General Election 2014: Voter’s Guide

It’s that time of year again!

Tuesday, November 4 is general election day across Pennsylvania.

All polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

According to the Bucks County Board of Elections there are 174,763 registered Republicans, 187,007 Democrats and 70,880 others eligible to vote in tomorrow’s election.

2014 Primary Election Results

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NO identification is needed to vote.

Problems at the Polls? Contact the Bucks County Board of Elections at 215-348-6154.

Candidates

Governor (Four-year Term)

• Tom Wolf, Democrat
• Tom Corbett, Republican

Lt. Governor (Four-year Term)

• Mike Stack, Democrat
• Jim Cawley, Republican

8th Congressional District (Two-year Term)

• Kevin Strouse, Democrat
• Michael Fitzpatrick, Republican  

6th State Senatorial District (Four-year Term)

• Kimberly Rose, Democrat

Age: 54

Spouse/kids? Husband, Anthony Rose, one child

How long have you been a resident of the district? 24 years

What are your qualifications for the position?

Small business owner, DC in Chiropractic, Northampton Township Supervisor since 2011

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?

As a community activist, a mother, and a township supervisor, I have seen the affects of the drastic cuts to public education hurt our communities and I chose to stand up and make these concerns known as well as lay out a pathway to get this funding back into our schools where it belongs. Our children and their right to a public education, guaranteed by the Pennsylvania Constitution, must come first and that is what I will continue to fight for if I head to Harrisburg this January.

What do you think will be the most pressing issue facing the district in the coming years? What should be done about it?

Under the current leadership, job growth in our state has gone from seventh to fiftieth in the nation. In order for Pennsylvania to get our economic outlook and job growth back on track, we must make efforts to be small business friendly, invest in public-private partnerships between trade schools, colleges, and businesses, encourage those who are in need of retraining to enter the workforce again, and we must to look ahead to the renewable energies sector.

What’s your solution on solving the mounting PSERS burden faced by local school districts?

Local school districts have been baring the brunt of the current leadership’s choices in prioritization. Rather than kicking the can down the road, once again, the status of the pension system across the state must be addressed. I have suggested that nine billion dollars of our unfunded liability be placed into pension bonds so that we can stop incurring more debt. I also believe that Act 120, a bipartisan effort to get Pennsylvania on a pension payment plan, does need to be allowed to work. I am practiced in reaching my hand across the aisle to solve issues on the local level and I will bring this mindset as well as new energy to work for the 6th state senate district.

The Act 89 transportation funding plan was approved last year and has lead to many infrastructure improvements projects in Low Bucks County- what’s your stance on the changes to the oil company franchise tax?

There is no question that Pennsylvania’s infrastructure needs to be updated. We have the highest number of unsound bridges in the nation, for example. The dollars brought in from Act 89 must be appropriated accordingly. We need to make sure that not only our roads, bridges, damns, levees, and general infrastructure are up to today’s standards, but also we need to make sure that these jobs go to hardworking Pennsylvanians.

What’s your stance on implementing an extraction fee on oil and gas welling in the state?

Pennsylvania is currently the fastest growing natural gas producer in the nation and holds the second highest amount of natural gas in its deposits. In April, I proposed a modest 5% severance tax on the gas drillers, which will net our state approximately 720 million dollars in the first fiscal year it is implemented, and will grow from there. These funds need to be used to restore the drastic cuts that were made to public education over the last three years and need to be directed to children in the classroom. This is a clear choice of prioritization,

Having been endorsed by Clean Water Action, Penn Environment, as well as the Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, I recognize that we must also ensure our environment is protected by fully funding Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, increase transparency of the drilling process, and we must hold those responsible for mistakes that negatively affect our land and water accountable.

Are you for or opposed to enacting term limits for state senate candidates? Why or why not?:

I know that I am holding myself to a two-term limit. I will be able to do affect change for the better in Pennsylvania in eight years and do not believe making a career out of holding public office.

How are you funding your campaign?

I have been supported financially through many individual donors who know the kind of work ethic that I bring to the table, which includes several political action contributions from groups like EMILY’s List and other Democratic candidates and organizations.

• Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson, Republican 

Age: 68

Spouse/kids? Nancy and two children Maddie and KC

How long have you been a resident of the district? My entire life.

What are your qualifications for the position?

First and foremost, I was born here, I reside here, and I know the people of the district. I go to Harrisburg to represent them first and foremost. I started on the school board, served in the house, and now serve in the Senate. I’ve been committed to my community and will continue to serve the people of Bucks County.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?: There is still work to do. We have to fix the pension system and despite the $4 Billion in property tax reduction from my gaming bill, there is still work to do in regards to reducing property taxes.

What do you think will be the most pressing issue facing the district in the next two years? What should be done about it?

The most pressing issue is the pension problem. The biggest problem with the pension system is the unfunded liability. My proposal to fix this is to tax the gas drillers and use the revenue to privde a dedicated funding source to purchase bonds to pay down some of the deficit. This is a way to infuse the pension system with money without having to ask the taxpayer for more money. It keeps your money in your pockets.

What’s your solution on solving the mounting Public School Employees’ Retirement System burden faced by local school districts?

See above.

The Act 89 transportation funding plan was approved last year and has lead to many infrastructure improvements projects in Lower Bucks County – what’s your stance on the changes to the Oil Company Franchise Tax?

I supported the bill and believe the benefits are immense. Roads are being fixed, bridges repaired, and were updating our transportation system to keep the Commonwealth competitive in the 21st century. By the way, since passage of the bill, the price of gasoline has dropped to under $3.00 for the first time since 2010.

What’s your stance on implementing an extraction fee on oil and gas welling in the state?

Support and use to pay down the pension.

Are you for or opposed to enacting term limits for state senate candidates? Why or why not?

Every four years I run for reelection and if I’m not doing the job the taxpayers want me to, they have the opportunity to term limit me. The problem with term limits is they ultimately empower the unelected staff member, because without the experience and knowledge of how the Senate works, the newly elected Senators have to rely on staff who are then given more influence than they should have.
How are you funding your campaign? Through an aggressive fundraising approach with support from a broad spectrum of donors.

10th State Senatorial District  (Four-year Term)

• Steve Cickay, Democrat

Candidate did not return profile questions

• Chuck McIlhinney, Republican

Office sought: State Senate

Age: 47

Spouse/kids? Wife, Jennifer; two children: Tripp and Gabriella

How long have you been a resident of the district? I have lived in Bucks County and the 10th Senate District as it is today for my entire life.

What are your qualifications for the position?

I currently have the honor of serving the people of Bucks County as their State Senator and, prior to that, served as a State Representative and local elected official. I hope I have proven my ability to listen to the concerns of local residents and carry them to Harrisburg to find solutions to the challenges we face.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?

We are heading in the right direction in Pennsylvania. Policies I have supported are sparking job growth with state unemployment is at its lowest rate in six years; they are promoting a quality education with record funding for schools; and, they are implementing strong fiscal controls that have saved taxpayers money. There are many issues which are, however, in progress but not yet finished. I would like to see these through to fruition and see them help the people of Pennsylvania.

What do you think will be the most pressing issue facing the district in the next two years? What should be done about it?

I believe that addressing the growing public pension debt is perhaps the single most important thing we can do to help Pennsylvania, Bucks County’s schools, and taxpayers. I will support a system that place new hires into a defined contribution, 401k type system to provide them a fair benefit, while still keeping our promise to current retirees and enrollees and stop digging a hole for taxpayers. Common sense reform like this can help place Pennsylvania on stronger financial footing — which helps encourage economic and job growth. It helps school districts, over time, to focus more resources on the classroom without raising property taxes. And it helps taxpayers by removing from them the burden of dealing with ever-fluctuating markets and ever-rising costs.

What’s your solution on solving the mounting Public School Employees’ Retirement System burden faced by local school districts?

As stated above, I will support a system that place new hires into a defined contribution, 401k type system to provide them a fair benefit, while still keeping our promise to current retirees and enrollees and stop digging a hole for taxpayers. Independent estimates of this change are that taxpayers will save billions of dollars over the long-term while stabilizing the current system and ensuring its solvency for the future.

The Act 89 transportation funding plan was approved last year and has lead to many infrastructure improvements projects in Lower Bucks County – what’s your stance on the changes to the Oil Company Franchise Tax?

I voted for Act 89 because it actually eliminated the consumer tax on gasoline while providing the funding needed for vital infrastructure improvements and maintenance. The fact is that our infrastructure system was in desperate need of repairs, and this package will allow those repairs to be made. Our infrastructure system is a vital part of the state’s economic engine and it must be maintained properly; Act 89 will make sure that can occur.
What’s your stance on implementing an extraction fee on oil and gas welling in the state? I support enacting an equitable extraction tax that ensures the total tax burden faced by these companies remains competitive with other states. We must be careful that while reaping benefit from this activity, we also do not drive away the new jobs and economic benefit this burgeoning industry has provided for our state.

Are you for or opposed to enacting term limits for state senate candidates? Why or why not?

America’s Founding Fathers actually debated the issue of term limits while forming our government and drafting the U.S. Constitution and they chose not to do so. We must also remember that there are already term limits in place; the people of Bucks County can choose to limit my service every time I am on the ballot. I would be willing to think about supporting term limits for all state House and Senate candidate, provided they are applied to all members, but the argument would need to be compelling to overturn the reasoning of those who founded our country.

How are you funding your campaign?

I believe that when any elected official can garner support (either financial or in other forms) from those who otherwise do not agree on issues, etc. it is a sign that person is doing their job well and not putting one interest above another. I am proud to have received that kind of support this year from citizens and organizations across Bucks County and Pennsylvania.

140th State Legislative District  (Two-year Term)

• John Galloway, Democrat

141st State Legislative District  (Two-year Term)

• Tina Davis, Democrat

How long have you been a resident of the district?  23 years

What are your qualifications for the position?

I have served since January 2011 as State Representative and previously served on township council.  I have worked in a variety of positions including real estate agent, broker, and co-owner, along with my husband, of a small trucking business.  I am a graduate of LaSalle University.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?

We need to come together to fix our economy and our schools.  I am excited about the prospect of a new governor, Tom Wolf, who will restore funding to our schools and bring an enhanced focus on bringing back Pennsylvania’s manufacturing base.

What do you think will be the most pressing issue facing the district in the next two years? What should be done about it?

Our schools are underfunded and the toll it is taking on students and the economic future of Pennsylvania demand our immediate attention. We need to reverse Tom Corbett’s $1 billion cut to education and increase funding to schools by implementing a gas extraction tax on drilling companies.

What’s your solution on solving the mounting Public School Employees’ Retirement System burden faced by local school districts?

This is a very serious and ongoing problem that won’t be resolved overnight.  We need to implement two basic solutions: increase state funding to local school districts and reduce long term pension obligations.  I have advocated a hybrid system that mixes the current traditional pension system along with a 401k system. While this is not popular with everyone it is a reality that we need to face up to.  Otherwise, Pennsylvania will eventually go bankrupt.

With the PlanCon funding for Bristol Township’s new schools at a standstill, what is your position on the program and its future?

There are Democratic and Republican plans to fund Plan Con and move these projects from school districts all across Pennsylvania forward.  It’s time for the Commonwealth to fulfill it’s promises.  Every day that Plan Con remains frozen simply adds to the entire cost for the state and the school district.  In turn, it is costing our taxpayers more money.

What’s your stance on implementing an extraction fee on oil and gas welling in the state?

I strongly support an extraction fee.  If states like Alaska and Texas can implement such fees it is ridiculous that Pennsylvania hasn’t.  The failure of Pennsylvania to implement an extraction fee is a testament to the degree to which Tom Corbett is in the pocket of the oil and gas industry.

Are you for or opposed to enacting term limits for state representatives? Why or why not?

I have long supported term limits.  I believe reasonable limits are in everyone’s interest.  When legislators serve for too long they forget why they were originally elected.

How are you funding your campaign?

My campaign is funded by contributions from individuals and organizations who share my views on resolving Pennsylvania’s problems.

• Joseph Lippolis, Republican

Age: 61

Spouse/kids? Married 37 years..6 children..16 grandchildren

How long have you been a resident of the district? 8 years

What are your qualifications for the position?

Active in community and political affairs for 30 plus years. Retired business owner. Founder, organizer and manager of various clubs and social organizations.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?

It’s my civic duty, and an opportunity to serve my community.

What do you think will be the most pressing issue facing the district in the next two years? What should be done about it?

These four questions require more explanation than I could give in a short guide. The standard political partisan rhetoric isn’t sufficient an answer. These subjects require significantly more research and input from the citizens they affect, before I could render a firm commitment on any of them

What’s your solution on solving the mounting Public School Employees’ Retirement System burden faced by local school districts?

These four questions require more explanation than I could give in a short guide. The standard political partisan rhetoric isn’t sufficient an answer. These subjects require significantly more research and input from the citizens they affect, before I could render a firm commitment on any of them

With the PlanCon funding for Bristol Township’s new schools at a standstill, what is your position on the program and its future?

These four questions require more explanation than I could give in a short guide. The standard political partisan rhetoric isn’t sufficient an answer. These subjects require significantly more research and input from the citizens they affect, before I could render a firm commitment on any of them

What’s your stance on implementing an extraction fee on oil and gas welling in the state?

These four questions require more explanation than I could give in a short guide. The standard political partisan rhetoric isn’t sufficient an answer. These subjects require significantly more research and input from the citizens they affect, before I could render a firm commitment on any of them

Are you for or opposed to enacting term limits for state representatives? Why or why not?

I’m definitely for term limits at all levels of government.

How are you funding your campaign?

I held a small fund raiser among friends and supporters and contributed personal finances. No union or corporate funding. I believe my duty is to represent the voter, not who can contribute the most.

142nd State Legislative District  (Two-year Term)

• Gina Kiley, Democrat

Spouse/kids?: 
Brian Kiley, 1 child, Leo Kiley

How long have you been a resident of the district?: 
4 years

What are your qualifications for the position?: 
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Communications, West Chester University, Juris Doctor, Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. I have a strong work ethic, proficiency in dealing with a broad range of complex issues and a proven ability to work with individuals on behalf of my clients to reach fair and equitable results.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?: 
Harrisburg is broken and the people of this district deserve a representative who not only understands the issues but will fight for the community to solve them. Why would we continue to send the same individuals over and over again and expect different results? I bring a fresh perspective and a willingness to achieve results that are in the best interest of our community.

What do you think will be the most pressing issue facing the district in the next two years? What should be done about it? 
Education is the number one issue facing the district, and there are many areas to address:

• Finding a long-term, sustainable solution to the pension funding issue.
• Identifying new sources of revenues to fund education
• Creating a funding formula to more equitably fund public education.
• Addressing charter school reform and ending the charter school pension double dipping.

The focus of all education related issues should always be how to better prepare our students for a quality education that will afford them the capabilities to compete in emerging job markets.

What’s your solution on solving the mounting Public School Employees’ Retirement System burden faced by local school districts?

Addressing the public employee pension issue in order to make it sustainable requires a multi-pronged approach. The purchase of pension bonds to buy down existing debt will help to lower the long-term cost of pensions, addressing the core problem of employer underfunding. New revenue sources are needed and I propose an extraction tax on natural gas drilling where a specific percentage would be dedicated to pension contributions and paying off pension bonds. Charter school funding reform is a necessary component to ensure public dollars are spent efficiently and end the practice of pension double dipping. With the largest state legislature in the country, I support reducing the number of elected officials to the House and Senate, lowering the number of beneficiaries and providing long term cost savings. I pledge to work towards a resolution that is equitable to the employees who have always contributed their fair share and does not create additional unfunded liabilities.

What’s your stance on implementing an extraction fee on oil and gas welling in the state?

I fully support an extraction fee. Pennsylvania should not allow highly lucrative natural resources in our state to be extracted without being adequately compensated for the privilege of doing business here.

Are you for or opposed to enacting term limits for state representatives? Why or why not?

Yes, I am in favor of term limits. Too many people in government are there for the wrong reasons and term limits create a check and balance system that ensures new ideas and fresh perspectives will be brought to the task of legislating for the good of the people.

How are you funding your campaign?

I am running a true grassroots campaign funded by small donations from mainly friends, family, local political organizations and supportive residents of the 142^nd District.

• Frank Farry, Republican

Age: 41

Spouse/kids? Single/No children

How long have you been a resident of the district? Lifelong

What are your qualifications for the position?

Lifelong resident of the District who was Neshaminy educated and went on to graduate from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, receive a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and a Law Degree from Rutgers University. I have dedicated my life to public service having worked for Middletown Township for over seven years in addition to serving as a volunteer firefighter for over twenty-five years including the last fourteen as Fire Chief. I have also served in numerous other community organizations such as the Middletown Community Foundation and the Red Cross. My lifelong community service is in addition to the work I have done serving as the Representative of the District for the last five plus years.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?

I have worked very hard in Harrisburg to make the residents of our District, as well as the Commonwealth lives better. Numerous bills I have drafted have become law. We still have more work to do and the voters will determine if they support the efforts I have made over the last several years.

What do you think will be the most pressing issue facing the district in the next two years? What should be done about it?

On a state level it is our financial situation including the ongoing pension crisis. On a local level it is the issues facing the Neshaminy School District and the School Board’s decisions. My concerns relating to those decisions has been conveyed to representatives of the School Board for the last several years.

What’s your solution on solving the mounting Public School Employees’ Retirement System burden faced by local school districts?

The PSERS issue is not just a local issue but is also significantly impacting the state budget. I support the Grell plan that put additional funding into the system while also moving to an annuity based system for new hires. I support the additional funding of the system to be funded by an extraction fee whether it be amortized or directly paid.

What’s your stance on implementing an extraction fee on oil and gas welling in the state?

I support a comparable tax to neighboring states. Please reference the question above.

Are you for or opposed to enacting term limits for state representatives? Why or why not?

I have publicly stated since my first campaign that I support term limits. This will require a change in the state Constitution. I already have led the fight for reforms in Harrisburg but introducing the most comprehensive healthcare contribution legislation every session since I have been in office. This ultimately led to both Representatives and their staffs contributing to health care for the first time in the Commonwealth’s history. Additionally, I have turned down such perks as a state car and state cell phone.

How are you funding your campaign?

I have funded my campaign through sources ranging from $5 and $10 donors to local business owners and groups who support my re-election. The broad base of financial support I have is reflected the diversity of my donors. One clear distinction between myself and my opponent is that I have not violated the campaign finance laws of the state, which require transparency by disclosing who your donors are above the $50 threshold. To date the public is unable to go online and find out who all of her donors are and how her money has been spent. The last thing Harrisburg needs is another politician lawyer who doesn’t follow the law.