman, a lawyer specializing in civil litigation, has secured the endorsement of Mr. Solobay and worked as a Democratic committeeman and intern in Mr. Solobay's office in 2003, 2004 and 2006.
For the GOP nod, conservative activist and newspaper publisher Cody Knotts, 41, of North Strabane, will line up against South Strabane Supervisor Robert Koman, 48.
Mr. Koman, an independent marketing consultant, is the only candidate who has held public office, this year beginning his second six-year term with South Strabane.
Mr. Knotts staged an unsuccessful campaign to unseat former state Rep. Leo Trich, D-North Franklin, in 2000, and has served as a Republican committeeman for 24 years. He has used his newspaper, the Weekly Recorder, to promote conservative causes and to expose corruption in county government, along with consumer fraud.
During a recent League of Women Voters debate in North Strabane, the candidates discussed various issues, offering a wide spectrum of opinions.
As the county is beginning to wrestle with issues involving the Marcellus shale natural gas formation, candidates sounded off on whether natural gas production should be subject to a severance tax.
Mr. Fisher said he opposes drilling due to environmental and water usage concerns and said the gas "should be taxed heavily," with the proceeds benefiting local communities, not state coffers.
First Published May 12, 2010 12:00 am
