State government should be more responsive to the needs of the people, said Democratic candidates Tuesday as they presented their credentials for service in Harrisburg.
But the lone Republican running for the seat being vacated by retiring state Rep. Tom Yewcic, D-Jackson Township, said government is the problem, not the solution.
“Our problem is that we send people to Harrisburg who think government can solve everything,” Chris Voccio said.
The candidates sparred at a forum Tuesday night at Pitt-Johnstown.
Seven Democrats are vying to represent the district that covers Ebensburg south to Windber: David Gehlman of Upper Yoder, Dave Kuhar of Ebensburg, Nick Molnar of Jackson Township, Frank Burns of East Taylor, James Lamont of Ebensburg, Stephen Yesenosky of Jackson Township and Jared Lambie of Colver. Yesenosky was not present.
Lambie, a teacher who lives in Colver and drives 85 miles to work each day, made an emotional appeal for more help from Harrisburg.
“Pennsylvania is made up of a lot of small communities, and they need help,” Lambie said. “We need an educated work force, better roads – and we need to market ourselves.”
Burns echoed the need for young people to pitch in.
“My generation needs to stand up and be heard. I will serve for a long time, and I will serve full time,” he said.
Lamont and Molnar, both veteran UMWA leaders, argued for the need to pursue new opportunities. Lamont advocated courting power plants for the area, and Molnar stressed the need for relevant trade schools.
Kuhar promised to bring government closer to the people. “I will go to senior centers and volunteer fire departments each month to help people,” he said.
Gehlman said he would propose eliminating property taxes for senior citizens and raise the sales tax rate by one-half percent to make up for it.
Voccio argued that “we must reduce excessive taxes and the regulatory burden that makes Pennsylvania so inhospitable to businesses,” he said.
Molnar said that he wants to be a voice for the people.
In response to a question from the audience, candidates agreed on the need for better health care but contended that it is not a state-government issue.
The primary will be April 22.
Local News
Small gov’t promoted in 72nd district forum
- Local News
-
- District Deaths May 28, 2012
-
Community Event is ‘fun for the kids’
The annual Johnstown Community Event held Saturday was a big hit in many ways.
-
Fielding interest: With new rec facility, leaders hope to sell old site
Borough Council leaders here find they are about to get into the real estate business, from the sellers’ end that is.
-
Richland weighs $2.1M offer for land
Richland School District officials will take time, likely a month, to weigh an Ohio developer’s Rachel Hill school land offer.
-
Officials cool on tax plan
Two state lawmakers from the area agree that a proposal to eliminate school property taxes with revenues from increases in the state personal income and state sales taxes has little chance of success anytime soon.
-
Portage store serves up a helping of history
Gone are the days when Schoenfeld’s Department Store sold ladies apparel, men’s suits and children’s shoes.
-
BILL EGGERT | Disco dancing days
-
BILL FINDLEY | Johnstown area is a great place for young adults to live and work
Looking for a great place to live and work? If you are like most people, your list would likely include a multitude of factors to consider in the selection process – such things as job opportunities, less stress, reasonable living costs, and plenty of fun things to do.
- Cambria County Court Report 05/27/2012
- Local business briefs 5/27/2012
- More Local News Headlines
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
