Issues

Concerned over the recent direction in Harrisburg, John is committed to restoring trust and integrity to our legislative process and reenergizing Pennsylvania, restoring the principles of limited government, lower taxes, and economic freedom.

Reenergizing Pennsylvania

John is optimistic about Pennsylvania 's future and potential for moving forward. However, much has to change. Between 1991-2002, Pennsylvania had the 5th highest real per capita spending growth rate in the nation. Yet, Pennsylvania currently ranks 38th in job growth, 41st in personal income growth, and 45th in population growth. Clearly, government spending has not restored Pennsylvania as a national leader in industry and manufacturing jobs nor has it helped us meet the demands of the new information technology economy. As Ronald Reagan once said, “We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much.” The same principles are true for Pennsylvania.

John will work diligently to control government spending and improve the state's job climate by lowering the tax burden placed on families and businesses, making Pennsylvania a state where businesses want to locate and people can afford to raise their families.

Reforming State Government

To reenergize Pennsylvania we also need to change the direction of Pennsylvania politics and government, eliminating unnecessary waste, legislative perks, and unchecked power in leadership. Over the last four years, we have seen dramatic growth in state government and legislative salaries. The citizens of Pennsylvania are fed up with Harrisburg politics and want reform in both the legislative and the administrative branches of our state government. John pledges to immediately help spearhead reform initiatives that will bring meaningful change to Harrisburg, and not just when it is politically advantageous to do so.

Restoring Voter Confidence

John understands that trust can be only earned over an extended period of time by confronting problems with practical solutions and being honest with your constituency. It is not restored overnight or over an election cycle. He also knows that being an effective representative is more then just attending photo opportunities and constituent events, its about doing the right thing and having your actions speak louder then your words. It is about remembering who you are, where you came from, and what you stand for no matter what the circumstances may be or what political pressures may come to bear. It is about representing the interests of your constituency and not your own.