Pennsylvania State Representative District 46
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.
Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.
-
Mike Crossey
(Dem)
-
Jason Ortitay
(Rep)
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing residents of your district, and how would you address them?
What changes, if any, would you support to enable better access, ensure security, and support the processes of our elections?
What are your thoughts on the state budget process? What changes, if any, would you support so that the budget is enacted in a timely manner?
Should the state legislature enact laws concerning the impacts on water, energy, or land use from the development and operation of data centers? Would state regulation of data center development and operation interfere with the authority of municipalities to establish ordinances under the MPC (Municipal Planning Code)?
County
Allegheny
Occupation
Business Broker/Retired
Education
BS.Ed; MA. ;MS.ED
Qualifications
Retired Teacher/Past President PSEA/Former Elected Official/President Pennsylvania Alliance for Retired Americans
I believe the biggest problem affecting Pennsylvanians and the residents of my district is the growing affordability crisis. We are facing this crisis because of a structural deficit. We have been funding services with one time fixes, drawing down the rainy day fund, and back filling with federal supplement dollars. Families are struggling to keep up. It is difficult to meet even basic needs for many. Families are strained. Costs are rising in every area of the family budget, All this, while salaries have remained stagnant and public supports have diminished or disappeared. I will present 3 specific plans to increase state revenue to reduce costs, increase public support, create family sustaining jobs, and improve our infrastucture.
I believe our elections are secure, but they are under constant attack by those who want to undermine the system. Over the last several years I have been involved in several lawsuits protecting and enhancing voter rights. I am currently suing the Federal Department of Justice to stop their overreach-demanding access to our voters personal data. Two bills I will introduce to make our elections more secure would be no firearms within 300 feet of a polling place and no ICE agents on or near the approach to a polling location.
The state budget process is always a battle over priorities and approaches to solving Pennsylvania's problems and how to move forward. President Trump's cutbacks and curtailments have given us fewer dollars to work with, making the problem worse for every Pennsylvanian. The budget has also become a political battle. My solution to this is to make an on time budget a priority. I will introduce legislation that says: No budget-No pay. This would not apply to staff. It will be directed at the governor and all elected members of the legislature.
State regulations must be written to coexist with local autonomy in a way that balances economic development, environmental protection, and local control. Water withdrawal permits must be tied to capacity. Efficiency standards must water reuse and recycling. Contingencies must be in place in case of a drought. Water needs must be given priority: household and residential, Agricultural, industry , then Data centers. It must be built in from day 1 that costs of power generation must not be shifted to local rate payers. I would also require that developers pay for all transmission upgrades, grid stabilization costs, and no costs get shifted to or shared with local residential or business ratepayers.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
To make a selection for a candidate you must first find your races. Would you like to find your races now?
You have already selected the maximum number of candidates for this race.
You must uncheck an existing selection before making another selection.