By Karen Zapf
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Democratic state Rep. Frank Dermody says his experience and record makes him the best choice to continue in the General Assembly representing the 33rd Legislative District.
His Republican challenger, Jason Davidek, said he would bring a fresh perspective that is needed in Harrisburg.
The district in northeast Allegheny County includes all or part of East Deer, Fawn, Frazer, Harmar, Harrison, Indiana, Springdale and West Deer townships and the boroughs of Brackenridge, Cheswick, Oakmont, Plum, Springdale and Tarentum.
Dermody said he is seeking a 10th two-year term because "there's much more to be done."
The lawmaker points to accomplishments in areas such as energy, education and health care. In particular, Dermody said he has proposed legislation that would provide health care coverage to 200,000 additional Pennsylvanians, but the Senate has not voted on it.
Dermody also said he has worked to keep jobs in the Alle-Kiski Valley and create new ones.
Dermody touts the decision by Allegheny Technologies Inc. to build a $1 billion hot strip mill at Allegheny Ludlum's Brackenridge Works. Dermody said he worked on legislation that made the area attractive for the company to build a plant in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
The lawmaker wrote legislation that allows companies to negotiate electric power contracts that save on operating costs. Dermody also worked on legislation that extended the Keystone Opportunity Zones, which provide major tax incentives for developers.
Dermody also is pushing for the Allegheny Valley commuter rail project. The proposed rail line would go from New Kensington to Pittsburgh.
Davidek wants to be part of a reform movement in Harrisburg to "end corruption."
Davidek points to the failed 2005 legislative pay raise and the current scandal in Harrisburg over allegations that bonuses were given to legislative staffers for campaign work. Dermody is not named in the bonus scandal.
"To me, public service is not padding your pocketbook," Davidek said.
Davidek said that as a Fawn supervisor, he has provided "transparency in government" and worked to help his community recover from flooding by getting $200,000 for a road reconstruction project.
He wants to bring jobs back to the Allegheny Valley by helping businesses grow.
Davidek supports reducing the size of the Legislature and a 20 percent cost cut in both chambers.
Under a bill proposed by Rep. T. Mark Mustio, R-Moon, the House would be reduced from 201 to 161 members and the Senate from 50 to 40. The bill mandates a 20 percent cut in the $300 million-plus budget of the Legislature, the largest full-time legislature in the nation.
"It's time to put an end to wasteful spending and taxpayer-funded corruption," Davidek said.
Dermody supports the 20 percent cost cut. But he wants to be cautious when looking at cutting the Legislature and recommends a constitutional convention to study the issue.
Davidek has placed on himself a term limit of eight years, or four terms.
"I'm not in this to be a career politician," Davidek said.
Karen Zapf can be reached at kzapf@tribweb.com or 412-380-8522.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/search/s_593413.html
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