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 Senate consists of 50 members, representing one district each, with an equal number of constituents. Senators must be at least 25 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 Senate develops budget packages, makes taxation decisions, allocates spending, and passes laws (including redistricting in collaboration with the House of Representatives). In addition, the Senate tries officials impeached by the House and authorizes executive appointments. Senators serve on various policy committees that may propose legislation.Term: 4 years Salary: $113,591Vote for ONE.
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County
Fayette
Occupation
PA State Senator
Education
PennState Business Administration Associates Degree
Qualifications
Former Advocate for the American Heart Assn and member of NFIB, along with many non-profit board positions and a long-time local business owner.
Rising utility costs.
I am chairman of the Consumer Protection/Professional Licensure Committee in the Senate and use my oversight with the PUC to work on policies that can lower utility costs.
First priority is to pass, again, Voter ID.
The budget process in PA with a divided legislature is a painful and frustrating process. Amazing how well the dialog works on an election year. I would like to propose a 2-year budget so all discussions and negotiations happen on an election year.
The State Legislature should empower counties to enact zoning regulations that most fit their needs that protect environmental concerns while allowing economic growth. Both can happen at the same time. A state-wide, one-size-fits-all approach will not work.
County
Fayette
Occupation
Truck Driver
Education
Graduated, Staunton Military Academy, Bachelor of Arts, Babson College, Attended Harvard University (left to serve after being drafted)
Qualifications
United States Army (1967–1968) Commanding General Staff, 3rd Armored Division TDY G2 (Intelligence) Chief of Staff, Pennsylvania Senate (32nd District), 1974–1978 Pennsylvania State Representative, 52nd House District, 1979–1982 Business owner across multiple ventures Experience in land development
The biggest issue in our district is the rising cost of living, especially property taxes that are forcing people out of homes they have worked their whole lives to own. I will work to eliminate property taxes and replace them with a fairer system. We also need real accountability in government, with no more backroom deals or insiders benefitting at the public’s expense. I will advocate for transparency and stronger oversight. Finally, we must focus on growing our local economy by supporting small businesses, reducing unnecessary regulations, and investing in infrastructure and public safety, which truly improve people’s daily lives.
Our elections should be easy to participate in and impossible to manipulate. I support improving access through efficient polling locations. We should ensure that every eligible voter can cast a ballot without unnecessary barriers. At the same time, we must strengthen security with voter ID requirements, accurate voter rolls, and consistent procedures across counties. I also support greater transparency, including clear audit processes and timely reporting. This way, voters can have confidence in the results. Access, security, and trust should work together, not against each other.
The state budget process has become too slow, too political, and too detached from the people it impacts. Year after year, we face delays caused by secret negotiations and last-minute deals that leave taxpayers unaware. This is not how a responsible government should function.
I would support strict deadlines with real consequences for missed targets, including limiting legislative pay until a budget passes. We also need more transparency by posting budget proposals in clear language well ahead of votes so the public can review them. Finally, I believe in a more disciplined approach to spending, focusing on essential priorities and avoiding the kind of excessive negotiations that lead to delays in the first place.
Yes, the state has a role, but it should be a limited one. Data centers have significant demands on water, energy, and land use. The legislature should set basic standards for environmental protection, grid reliability, and resource use. This approach ensures consistency and avoids a confusing patchwork of rules that can lead to unintended outcomes.
However, local control is important. Municipalities know their communities well and should keep the authority under the Municipal Planning Code to handle zoning, land use, and local impacts. State regulation should define the minimum requirements, not the maximum, meaning it should not override reasonable local laws but instead support them. The aim is balance: protect resources, encourage econ
