2014 May Primary League of Women Voters Guide (Bucks County)

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF BUCKS COUNTY CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND

100 Doyle Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 215-230-9986 – www.lwvbucks.org

Making Democracy Work®

Grassroots leadership since 1920

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF BUCKS COUNTY

CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND

NONPARTISAN VOTERS GUIDE

General Election May 20, 2014 (Primary)

(C) Copyright 2014 LWVPA – CEF

Polls open 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.

This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth.

FOR ELECTION INFORMATION

Contact your county Board of Elections. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information

Center also provides election information. CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-692-7281

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education

Fund. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate's

reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and by editing from the bottom when a

candidate's reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot

as of April 9, 2014. They are listed according to their ballot order. Additional information about judicial

candidates and voter information including “Polling Place Lookup” can be found by going to

www.smartvoter.org and typing in your address and zip code. Allegheny, Delaware and Montgomery County

residents will see additional information on local candidates at www.smartvoter.org as well.

PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE

The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund is to promote political

responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is

nonpartisan: it does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. Nothing in this guide should be

construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen

Education Fund.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Registered voters who are ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by

absentee ballot. Completed applications for civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county Board of

Elections by 5 P.M., Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Completed civilian absentee ballots must be received back at the

Board of Elections by 5 P.M. on Friday, May 16, 2014. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business

trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call your county Board of Elections for information on emergency

absentee voting. Proof of emergency may be required. An emergency application and ballot can be obtained

and voted by 5 P.M. on Friday, May 16, 2014. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility

of a polling place should consult the county Board of Elections.

WRITE-IN VOTING

Information for write-in voting will be available at the polling place.

http://www.smartvoter.org/

http://www.smartvoter.org/



ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS

If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling

place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the county Board of Elections. The problem

could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to

resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the county Board of Elections where a judge from the Court

of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively you can ask for and vote by

provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote your ballot will be counted. You will

be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted. Problems at the polls can be reported to the

PA Department of State at www.votespa.com and to the Election Protection Hotline, 1-866-OurVote or

www.866ourvote.org.

Forms for voter absentee ballots, emergency absentee ballots and alternative ballots can be downloaded from

the Resource Center at www.votespa.com.

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS If you’re voting for the first time, the information below can help you ensure you’re prepared once you arrive at

the polls. All voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of

identification. Approved forms of photo identification include:

Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT

ID card

ID issued by any Commonwealth agency

ID issued by the U.S. Government

U.S. passport

U.S. Armed Forces ID

Student ID

Employee ID

If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a

non-photo identification that includes your

name and address. Approved forms of non-

photo identification include:

Confirmation issued by the County Voter

Registration Office

Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth

Non-photo ID issued by the U.S.

Government

Firearm permit

Current utility bill

Current bank statement

Current paycheck

Government check

If you do not have any acceptable ID, you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot. You do NOT

have to show an ID.

ON-LINE VOTERS GUIDE

The Voters Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters

of Pennsylvania homepage: www.palwv.org. It is also posted on the League of Women Voters of

Bucks County website, www.lwvbucks.org (go to the Voters Guide Page).

*CERTIFICATION NOTE*

As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed below is accurate based upon the

Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Elections and Bucks County’s unofficial ballot.

http://www.votespa.com/

http://www.866ourvote.org/

http://www.votespa.com/

http://www.palwv.org/

http://www.lwvbucks.org/



POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE GOVERNOR

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides that “the supreme executive power shall

be vested in the Governor, who shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” In addition to serving

as chief officer of the executive branch of state government, the Governor is Commander-in-Chief of the

Military Forces of the Commonwealth, except when they are called into the actual service of the United

States.

Qualifications—To be eligible for election as Governor, a person must be at least 30 years old, a citizen

of the United States, and a resident of the Commonwealth for a minimum of seven years before the

election, unless he or she has been absent on the public business of the state or the nation.

Appointments – The Governor appoints the secretaries of departments and heads of other cabinet-level

agencies, as well as members of state boards, commissions, and councils.

Budget – The Governor must annually present to the General Assembly a balanced operating budget and

a capital budget for the ensuing fiscal year, as well as a financial plan for not less than the next five

succeeding fiscal years.

Executive Department Management – The Governor approves the appointment and compensation of all

deputies and employees in administrative departments and boards and commissions, as well as his own

staff.

Legislation – The Governor delivers messages to the General Assembly and suggests measures that the

Legislature may want to introduce in bill form.

Military – The Governor is the Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth’s military forces, except

when they are called into the service of the United States.

Other Powers and Duties – The Governor can remit fines and forfeitures and grant reprieves. If the

Board of Pardons has first held a public hearing and made a recommendation, the Governor can also

commute sentences and pardon persons, except in cases of impeachment. The Governor certifies elections

for Presidential Electors in the Electoral College and provides Congressional election returns to United

States officials. He also issues commissions to persons for Judge of the Supreme Court or Superior Court

and for every court of record.

Term of Office—The Governor holds office for a four-year term beginning on the third Tuesday of

January following the gubernatorial election and is eligible to serve one additional four-year term.

Salary: Governor --$187,256

Question: You are in the midst of an expensive election campaign. What are your thoughts on

campaign finance reform?

Vote for not more than 1

Republican Robert Guzzardi—Ardmore, PA

WEB SITE: http:// www.guzzardiforgovernor.com

E-Mail: [email protected]

D.O.B: 9.16.1944

EDUCATION: Georgetown University, 1966; Temple (now Beasley School of Law), 1969

OCCUPATION: Semi-retired businessman

QUALIFICATIONS: I have never held elected office or any government position of any kind.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Current law requires full disclosure of campaign contributions and

campaign expenditures. This is good policy. I do not support putting government politicians and

bureaucrats in charge of financing political campaigns. Currently, it is illegal to use

government/taxpayer money for private, partisan political campaigns. Bonusgate and Computergate

http://www.guzzardiforgovernor.com/

mailto:[email protected]



indictments demonstrate why that is good policy. Politicians have proven, over and over, that they

cannot be trusted with taxpayer money.

Tom Corbett—Shaler Township, Allegheny County, PA

WEB SITE: http://www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com

D.O.B: 6.17.1949

EDUCATION: BA, Political Science, Lebanon Valley College; JD, St. Mary’s University School of

Law

OCCUPATION: Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

QUALIFICATIONS: Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Attorney General, Commonwealth

of Pennsylvania; United States Attorney, Western Pennsylvania; Captain, PA National Guard; Assistant

District Attorney, Allegheny County; Teacher, Pine Grove Area High School

ANSWER TO QUESTION: We must continue implementing reforms to make campaign finance more

open and transparent. I would err in favor of broadly construing constitutional rights, especially where

First Amendment protection of free expression is concerned. Total transparency of campaign finances

and political spending by interested parties is the most effective method for maintaining accountability.

It is for this reason the Department of State recently revamped the campaign finance website to provide

the public with greater access to campaign finance reports.

Democratic Tom Wolf—Mt. Wolf, PA

WEB SITE: http://www.wolfforpa.com

D.O.B: 11.17.1948

EDUCATION: 1972, Dartmouth College, B.A.; 1978, University of London, M. Phil.; 1981, MIT,

PhD

OCCUPATION: Chairman, Wolf Organization

QUALIFICATIONS: I have a different background that uniquely positions me to promote the values

we all share. I served in the Peace Corps, I built a business twice, and I served as Governor Rendell's

Secretary of Revenue. Read my story: http://tom.wolfforpa.com/.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I believe stronger campaign finance and disclosure reforms can help

reduce the potential for corruption in state government while providing transparency in the political

process in Pennsylvania. As governor, I will support legislation to establish a public finance program,

set campaign contribution limits, and create stricter reporting requirements for contributions and late

filing fees. You can read more about my campaign finance reforms on my website:

www.wolfforpa.com

Robert M. McCord—Bryn Mawr, PA

WEB SITE: http://www.robmccord.com

D.O.B: 3.05.1959

EDUCATION: Harvard, 1982, History & Economics; Wharton School of Business, 1989, M.B.A.

OCCUPATION: Pennsylvania State Treasurer

QUALIFICATIONS: Current Pennsylvania State Treasurer, 2008-Present; CEO/Chairman and Co-

Founder of the Eastern Technology Council; Co-Founder and Managing Director of PA Early Stage

Partners; Senior Executive at Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Unfortunately, the current system, flawed as it is, is all we have to govern

the process for the time being. As governor I hope to lead a conversation on campaign finance reform

that puts all options on the table. My preference is for more transparency and more disclosure. I am also

http://www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com/

http://www.wolfforpa.com/

http://tom.wolfforpa.com/

http://www.wolfforpa.com/

http://www.robmccord.com/



open to contribution limits and would like to examine the pros and cons of some kind of public

financing.

Katie McGinty—Wayne, PA

WEB SITE: http://katiemcginty.com

D.O.B: 5.11.1963

EDUCATION: 1988, Columbia University School of Law, JD; 1985, St. Joseph’s University, BS

OCCUPATION: Businesswoman

QUALIFICATIONS: Former Chair, White House Council on Environmental Protection, 1995-1998;

Former Secretary, PA Department of Environmental Protection, 2003-2008.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Pennsylvania’s current system of campaign finance where candidates for

office can accept contributions in unlimited amounts is unacceptable. As governor, I will actively

pursue campaign finance reform that will limit the amount of contributions to candidates for office in

Pennsylvania. Additionally, I support requiring greater disclosure and making candidate’s finances

much more transparent and easily accessible to the public. I support creating a public financing system

that will level the playing field for challengers.

Allyson Y. Schwartz—Jenkintown, PA

WEB SITE: http://allysonschwartz.com

D.O.B: 10.03.1948

EDUCATION: Simmons College, BA, 1970; Bryn Mawr College, MSW, 1972

OCCUPATION: Member of U.S. House of Representatives, 13th

District PA

QUALIFICATIONS: Member of Congress, 7 years; Member of Pennsylvania Senate, 15 years; Social

Worker and director of Elizabeth Blackwell Center, Philadelphia, PA

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I support campaign finance reform in Pennsylvania. I will work toward

limits similar to those imposed by the FEC, including $5,200 from individuals, per cycle.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

The Lieutenant Governor is President of the Senate and Chair of the Board of Pardons. He presides over

the Senate, but has no vote unless the Senate is equally divided. The Constitution provides that he shall be

chosen at the same time, in the same manner, for the same term, and subject to the same provisions as the

Governor, and that in case of the death, conviction or impeachment, failure to qualify, resignation, or

other disability of the Governor, the powers, duties, and emoluments of the office for the remainder of the

term or until the disability be removed shall devolve upon the Lieutenant Governor.

Term of Office: The Lieutenant Governor is elected for a term of four years

Salary: Lieutenant Governor --$157,293

Question: You are in the midst of an expensive election campaign. What are your thoughts on

campaign finance reform?

Vote for not more than 1

Republican

Jim Cawley—Middletown Township, Bucks County PA

WEB SITE: http://www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com

D.O.B: 6.22.1969

EDUCATION: BA Political Science, Temple University; JD, Temple University School of Law

OCCUPATION: Lt. Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

http://katiemcginty.com/

http://allysonschwartz.com/

http://www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com/



QUALIFICATIONS: Lt. Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; President, Pennsylvania Senate;

Commissioner, Bucks County Board of Commissioners; Former Member, Bristol School Board, Bristol

Township.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I support Governor Corbett’s objective of making Pennsylvania’s

campaign finance system more open and transparent. We must continue to promote public

accountability while preserving the First Amendment rights of all Pennsylvanians.

Democratic Mike Stack—Philadelphia, PA

WEB SITE: http://stackforpa.com

D.O.B: 6.05.1963

EDUCATION: LaSalle College High School; LaSalle University, Villanova School of Law, 1992

OCCUPATION: State Senator, Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS: State Senator, 13 years; Democratic Chair of the Banking and Insurance

Committee; Captain in PA National Guard, 7 years; served in Governor Casey’s Administration.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Campaign contributions must be fully disclosed in a timely manner, with

steep penalties for breaking the law. I support the prohibition of corporate dollars being used in

Pennsylvania campaigns. I disagree with recent Supreme Court decisions that will allow more

unregulated money in federal elections.

Mark Critz—Johnstown, PA

WEB SITE: http://MarkCritz.com

D.O.B: 1.05.1962

EDUCATION: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, B.S., 1987

OCCUPATION: Consultant

QUALIFICATIONS: Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2010 through 2013, served

as District Director for U.S. Congressman John Murtha from 2001 through 2010.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: We need to change the way campaigns are funded in Pennsylvania. An

unlimited donation from wealthy donors gives, at the very least, the impression that our elected offices

are for sale. We cannot have a true representative government if the wealthy have the largest voice in

who gets elected. We should have a system similar to the federal campaign system prior to the Citizens

United decision. When people believe the system is rigged against them, they don't participate. We need

to change that.

Mark Smith—Athens, PA

WEB SITE: http://marksmithforpa.com

D.O.B: 4.19.1978

EDUCATION: Associates Degree, Industrial Design, College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI;

National Association of Counties Leadership Institute

OCCUPATION: Bradford County Commissioner

QUALIFICATIONS: Bradford County Commissioner, 7 years; board member, BEST Transportation

Authority; Penn State Agriculture Council; CCAP Natural Gas Task Force; Former board member,

CCAP

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Campaign finance reform is a necessity in the State of Pennsylvania. In

the wake of state lawmakers receiving cash gifts, as well as previous scandals, it is pertinent that we

pass meaningful campaign finance reform in Pennsylvania. Candidates or current officeholders should

not be able to accept cash gifts and we must pass legislation capping donations much like federal rules,

and add additional oversight by the Department of State.

http://stackforpa.com/

http://markcritz.com/

http://marksmithforpa.com/



Brandon P. Neuman—Canonsburg, PA

WEB SITE: http://www.voteneuman.com

D.O.B: 11.01.1981

EDUCATION: 2005, University of Richmond, B.A.; 2007, University of Pittsburgh School of Law,

M.S.L.; 2009, Duquesne University School of Law, Juris Doctorate.

OCCUPATION: Legislator/Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS: I have been an effective state legislator in Harrisburg since 2010, leading on

issues such as promoting good government and combating fraud. I pride myself on getting things done

in the minority party and I will be able to help a Governor win in November, and then begin to govern

from day one.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The first step to solving this problem is creating mechanisms to force

transparency. It is imperative that we are able to track the sources of special interest or “super PAC”

money, and limits must be placed on that type of spending in order to mitigate the pervasive perception

that a candidate is “being bought.” If reform is focused solely on individual giving limits, super PAC

spending is guaranteed to spike, the worst possible unintended consequence.

Brad Koplinski—Harrisburg, PA

WEB SITE: http://Koplinski2014.com

D.O.B: 06.26.1969

EDUCATION: 1991, University of Illinois-Chicago, B.A.; 1995, New England School of Law, J.D.

OCCUPATION: Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS: Harrisburg City Councilman – 6 years; Policy Analyst – Department of the

Auditor General – 2 years; Attorney at Department of Justice and Department of Treasury – 7 years

combined.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: While candidates need to let the public know about their candidacies, the

Citizens United and McCutcheon Supreme Court decisions have turned campaigns into an auction with

the winner going to the highest bidder. I believe that good ideas and good people can overcome money,

but we need comprehensive campaign finance reform in Pennsylvania and nationwide. At the least, we

need individual limits, get corporations out of politics, and allow for free television advertisements for

candidates.

BUCKS COUNTY

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JOB DESCRIPTION

Membership in the U.S. House of Representatives is apportioned according to a state’s population.

U.S. Representatives must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens for at least seven years, and residents of

the state from which they are elected.

Term: 2 Years

Salary: $174,000 per year

(Vote for one)

QUESTION: “Where do you stand on increasing the Federal minimum wage?”

http://www.voteneuman.com/

http://koplinski2014.com/



8th Congressional District

Republican

Michael G. Fitzpatrick―Levittown, PA

(No Response Received)

Democratic

Kevin Strouse―Langhorne, PA

WEB SITE: www.kevinstrouse.com

D.O.B: 09/1979

EDUCATION: MA, Georgetown University, Security Studies

BA, Columbia University, English

OCCUPATION: Program Director, Teach2Serve

QUALIFICATIONS: I have served as an Army Ranger and CIA officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, and

now I work for an educational nonprofit. I put country ahead of myself and can get things done.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: You cannot feed your family working a minimum wage job, and I

support raising the minimum wage because it is good for American families and the economy.

Increasing the minimum wage will put money into the pockets of hardworking Americans who will

spend it in the local economy, booting consumption and helping create jobs.

Democratic

Shaughnessy Naughton―Point Pleasant, PA


PA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

PENNSYLVANIA STATE SENATE Term 4 years

Salary $84,012

(Vote for 1)

JOB DESCRIPTION

The General Assembly, the legislative branch of state government, is composed of two houses, the

Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is necessary to pass a law.

Every law concerning taxation must originate in the House of Representatives.

Question: “What is your opinion on levying gas energy tax?”

6th

Senatorial District

Republican

Robert Tommy Tomlinson―Bensalem, PA

WEB SITE: www.tomlinson4senate.com

D.O.B: 12/1945

EDUCATION: West Chester University- B.S. (1970)

Miami-Date University- Mortuary Science (1971)

http://www.kevinstrouse.com/

http://www.tomlinson4senate.com/



OCCUPATION: Pennsylvania State Senator – 6th

District.

Supervisor/Owner- Tomlinson Funeral Home

QUALIFICATIONS: 12 Years Bensalem Township School Board. PA House of Representatives –

1991-1994. PA Senate – 1994 to Present

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I would support a responsible levy on the extraction of natural gas.

Democratic

Kimberly Rose―Richboro, PA

WEB SITE: http://www.kimberlyroseforsenate.com/

D.O.B: 12/1959

EDUCATION: Doctor of Chiropractic

OCCUPATION: Chiropractor, Northampton Township Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS: Small business owner, medical professional, Township Supervisor, and

community activist. I am the Northampton Township liaison to the Council Rock School District. My

top priorities are jobs, education, women’s rights and issues.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I support a 5% severance fee to be placed on natural gas drilling. The

projected $720 million raised in 2014-2015, through this fee, would be allocated 100% to properly fund

public education and job retraining to make Bucks County stronger, have a more competitive

workforce, and encourage local employment. Pennsylvania is only state in nation that is not levying a

fee on natural gas industry. It is time these corporations pay their fair share.

10th

Senatorial District

Republican

Chuck McIllhinney―Doylestown, PA


Democratic

Steve Cickay―Newtown, PA

WEB SITE: www.stevecickay.com

D.O.B: 12/1954

EDUCATION: Graduated from University of Chicago – 1976 with a degree in philosophy.

OCCUPATION: Recently retired from 31 year federal government career.

QUALIFICATIONS: When working in the Army, Navy, Labor and Treasury Departments as an

information technology manager and executive, I successfully make government more efficient and

effective.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Pennsylvania’s families have been suffering, while investment in their

children’s education has been cut and their property taxes have skyrocketed. Meanwhile, gas

companies have been getting by on the backs of Pennsylvania’s taxpayers. I believe it’s time for gas

companies drilling in Pennsylvania to pay their fair share, a modest 5% extraction tax, and I believe we

should put that money into funding education and correcting environmental and infrastructure problems

caused by the drilling industry.

12th

Senatorial District

Republican

Stewart J. Greenleaf―Huntingdon Valley, PA

WEB SITE: www.greenleafforsenate.com

D.O.B: 10/1939

http://www.kimberlyroseforsenate.com/

http://www.stevecickay.com/

http://www.greenleafforsenate.com/



EDUCATION: B.A. and J.D.

OCCUPATION: State Senator

QUALIFICATIONS: Inquirer: “one of Harrisburg’s best…a voice of reason.” GovNet.org: one of

PA’s most effective lawmakers. Judiciary Chairman passing laws to keep residents safe.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I would support a Severance Tax at a level that matches the total

Pennsylvania tax levy on drillers to those of other states. Proceeds would be used to fund education,

environmental oversight, and pay for the infrastructure impacts drilling makes on local communities.

Democratic

Ruth S. Damsker―Upper Gwynedd, PA

WEB SITE: www.voteruth.com

D.O.B: 5/1945

EDUCATION: Temple University – B.SW

OCCUPATION: Former Montgomery County Commissioner

QUALIFICATIONS: Montgomery County Commissioner – 2 Terms. Cheltenham Finance Officer –

3 Terms. Appointed Cheltenham Township Controller. Medical Social Worker. United States Army

(Europe) Community Social Services. President of PTO and United Parent Group – Cheltenham

Township School District.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Damsker would support and sponsor legislation to tax gas energy. A

severance tax on Marcellus shale production will provide funding to support conservation projects

including green energy projects, water quality protection and repairing any environmental damage in

the communities where extraction occurs. As well, the tax revenues should be applied to education

funding so that PA may have universal Pre-K and full day kindergarten, creating opportunity for the

future success for all our children.

24thth

Senatorial District

Republican

Bob Mensch―Pennsburg, PA


Democratic

No Candidate―

PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JOB DESCRIPTION The General Assembly, the legislative branch of state government, is composed of two houses, the

Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is necessary to pass a law.

Every law concerning taxation must originate in the House of Representatives.

Term: 2 Years

Salary: $84,012

(Vote for one)

QUESTION: “What gift-giving reforms to current state laws and ethics rules would you support

to increase public confidence in elected officials and state employees?”

http://www.voteruth.com/



18th Assembly House District

Republican

Gene DiGirolamo―Bensalem, PA


Democratic

No Candidate


Republican

Bernie O’Neill―Warminster, PA


Democratic

No Candidate

31st Assembly House District

Republican

David W. Gibbon―Yardley, PA


Democratic

Steve Santarsiero―Yardley, PA

WEB SITE: www.stevesantarsiero.com

D.O.B: 02/1965

EDUCATION: University of Pennsylvania, JD; Tufts University, BA; Holy Family University, M.Ed.

OCCUPATION: State Legislator

QUALIFICATIONS: State Legislature, 2009-present; Township Supervisor, Lower Makefield

Township, 2004-2008; Lawyer; Teacher

ANSWER TO QUESTION: There should be an outright ban on gifts to any elected official with only

a de minimis exception to cover things like awards.

140th

Assembly House District

Republican

No Candidate

Democratic

John Galloway―Levittown, PA


141st Assembly House District

Republican

Joseph Lippolis―Bristol, PA

http://www.stevesantarsiero.com/




Democratic

Tina Davis―Croydon, PA

WEB SITE: D.O.B: 4/1960

EDUCATION: BA in computer science from LaSalle University

OCCUPATION: State Representative for 141st District

QUALIFICATIONS: My 22 year career as a realtor helped me communicate and listen to my

constituents.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: In my first year as legislator, I introduced HB 855 which bans all gifts

given to public officers or candidates over $50.00 from lobbyist or lobbying firms. We are elected to

serve the public and just the perception of gifts taints the process, so I would support a total ban on all

gifts.

142nd


Republican

Frank A. Farry―Langhorne, PA


Democratic

Gina Kiley―Levittown, PA


Democratic

Ritchie Webb―Levittown, PA


143rd


Republican

Marguerite Quinn―Furlong, PA

Web site: D.O.B: 10/1963

EDUCATION: Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, BA International Relations

OCCUPATION: Legislator

QUALIFICATIONS: I was raised in the district, and raised my family in the district. I worked as a

local Realtor for 15 years. My work ethic, integrity, and 7 years experience as State Representative are

among the reasons I qualify for office.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I support a 100% ban on cash gifts. I would support a $50 limit on other

gifts related only to the duties of legislator. For example, when legislators visit local organizations,

they are often given a gift commemorating that visit, be it handmade picture, a mug, T-shirt, a hard hat

or something similar. I do not want to stifle the generous and gracious spirit behind such remembrances

or tokens.

Democratic

Charles Young―Ottsville, PA





Republican

Katharine M. Watson―Warrington, PA

(No Response Received

Democratic

No Candidate

145th


Republican

Craig Staats―Quakertown, PA


EDUCATION: Johnson & Wales University - Bachelor's Degree

OCCUPATION: Regional Operations Manager

QUALIFICATIONS: I currently serve as Chairman of the Richland Township Board of Supervisors

and have served as Chairman of the township's preservation board. To date over 1,400 acres are now

preserved in Richland. In addition I have a strong background working with small business owners.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: With the recent events involving Philadelphia lawmakers taking cash

from a law enforcement informant posing as a lobbyist, it's clear that gift-giving and ethics reform is

needed. I will support restrictions such as banning cash gifts and tougher reporting requirements to

increase transparency in Pennsylvania government. I believe in full transparency and will work with

legislature to restore trust in government officials and state employees.

Democratic

Karen Chellew―Perkasie, PA

WEB SITE: www.karenchellewforpa.com

D.O.B: 12/1966

EDUCATION: Degree in Business Administration

OCCUPATION: Practice Manager at Weber, Kracht & Chellew

QUALIFICATIONS: CEO and Founder of Sister U, a Non-Profit Organization; Board Member,

Independence Chapter, Association of Legal Administrators; affiliate member of the Pennsylvania Bar

Association. I am a strong leader and provider of solutions.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I would support and advocate for a ban on gifts to candidates and

elected officials, especially cash, and tougher financial disclosure rules. I would also support a ban on

cash gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers. We need to find more ways to assist the public’s trust in

elected officials and state employees, and this is one way to do that.

Democratic

Jon McCartney―Quakertown, PA


Democratic

Brian Kline―Quakertown, PA

http://www.karenchellewforpa.com/



WEB SITE: www.klineforupperbucks.com

D.O.B: 10/1971

EDUCATION: B.A., DeSales University

OCCUPATION: Sales

QUALIFICATIONS: As a former Richland Township Planning Commission Member, I helped draft

Richland’s first comprehensive plan, providing guidance for water protection, roads and balanced

development. The effort helped our region’s planning for open space, borough revitalization and future

regional rail service.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I support amending the State Ethics Law by introducing the following

measures: Bar public officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists or anyone employing a lobbyist.

Prohibit public officials from accepting any compensation for sitting on corporate boards. Impose a

two-year waiting period before former public officials are allowed to lobby their former colleagues to

prevent conflict-of-interests.

178th


Republican

Scott A. Petri―New Hope, PA


EDUCATION: Washington & Jefferson College, B.A. – 1982, Political Science and English

OCCUPATION: State Representative

Of Counsel – Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP

QUALIFICATIONS: Planning Commission, Life Science Caucus, Co-Chair – Pennsylvania Winery

Caucus; Chairman – Ethics Committee; Vice-Chairman Appropriations Committee; Serve on Health,

Liquor and Local Government Committees.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: According to Law enforcement, Pennsylvania has stringent public

corruption laws. No gift of any amount can be accepted that influences a state official. Annual

financial statements are required; providing transparency. The Ethics Commission, Attorney General,

and State Hose Ethics Committee provide enforcement. Penalties can be criminal and civil.

Nonetheless, limits for hospitality and gifts should be lowered. Present law requires reporting of: $250

– gifts and $650 – transportation, lodging and hospitality.

Democratic

No Candidate

http://www.klineforupperbucks.com/

2014 May Primary League of Women Voters Guide (Bucks County)

Documents

Transcript of 2014 May Primary League of Women Voters Guide (Bucks County)