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closeVOTERS' GUIDE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 5TH DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government, is composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. A majority vote of both houses is required to pass a law. The Senate, made up of two members from each of the 50 states, also has the power to approve treaties and confirm presidential appointments. Terms are staggered, with one-third of the membership up for election every two years.
Term: two years
Salary: $169,300.00
Question: How will you promote a bipartisan approach to addressing key issues facing America, such as the economy, health care/insurance, education and the war in Iraq? Pick any issue and be specific about your bipartisan approach.
REPUBLICANS (vote for one)
Chris Exarchos
Residence: Lemont Campaign
Web site: www.vote forchris. com
Birth date: Sept. 5, 1944
Education: Susquehanna University, B.A., 1968; Penn State, Ph.D.; 1976
Occupation: Businessman
Qualifications: College Township Council, eight years; Centre Region Council of Governments, eight years; Centre County commissioner (chairman), four years; served on numerous authorities, boards and commissions
Answer to question: Experience is the key ingredient that will enable me to work with other elected officials and be an effective leader on any issue. I have a proven record of being able to bring others on board with well thought-out, common-sense ideas to ensure that citizens are getting good value and good return on their tax dollars. With over 28 years of public service I am the only candidate with on-the-job experience.
Jeff Stroehmann
Residence: Linden
Campaign Web site: www.jeff stroehmann.com
Birth date: Not provided
Education: Williamsport High School, 1980; Williamsport Area Community College, 1986 McCallum School, Austin Texas, 1983
Occupation: Vice president of operations at Moran Industries; owner and operator of Stroehmann Earth-working Services
Qualifications: Former chairman of Woodward Township Board of Supervisors; former Lycoming County Republican Committee chairman; former president of Woodward Township Volunteer Fire Company
Answer to question: I believe that the best way to promote bipartisan support for key issues is to show successful models that solve the increasingly dynamic challenges that our nation faces. Our vast district has a great opportunity to be a model for the nation. My Reinvention Plan for Pennsylvania is a solution-based nonpartisan model that creates family sustaining jobs while addressing the concerns of the environment and creating energy independence. For my complete plan, visit www.jeffstroehmann.com.
John T. Krupa
Did not respond to request from the League of Women Voters
John Rea Stroup
Residence: Clarion
Web site: www.friendsofjohn stroup.com
Birth date: April 9, 1957
Education: 1980, Slippery Rock University, B.S.; 1981, Clarion University, M.B.A
Occupation: Executive director, Clarion Hospital Foundation
Qualifications: Mayor, Clarion Borough
Answer to question: The federal government can play an important role moving our health care system toward, one that is more market-based and patient centered. As a health care professional, I see the challenges facing patients within Pennsylvania’s monopolistic health care system, and support efforts such as Health Savings Accounts and Association Health Plans. AHPs are a perfect fit for rural America because they allow the small businesses that define these communities to band together to provide lower-cost health care.
Lou Radkowski
Residence: St. Marys Campaign
Web site: www.louradkowski. com
Birth date: Oct. 22, 1943
Education: Youngstown University, 1963; Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, 1965
Occupation: Funeral director, Elk County coroner
Qualifications: Elk County coroner, 20 years; president, Pennsylvania State Coroner’s Association, 2006-present; elected official, St. Marys/Benzinger Township Government Study Commission; former board member, St. Marys Water Authority; Distinguished Service Certificate, American Legion
Answer to question: My bipartisan approach is led by utilizing the $157 billion stimulus package to upgrade our nation’s rail infrastructure. Rail travel is more environmentally friendly, controlling fuel consumption and emissions. By working with House Democrats, taxes are indirectly returned to the citizens in the form of jobs. Rural Pennsylvania would benefit as I would ensure our district is part of the plan creating more jobs and enhancing tourism that would help our local economic growth.
Glenn W. Thompson
Residence: Howard Campaign Web site: www.glenn thompson 2008.com Birth date: July 27, 1959
Education: Penn State, B.S., 1981; Temple University, master of education, 1988
Occupation: Rehabilitation services manager/ licensed nursing home administrator
Qualifications: Health care professional, 26 years; Work Force Investment Board, five years; school board, six years; Republican chairman, six years; Private Industry Council, seven years; Boy Scout Council president; graduate, Leadership Centre County.
Answer to question: My bipartisan approach to addressing the economy includes involving all key stakeholders, including concerned citizens, business/ manufacturing community, local, county, state and federal elected officials of all parties. The goal is to use data-driven methods to identify root causes of barriers to rural Pennsylvania job-creating economic development. Utilizing data-based consensus to define specific barriers to economic growth reduces the impact of partisan positioning. As a result, bipartisan cost-effective solutions are more likely.
Keith Richardson
Residence: Clarion
Campaign Web site: www.atimeforcourage.com
Birth date: April 20, 1961
Education: Georgia State, B.A., 1986; Georgia State, J.D., 1988; Erskine Theological Seminary, M.Div., 1995
Occupation: pastor, Clarion First Baptist Church
Qualifications: Practicing attorney, six years; taught constitutional law; taught Christian ethics; pro-life, pro-family, married 27 years, nine children (seven adopted from abusive backgrounds, four special-needs kids); pastor, 14 years
Answer to question: Some issues transcend party. For example, when the economy suffers, people of all political persuasions face the consequences. I believe our economy is struggling because of excessive deficit spending, and long-term reforms are needed to the current appropriations procedure. Congressmen as diverse as Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) have called for reforms to the system of earmarking and pork-barrel spending. I would join bipartisan coalitions to pass such long-term economic reforms.
Derek A. Walker
Residence: Bradford Township, Clearfield County
Birth date: Sept. 6, 1975
Education: Clearfield Area High School, bachelor’s degree in economics and geography, Bucknell University; M.B.A., Penn State
Occupation: Financial adviser
Qualifications: As a professor of statistics and economics at both the high school and college level, I understand the challenges facing our education system and importance of making sensible economic policy in order for our country to prosper. As a small-business owner and financial planner, I understand the importance of lower taxes and government deregulation in order for businesses to compete in a global economy. Additionally, my involvement in numerous community and volunteer organizations gives me a broad perspective of the needs in our communities.
Answer to question: The United States is facing some very important challenges the next few years. Therefore, it is important that our legislators work together in a bipartisan manner to move our country forward. As a member of Congress, I promise to always keep an open ear and an open mind so that I can make the best decisions to represent my constituency.
Matt Shaner
Residence: Port Matilda
Education: Attended Penn State
Occupation: Real estate developer
Qualifications: President of Shaner Investments LP, a mixed-use land development company building both commercial and residential properties with a focus on hotel development; worked as a staffer for U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum; served as county chairman for President Bush in 2004. Former member of the board of directors, Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association; serves on the boards of Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, Kicks 4 Kids charity and Penn State Quarterback Club and on the executive committee of the Juniata Valley Boy Scouts; member of the Pennsylvania Society and Elks Club.
Answer to question: In my opinion, the biggest concern of voters is the economy. It is the duty of every member of Congress to work together to find solutions to the problems facing Americans and promote policies that improve the lives of all Americans. Areas where I will promote bipartisan resolution are making permanent the child tax credit and marriage penalty relief. Making permanent tax relief for families and married couples are areas where I will promote a bipartisan approach.
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