Eugene M. Stavitzski
"I'm not going to have an ad on TV saying, 'Vote for me, and I'll shine your shoes.' That's why I'm trying to do it without fund-raisers. I don't want to have to owe anybody."
Most important challenge facing the district: School property taxes
How you would tackle the issue, be specific: The two possible solutions would be a wage-based tax or expanding the sales tax. By eliminating the school property tax, Pennsylvania would bring a lot more business into our state.
Karen Boback
Most important challenge facing the district: An antiquated tax system. This is a cornerstone issue because it is linked to so many other challenges that we face. Effective tax reform can have a positive impact on property value, personal savings, business investment, job growth, and even health care. If we don’t find solutions to our inadequate, unfair, and imbalanced tax system, we can expect increased flight from our area not only by businesses, but particularly among our best and brightest – also known as the brain-drain.
Increasing or broadening the tax base through the use of a sales tax will provide a more fair and equitable approach and result in relief for those less able to pay taxes. This would lift the financial burden off our seniors, farmers, businesses, and homeowners in general.
How you would tackle the issue, be specific: I would work tirelessly for effective tax reform and the elimination of school property tax. I would support a variation on the sales tax which would provide greater equity for taxpayers. Our current tax structure is too reliant on property values which very often are not a fair reflection of the ability to pay taxes. Homes, farms, and properties which have been in families for years and may have been paid off, do not reflect an accurate view of the property owner’s wealth and ability to pay taxes, particularly school property taxes.
website: www.karenboback.com
Stanford E. Davis
"There've been so many things that seem that Harrisburg has gone off track. They lost focus of the people. That’s one of the things I think I can take back."
Most important challenge facing the district: Property tax reform
How you would tackle the issue, be specific: Property taxes can be significantly reduced or eliminated with an expansion of the sales tax. There are several proposals that have been debated. However, the sales tax proposal makes the most sense and is the most equitable for all. This takes the burden off of property owners and spreads it evenly across all consumers.
website: http://www.stanforddavis.com/
Michael McCormick
Most important challenge facing the district: Property taxes
How you would tackle the issue, be specific: The answer lies in expanding the state sales tax to other goods or slightly increasing it across the board. As representative, I would push for the creation of an advisory committee made up of Pennsylvania tax specialists and experts from states that have eliminated property taxes in recent years. The committee would be tasked with finding the most equitable solution and also with gaining a sense of the public’s response to various solutions.
website: www.votemccormick.com
Edmund Sichler Jr.
"They want young people, fresh faces, new and good ideas," he said. "It's a plus that I have not served (in public office). I’m not in with anybody."
Most important challenge facing the district: Property tax reform
How you would tackle the issue, be specific: It is essential to consider all revenue streams available and determine how to best maximize them with the least amount of impact on the residents of the district. I would reform the manner in which our school systems are currently funded. Currently, property taxes are the sole supporter of schools. I propose income and sales taxes be re-evaluated and used as a source of revenue for school operations. I plan to support legislation that will help to address property tax reform.
website: www.edmundsichlerjr.com
Randy Tomasacci
"Whatever happens (on primary election day), I'm going trout fishing the next day. I'm going up in the mountains, listening to the water, relax."
Most important challenge facing the district: The reduction of property taxes.
How would you tackle the issue, be specific: I will advocate for change in the sales and state income tax rates, cut spending and use gaming revenues.
website:www.randytomasacci.org
Correction: not "all the candidates" were represented. The Times Leader neglected James May and Tim Carroll, both of whom are still vying for the spot despite court cases by cronies of Edmund Sichler, Jr. May is mounting a write-in campaign at the urging of state and local leaders. His website www.votemaythismay.com has had more than 1000 visitors since Sichler's dirty political trick began! It just may backfire and lead to a May victory on May 16th.
ReplyDeleteStanford Davis should get a 500 vote handicap for having a handle-bar moustache.
ReplyDeleteAnd Karen Boback will use her powers of hypnosis to earn a few herself. http://www.karenboback.com/preschool.html Be careful: don't stare at the eyes too long!
ReplyDelete