Description of office: The General Assembly is the legislative branch of government in Pennsylvania. It is composed of two houses: the Senate is the upper house, and the House of Representatives is the lower house. A majority vote in both houses is necessary to pass a law. The PA House of Representatives consists of 203 members representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents. Representatives must be at least 21 years old, have been a citizen and a resident of the state four years and a resident of their respective districts one year before their election, and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service. The House develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending, and passes laws (including redistricting in collaboration with the Senate). The House also has the exclusive authority to impeach public officials. Representatives also serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation.Term: 2 yearsSalary: $113,591Vote for ONE.Note: On Democratic and Republican primary ballots, voters will also choose members of the State and County Committees. We do not list these candidates on Vote411. For information on these candidates, we suggest you contact your local Democratic or Republican Party committee.
County
Allegheny
Occupation
IT Infrastructure Manager
In the 40th District, our residents are facing issues similar to those in our surrounding communities. Rising costs, aging infrastructure, and growing concern about public health and the environment are posing real challenges to everyday life and concerns for the future. Additionally, many residents feel that government is unresponsive to their needs. I would focus on initiatives that would support working families, more affordable housing and healthcare, and improving critical infrastructure. I would also lead with transparency and a commitment to listening to the people I serve.
I will always support changes that make voting more accessible, secure, and transparent. I would support easier access to mail-in ballots, expanding early voting, and allocating more resources for counties and municipalities to better administer elections. I believe that every eligible voter should be able to vote easily and have confidence that their ballot will be counted accurately.
I believe that the state budget process should be transparent, collaborative, and accountable. Government making decisions behind closed doors and going well past deadlines is unacceptable. The delay of the prior year's budget had an adverse effect on schools, local governments, and families. I would support earlier budget talks, greater public input, and greater transparency through better disclosure of budget negotiations. I truly believe government works best when it is collaborative and responsible to the people, especially when it comes to our budget.
I believe the state should implement legislation that addresses the environmental and economic impacts of data centers. I would vote for and co-sponsor legislation that would require these centers to develop energy, water, and other environmental plans such that our residents are not absorbing the cost of the increased energy grid and water usage. I also believe that the MPC should be preserved to adopt local zoning and land use ordinances that reflect the needs of the community.
County
Washington
Occupation
State Representative 40th Legislative District
Education
Bachelor of Arts: University of Pittsburgh (2004); Juris Doctorate: Appalachian School of Law (2007); Diploma: South Allegheny High School (1997); Graduate of Naval Nuclear Power School (1998)
Qualifications
With my roots firmly planted in southwestern Pennsylvania, I have leaned on my experience of growing up in Allegheny County and really understanding the ways in which the region has changed to influence how I represent the nearly 65,000 residents of the 40th legislative district.
Affordability is an issue for the 40th district just like it is every where else. That is why I am a co-sponsor of legislation to reduce the personal income tax. I have also sponsored bills that would enact a tax holiday on the gas tax as well as other expenses for families including newborn gear and youth sports equipment. I have voted in favor of a minimum wage increase because I believe Pennsylvania's was far too low. I am also a prime sponsor of the Family Care Act which would guarantee all workers paid family and medical leave. We know that most Pennsylvanians are living pay check to pay check and no one should have to decide between caring for a loved one and their income.
I would vote in favor of pre-canvassing. I think the faster we can produce election results, the less concerns about the integrity of the system. A long drawn out counting process is not ideal for the government or the voters.
The state budget process is my number one frustration as a member of the legislature. I am working on a bill right now that is modeled after a Canadian law which triggers an election if the budget is not passed on time. Right now there are zero consequences to the people at the negotiating table. School districts and non-profits getting their funding late is apparently not reason enough to negotiate in good faith and in a timely manner. Maybe if the jobs of the very people at the table were on the line that would be a motivating reason to fulfill our constitutional duty of passing a budget by June 30.
Yes, Pennsylvania needs to act swiftly and smartly regarding the rapid expansion of data centers across the country. We know this will take a huge amount of energy and water to run. I think we can do this in a way that is not harmful to the environment, while also increasing access to a new revenue stream and new jobs for the Commonwealth. The idea shouldn't be to usurp power from local municipalities but to wrap some uniform parameters around this growing field for the entire Commonwealth.
